Prince Charles is calling for people to become more sustainable in order to reverse the damage to the environment and mitigate climate change.
Upon a late arrival, he said he was grateful for the university's patience and joked about how the list of activities planned was far too much to be on time for this event.
Prince Charles spoke about how worrying and devastating humans' impact on the environment has become.
"We have reached a tipping point and we still have the ability to change course but only 10 years," he said.
He said climate change was a fact backed by science, not scaremongering.
"We have abused nature, exploited her and given her nothing back in return.
"Nothing is sacred anymore, we are reaping a loss off biodiversity and experiencing the impacts of climate changes.
"New Zealand's backyard is the front line in the struggle.
"We are testing this planet to destruction.
"We need to think about the consequences of unborn children seven generations in the future.
He quoted Albert Einstein, saying: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them."
However, he also acknowledged New Zealand for taking vital leadership to reduce carbon emissions.
"In every sector of the economy, there is an answer now to move into genuine sustainability."
On farming practices, he said change was needed.
He joked global fisheries were predicted to end by the time he turns 100.
The Prince later spoke to six students in their final year of landscape architecture about their land revitalisation projects.
Crowds gathered outside the landscape architecture building and the Prince joked to some of the students saying: "I hope you didn't fall asleep [during my speech]."
The university students and faculty which were gathered outside spoke briefly to the Prince and then clapped for him on his way out.
Lincoln University Vice Chancellor Bruce Mckenzie said it was an inspirational visit, which left many hopeful, and would be remembered for some time to come.
Visit to Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project and crowd gathering
Anglican leaders, the Christchurch mayor, and city councillors gathered this afternoon at a special Christ Church Cathedral Reception at Turanga Library.
Prince Charles with Camilla pat a small dog during a walkabout in Cathedral Square in Christchurch on 22 November, 2019. Photo: Pool / AFP / Marty Melville
Bishop Peter Carrell said their vision for the re-instatement of the Cathedral was that it be an awe-inspiring place of worship and healing.
Prince Charles said he knew it had not been easy to write the next chapter of the Cathedral's story.
"The damage caused to the Cathedral was utterly catastrophic and its desperately sad disfigurement is a reminder of so much that's been lost."
Prince Charles announced that he is accepting the invitation to be the Royal Patron for the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement.
The Prince soon drew a laugh, saying: "Hopefully I'll be alive when it's completed".
Bishop Carrell said the Prince taking on the role underscored that the Cathedral's reinstatement was significant and powerful - a project that mattered and would become reality.
Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted by about 500 people later while walking through Cathedral Square after visiting the Anglican cathedral.
The Prince shook many hands and spoke to people as he walked along the cordon.
Sarah Yearsley, 12, gave Prince Charles a magazine she wrote about plants. She wrote to him earlier this year about organic gardening and received a reply from his office.
Prince Charles also spoke to local Christchurch figure The Wizard of New Zealand.
Duchess of Cornwall visits Salvation Army
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, was also welcomed to the Salvation Army, where she took a tour of the kitchen and gymnasium.
She was treated to a performance by the Silver Swans, a programme facilitated by the Royal Academy of Dance to provide ballet lessons for the elderly.
"I've actually done it [ballet] myself back in England but I know how difficult it is and I'm so impressed by the way they danced today," she said.
Pegasus health senior chef coordinator Wendy Scanlon then invited the Duchess on stage where she launched the Senior Chef cookbook.
Ms Scanlon said the activities were all about connecting the community, combating loneliness and providing elderly people with a new sense of purpose.
Camilla said she was delighted to be invited to the event.
"It's a real pleasure to be for once surrounded by people my age, I'm feeling a lot better and I'm so impressed by everything you're doing here."
She applauded the work the Senior Chefs were doing.
"I do think it is so important as you grow older to be able to cook … I think this school will re-energise older people to like cooking again and eating good food for your body and your mind is vitally important as you get older."
Camilla was gifted her own copy of the Senior Chefs cookbook and an apron to mark the end of her tour of the Salvation Army.