Top Christchurch Adventure Tours

Explore the Southern Alps’ thundering waterfalls, "Narnia" film sites, and majestic limestone rocks. Encounter cheeky Kea parrots and pristine mirror lakes on this ultimate alpine adventure.

Our Christchurch city tour is designed to give visitors more than just sightseeing—we offer a personal, immersive experience that truly connects you with the heart and culture of the city. Unlike standard tours, we focus on authentic local insights, flexible pacing, and thoughtful storytelling that brings Christchurch’s history, regeneration, and natural beauty to life. Guests enjoy carefully chosen viewpoints, hidden gems, and meaningful stops that many tours overlook. With small groups, friendly commentary, and plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration, our tour feels less like a bus ride and more like discovering the city with a knowledgeable local friend.

Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter. Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history. - Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey - Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing - Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and natural beauty. Key highlights of the tour are passing by Governor’s Bay, Banks Peninsula Views, Akaroa Village, Cheese Tasting, Catamaran Cruise for dolphins watching, Optional Lunch Upgrade. The guides are knowledgeable about local customs and history, ensuring an enriching experience throughout your day. Best Tour with reasonable guaranteed price.

Travelers short on time in the South Island won’t miss out on exploring the Southern Alps with this easy day tour from Christchurch. Take the train there and a car on the way back. Hop aboard the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for the ride through the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri Gorge, and up to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Explore the village, take bush walks, and see the limestone rock formations of Castle Hill.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only cruise ship passengers: Option 1: Half-Day Christchurch & Half-Day Akaroa Explorer Option 2: Arthur’s Pass with Castle Hill – Full-Day Return Tour Option 3: Kaikoura Whale Watching – Full-Day Return Tour When making a booking, guests are required to specify which tour option they are selecting. Please note: Due to time constraints related to cruise ship arrival and departure schedules, guests may book only one tour option per day. These are single-day excursions and cannot be combined.

Get out of Christchurch for the day and explore some of the most majestic landscapes in the South Island on an easy small-group day tour. Leaving Christchurch early in the morning, you’ll head to the mountains. Stop to enjoy the views at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and take short walks on the Hooker Track and the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand’s longest). See and do a lot on a full-day tour.

Make the most of a travel day between Christchurch and Queenstown by taking an action-packed tour through the Southern Alps. Instead of just catching an uninteresting long-distance bus, take a guided tour via Mt. Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the scenic Mackenzie Country. Admire the views along the way and make plenty of stops, including brief stops at Wānaka and Cardrona. The tour ends in Queenstown.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, Mountaineering History, Icebergs and Ice Caves, Panoramic Helicopter Flights, Photographer’s Paradise, beautiful lakes (Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki) and Lavender farm. We invite you to consider Kiwi Adventures Tour & Travel as an integral part of your next adventure. Our private tour offers something for everyone.

We pick all customers from their given location. Drivers will inform the customer before heading for pickup. All vehicles have free wifi on board. Driver will explain about the scenic route.

Instead of working out the best way to visit Mount Cook from Christchurch on your own, on this private full-day tour, let your guide handle the itinerary. Customize the tour to your liking, with the opportunity to stop for scenic hikes, visit the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, gaze up at the stars at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and much more.

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea, the now National Park’s dramatic terrain, powerful waterfalls, unique fauna, native Beech forest, and engineering feats make it a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, and including a thrilling 30 minute jet boat experience and return to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, this journey is one you will never forget! As this tour operates in an alpine region, the weather can be unpredictable so please prepare for all conditions. Please note that this tour is not suitable as a shore excursion, and runs in reverse over winter.

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. Join us we travel to this region and beyond, experiencing the best of what Te Wai Pounamu (New Zealand’s South Island) has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mt Cook Village before dropping you off in Twizel. As this tour showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, it is one of the most popular full day experiences. You will be driven in comfort by the modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by a fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!

A thrilling jet boat ride and a scenic helicopter tour are both must-do activities in New Zealand. Save yourself time and hassle by combining them in one easy trip. Departing from Christchurch, you’ll fly over the scenic Canterbury countryside, admiring the pristine braided rivers as you go. Soon you’ll be zipping over them in a jet boat navigated by an expert driver who will keep you safe while you’re having fun.

