Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

The Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Canterbury region. This captivating two-hour cruise takes travelers through the serene waters of Akaroa Harbour, where they’ll have the chance to spot the elusive Hector’s Dolphins and bask in the breathtaking scenery of the nearby lakes and plains. With a focus on flexibility and customer satisfaction, the tour caters to a range of needs and preferences, making it an enticing option for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure. But what truly sets this excursion apart is the promise of an intimate and immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who embark on it.

Key Points

• The Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour offers a two-hour nature cruise in Akaroa Harbour with opportunities to spot rare Hector’s Dolphins.
• The tour includes transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and an optional lunch package for passengers.
• The tour departs from the Fishermans Wharf on Norwich Quay in Lyttelton, with a flexible start time accommodating the cruise schedule.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible with assistance, and the maximum capacity is 30 travelers for an intimate experience.
• The tour has a mostly positive customer feedback, with some minor issues related to bus pickup and tour organization.

Tour Overview

The Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience, featuring a two-hour nature cruise in the picturesque Akaroa Harbour and the opportunity to spot the rare Hector’s Dolphins.

Located in Christchurch, New Zealand, this tour boasts a 3.5/5 rating from 4 reviews.

Traversing the twin harbors, the tour also provides views of the Canterbury Plains, Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth.

With an air-conditioned vehicle, a driver/guide, and optional lunch, the tour ensures a comfortable and informative journey.

Whether you’re a cruise passenger or an independent traveler, this excursion promises to deliver a memorable exploration of the region’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Included Amenities

As part of the Lyttelton Shore Excursion, travelers can expect a range of included amenities to enhance their experience. An air-conditioned vehicle provides comfort during transport, and a knowledgeable driver/guide accompanies guests throughout the tour.

Plus, if the optional lunch package is selected, a meal is provided as part of the excursion. The highlight of the tour is the two-hour nature cruise within the Akaroa Harbour, offering the chance to spot the rare Hector’s Dolphins.

While food and drinks not specified in the tour package, as well as gratuities, aren’t included, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with transportation, guide services, and the scenic harbour cruise.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests joining the Lyttelton Shore Excursion can easily locate the pickup point at Fishermans Wharf on Norwich Quay in Lyttelton 8082, New Zealand. The meeting details are sent upon booking, and the default tour time is 8:30 AM, though it can be adjusted based on the cruise schedule.

Here are four key things to know about the pickup:

1. Wheelchair accessibility is available, with collapsible wheelchairs accommodated with assistance.

2. Service animals are allowed on the tour.

3. Cruise passengers must provide their ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times when booking.

4. The maximum capacity for the tour is 30 travelers.

Additional Requirements

Cruise passengers must provide their ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times when booking the Lyttelton Shore Excursion. Booking also requires compliance with the tour’s cancellation policy, which allows free cancellations up to 24 hours prior. Plus, infant seats are available, and service animals are permitted on the tour.

Booking Requirements	Policies
Ship name	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times	Infant seats available
–	Service animals allowed

This ensures the tour runs smoothly and accommodates the diverse needs of cruise passengers.

Cancellation Policy

The tour allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. This flexible policy gives travelers peace of mind when booking their excursion.

Some key points about the cancellation policy:

1. Free cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the tour.

2. This allows travelers to modify their plans if needed without penalty.

3. Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

4. Service animals are also welcomed on the tour.

Accessibility and Capacity

The tour accommodates travelers of varying abilities, with the vehicle being wheelchair accessible and collapsible wheelchairs supported with staff assistance.

Up to 30 participants can join the excursion, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Cruise passengers simply need to provide their ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times when booking, and the tour will be scheduled accordingly.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and the option to bring service animals, the Lyttelton Shore Excursion caters to the diverse needs of visitors.

Whether you’re seeking an accessible adventure or a small-group exploration, this tour provides a seamless and inclusive experience.

Customer Feedback

While the Lyttelton Shore Excursion generally received positive reviews, one customer expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the tour. The main issues cited included:

1. Problems with the bus pickup and overall organization of the tour.

2. Uncomfortable seating on the vehicle.

3. A missed stop at a cheese factory that was originally promised.

4. Lack of engaging commentary from the guide.

The tour operator responded by clarifying the reasoning behind the port restrictions, defending the comfort of the vehicle, and asserting that the schedule was adhered to.

They also disputed the accuracy of the negative review, suggesting that the reviewer may have misunderstood certain aspects of the experience.

Host’s Response

In response to the negative review, the tour operator provided clarification and disputed the accuracy of the customer’s claims. They explained that port restrictions necessitated the specific bus pickup location, and asserted that the vehicle itself offered comfortable seating for passengers.

The host also addressed the missed cheese factory stop, stating that it was not actually included in the tour itinerary. As for the poor commentary, they maintained that their driver-guides are trained to provide engaging and informative narration throughout the excursion. The operator stood by the overall quality of the tour, emphasizing their commitment to delivering an enjoyable experience for all participants.

Claim	Host’s Response
Bus pickup issues	Due to port restrictions
Uncomfortable seating	Vehicle offers comfortable seating
Missed cheese factory	Not included in tour itinerary
Poor commentary	Guides are trained for engaging narration
Overall tour quality	Committed to delivering enjoyable experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, guests can bring their own food and drinks, but any items not specified as included in the tour will not be provided. The tour does not include any meals or beverages beyond what is stated.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

There is no minimum number of participants required for this tour. The tour operates with a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, allowing it to run with just a small group if necessary.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour company may allow customization of the itinerary based on your preferences, but this can depend on availability, group size, and other factors. It’s best to discuss any custom requests directly with the tour operator when booking.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are typically no age restrictions for tours, though some may have minimum age requirements for safety reasons. The tour operator can provide specific details on any age limits or recommendations for this particular tour.

Can I Exchange My Ticket for a Different Tour Date?

You can typically exchange your ticket for a different tour date, but this is subject to availability and any change fees. Contact the tour provider as soon as possible to inquire about their exchange policy.

Recap

The Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour offers a captivating nature cruise in Akaroa Harbour, providing the chance to spot rare Hector’s Dolphins while enjoying stunning scenic views.

With a small group size, flexible cancellation policy, and accessibility accommodations, the tour caters to the diverse needs of travelers, ensuring an intimate and memorable experience led by knowledgeable guides.