Celebrity Cruise Wanted $1,000 USD… We Paid $280 NZD Instead (Christchurch DIY Tour)
We had a CRUISE STOP in Christchurch, New Zealand… and Celebrity Cruises’ “Private Journeys” pricing shocked us. 👀 They wanted over $1,000 USD for just 3 hours… so we did what most cruise passengers don’t: we winged it. Instead, we grabbed the complimentary shuttle from port (Rob HATES shuttles 😂), met a local cab driver, and asked: “Can you tour us for the day?” He said YES — $280 NZD for over 5 hours… and it turned into one of our best port days ever. 🚕 Our DIY Christchurch cruise day itinerary: ✅ Riverside Market (first-ever meat pie + shopping!) ✅ Christchurch Botanic Gardens (perfect weather day) ✅ Christchurch Gondola (views were unreal!) ✅ Saw major new construction happening in the city — including a large enclosed dome/arena being built for concerts & sports events. We also learned a key local tip: wear sunscreen — even when it doesn’t feel that hot. ☀️ 🛍️ Shopping honesty moment: We bought a leather backpack and a hat at Riverside Market thinking they were made in New Zealand… but later realized they were made in India and China. Still a fun find — but worth checking labels if that matters to you! If you’re cruising to Christchurch and wondering: Is a Celebrity shore excursion worth it? Or Can you explore Christchurch on your own from the port? This video shows exactly how we did it — plus what it cost. 👇 Drop a comment: Would you pay for a ship excursion, or would you DIY it like us? 👍 If this helped, please hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more cruise travel tips & port day itineraries! #Christchurch #NewZealandCruise #CruisePortDay #CelebrityCruises #ShoreExcursion