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. This 10 day South Island tour is the ultimate South Island roadie visiting Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo and back across to Christchurch via the famous Arthur’s Pass.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoying the scenic views between Christchurch and Queenstown with a fully guided, adventure-filled journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps. Embark on a scenic tour stops at Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/MT.Cook, Tasman Glacier, High Country Salmon, Lindis Pass and Resort town and finally arriving in Queenstown. On your journey explore region’s dramatic landscapes, capture memorable photographs, and learn about the area's natural and cultural significance. The tour concludes in Queenstown, offering a truly enriching and immersive travel experience.

After pickup from your central Christchurch hotel, relax on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Hanmer Springs, a peaceful alpine village surrounded by mountains. Begin with an exciting jet boat ride through Waiau Gorge at Thrillseekers Canyon. Speed through narrow gorges and shallow rapids with thrilling 360-degree spins. Then unwind at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. Enjoy a provided lunch at the on-site café before soaking in natural hot pools fed by underground springs. These mineral-rich waters are known for their relaxing and therapeutic properties. Surrounded by towering redwoods, the pools offer a range of temperatures, waterfalls, and soothing massage jets. After your soak, take time to explore the village—browse boutique shops, stroll the tree-lined streets, or simply admire the alpine beauty. End the day with a comfortable return to Christchurch, refreshed and recharged.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a one-day tour that will take you through the very beautiful Lake Tekapo. Bathe in the turquoise shimmer of lakes fed with glacial waters, explore local attractions like Church of the Good Shepherd, and take in the natural beauty. explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, Mountaineering History, Icebergs and Ice Caves, Panoramic Helicopter Flights, Photographer’s Paradise, beautiful lakes Pukaki and Lavender farm. We invite you to consider NZ Journey tours as an integral part of your next adventure. Our private tour offers something for everyone

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked activities and accommodations. Experience the best of the South Island without the hassle of planning which attractions to visit, where to stay, what to do, all without driving long distances on your own. The itinerary ensures a relaxed experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour for your group. Benefit from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting 9-10 optional activities, like a helicopter ride, TranzAlpine train ride, stargazing, jet boating, a Gondola ride, Kiwi park or Hot Pool Soak, Milford or Doubtful Sound cruise, a tour of Te Anau Glowworm caves, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & an Alpaca farm visit. Choose to finish at Queenstown or Christchurch.

The Christchurch to Queenstown journey takes you from the incredibly flat Canterbury Plains right through to the dramatic mountains of the Southern Alps. The area is out of this world beautiful! This tour gives you the opportunity to absorb the wild beauty, starting in Christchurch you'll travel into the heart of the Mt Cook National Park. After a full day of exploration, on the final afternoon, hop on board the coach to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

"Explore Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill like a local. We skip the crowds, hit secret spots like Lake Lyndon, and let you choose the pace—wild waterfall hikes, ancient limestone landscapes, or chill alpine lake views. Small group. Big views. Zero rush."

Embark on an expedition across New Zealand's South Island, commencing from the historic Christchurch Railway Station. Prepare for an unforgettable day of exploration aboard the renowned TranzAlpine Railway, renowned as one of the world's most scenic train journeys. Highlights: Panoramic Train Journey: Departing from Christchurch, indulge in sweeping vistas of Canterbury's plains and distant peaks. Otira Viaduct Lookout: Witness the Otira Viaduct, an engineering marvel spanning the rugged Otira Gorge, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall: Guided hike to witness the majestic Devil's Punchbowl waterfall, where crystal-clear waters cascade down sheer rock faces. Visitor Centre Exploration: Dive into the fascinating history and natural wonders of Arthur's Pass at the visitor center, uncovering insights into the region's flora, fauna, and Maori legends. Kea Encounter: Keep a lookout for the playful kea, the world's sole alpine parrot.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on an unforgettable journey to Kaikoura, renowned for its world-class whale-watching tours, particularly the unique opportunity to observe sperm whales. In addition to the whale-watching experience, you will have the chance to explore dolphins, seals, and various other wildlife. Furthermore, you may enjoy the scenic Kahutara River Walk, offering a brief yet picturesque stroll through the forested areas along the river.