08.45 Meet and greet in Lyttelton township for your Christchurch Highlight Tour with working sheep farm experience
09.00 Depart Lyttelton and travel via the inner bays of Lyttelton Harbour to Governors Bay and then via Dyers Pass to the Sign of the Kiwi. Dyers Pass climbs up the old volcanic crater wall to the summit.
09.30 The tour arrives at the Sign of the Takahe, a Scottish like castle which has a viewing platform providing magnificent views over the City of Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Access to the viewing platform is via a gentle 5 minute walk.
09.50 Depart the Sign of the Takahe for Mona Vale, a stately home and magnificent gardens.
10.10 Arrive at the front gate house of Mona Vale and stroll through the grounds, following the Avon River which acts as one of the properties boundaries. The coach will then travel around to the rear gate house where your tour guide will meet you once you have had the opportunity to explore the grounds .
10.30 Depart Mona Vale and travel into the central city of Christchurch your guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild which has and is taking place. The central city tour will conclude in Cathedral Square where you will be given time to explore this central part of the city on foot & time for some lunch.
12.45 Depart Cathedral Square for the Rakaia River Gorge (a braided river). The jet boat experience is with an expert jet boat driver who will drive the boat at speed and execute turns and spins in water that is often only cm’s deep. Experience the thrills of jet boating through shallow, shifting, ever changing shingle bottom steams. As you journey through the gorge, the wind ripping through your hair and water spraying with every carefully-calculated twist and turn, soak in the dramatic scenery. Scrub covered hills give way to towering coal and limestone cliffs, in captivating hues of grey and brown, which have been carved out over millions of years. Marvel at the grandeur of the snow-capped Southern Alps. Scream with excitement as the driver spins the boats 360 degrees and the magnificent scenery blurs before your eyes.
15.00 Depart the Jet Boating and return to your cruise ship berthed in Lyttelton.
16.30 The tour returns to Lyttelton township where your awaiting shuttle transfers you back to your cruise ship.
