Top Christchurch Bus Tours

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Travel through Canterbury with your expert Kiwi guide, stopping at Cheviot and Hundalee Hills where fur seals bask on rocks. Board your whale watching vessel with naturalist guides. The Kaikōura Canyon creates nutrient-rich waters attracting incredible marine diversity. Search for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas, and dolphins using hydrophone tracking technology. When time permits, stop at Waipara wine region for tastings. Travel carbon-neutral in a Mercedes Sprinter with WiFi and USB charging. With maximum 16 guests, enjoy personalized attention and lunch included on this ultimate whale watching experience.

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.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed lakes and rivers and an optional guided walk with your guide to explore, biggest waterfall. Travel along the Great Alpine Highway through the ever-changing landscapes. Explore Lake Lyndon, castle Hill (famous for massive limestone boulders and rocks), Otira Viaduct Lookout (famous piece of infrastructure for scenic view), Arthur’s Pass National Park, Powerfull Devils Punchbowl Waterfall and Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.

You can see the best highlights of Christchurch in one day with great, exciting stories. We will take you to the “MUST SEE” attractions, landscapes, beautiful gardens, sights of Christchurch, and great stories. We will take you to places you won’t find in the guidebooks!

Don’t worry about what to do once you arrive at Lyttelton Harbour. On this small-group tour of the Canterbury countryside surrounding Christchurch, you’ll be transported to Sumner Beach to take in ocean views over coffee before tackling the Godley Head Loop, one of the area’s most popular hikes. Enjoy coastal views and historic World War II landmarks before a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, surrounded by striking vistas of the Southern Alps.

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the South Island's east coast. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WWII defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides. 1/2-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Very easy, 2.5 hrs of walking time - Walking distance: 3-5 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: ~180 m Full-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Easy – Moderate fitness required, 3-4 hrs of walking time. - Walking distance: 6-9 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: 380-440 m

Completely Customized Personal Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park lets you experience a mix of green fields, rough mountains, dense forests, and lakes and rivers filled with ice-cold water. You can also join a guided walk with your guide to see the park's largest waterfall. Drive along the Great Alpine Highway and see the beautiful changing scenery. Discover Lake Lyndon, Castle Hill, known for its huge limestone boulders and rocks, the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers a beautiful view, Arthur’s Pass National Park, the impressive Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, and the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.

Found deep in the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is a national park that’s home to mirrored lakes, striking snow-capped mountains, crashing waterfalls, and mysterious craggy caves. Explore this stunning range of natural vistas on this full-day excursion from Christchurch that also highlights locations used in movie production and the several notable feats of engineering in the area.

There’s no need to choose between a train ride to Franz Josef from Christchurch and a sightseeing adventure with this full-day one-way tour. Gaze out at the Southern Alps as you ride the rails to Franz Josef before hopping into the back of a coach for a road trip through the West Coast region, taking in black-sand beaches, turquoise glacier lakes, and enjoying a sit-down lunch with free menu choice.

Travel by TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass National Park, riding across the Canterbury Plains, then winding through the Waimakariri Gorge and into the heart of the Southern Alps on a day trip from Christchurch. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Village, where you’ll explore the rainforests and mountains on short walks. This small-group tour limits the group size, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Make the most of a travel day with a 1-way small-group transfer that takes the stress out of traveling between Christchurch and Aoraki Mt. Cook. This tour includes convenient hotel pickup in Christchurch and stops at Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Geraldine and admire views of Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Learn from your guide’s engaging stories.

Self-driving through New Zealand’s mountainous South Island can be distracting, and public transportation links are limited. Travel between Christchurch and Queenstown with ease during this 2-day small-group transfer service that stops overnight in Franz Josef (accommodation own expense). Journey from the plains to the mountains while admiring the scenery rather than watching the road. Also stop at Hokitika and Wānaka en route for more sightseeing opportunities.

Make the most of a travel day between Christchurch and Franz Josef by joining a transfer-tour that combines the practicality of a shuttle service with the in-depth guidance of a tour. After boarding in central Christchurch, travel over the Southern Alps to the South Island’s West Coast, admiring views of mountains, rainforest, and rivers. Travel via Hokitika to visit the spectacular Hokitika Gorge before arriving in glacier country—Franz Josef.

Learn about Antarctic landscapes, wildlife, and explorers with convenient pre-purchased tickets to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Brave a harsh Antarctic storm, learn about life on remote Scott Base, and check out adorable little blue penguins. Enjoy Hägglund rides (height restrictions apply) and 4D shows, and enter the “cuddle zone,” where you can meet fluffy huskies that explorers historically used to pull their Antarctic dog sleds.

When your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton, make the most of a day on land with a full-day tour combining a half-day Christchurch city tour with a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Take in the city’s historical landmarks and rebuilding efforts since devastating earthquakes. Then head to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour that includes viewing of endangered kiwi birds and other New Zealand wildlife—ideal for families.

Discover Christchurch in a Day – A Private Coastal & City Escape Experience the best of Christchurch in one unforgettable day. Begin your journey with a warm welcome at Lyttelton Port and a taste of She Universe artisan chocolate. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Beach Café in Sumner, overlooking the sparkling sea. Explore the boutique charm of The Tannery, then immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant heart – from the bustling Riverside Market to lush Botanical Gardens. Those seeking more can ride the historic tram or try the serene punting on the Avon River. Savor a delicious lunch of your choice, then take in breathtaking 360° views from the Christchurch Gondola before returning to port. Perfect for travelers who want a rich mix of coastal beauty, culture, and unforgettable moments – all in one day.

Be enchanted by Kaikoura’s marine life on this full-day dolphin-swimming tour from Christchurch without having to drive yourself there and back along winding coastal roads. In Kaikoura, a whale-watching paradise, board a sightseeing boat and jump into the Pacific Ocean with the provided wetsuit and snorkel. Swim alongside dusky dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy the company of these graceful, curious sea mammals with help from your guides.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this full-day nature-focused tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch that avoids the need to self-drive along winding coastal roads. Look out for sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, southern right whales, orcas, and dolphins on a cruise with live commentary. Visit a fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges during your free time.

Enjoy a day out of Christchurch without having to drive yourself through the mountains on this handy day trip. Start your adventure with an exciting jet boat ride at Thrillseekers Canyon, then visit the mountain resort village of Hanmer Springs, where you melt your stress away with a relaxing soak. Refuel with the included lunch at the on-site café and enjoy the convenience of hotel transfers from Christchurch.

Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Enjoy views of native beech forest, snow-sprinkled mountains, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage and open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available through headphones at every seat.

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.

Experience the Waipara wine valley and the city of Christchurch during this full-day, guided, small-group tour with transportation in a luxury mini-van. See the city sights as your guide provides commentary and recommendations of what to do in New Zealand’s largest city. Look out at Lyttelton Port and the Canterbury farmlands from atop Port Hills and head north to the region’s wine country to visit boutique vineyards.

Enjoy a day out of Christchurch without the hassle of renting a car on this handy day tour to Arthur’s Pass National Park and Castle Hill. Be immersed in the mountainous landscape in the national park, walking to dramatic waterfalls and looking out for the native alpine parrot, the cheeky kea. On the return trip, stop at Castle Hill to admire the limestone formations—something you’d miss taking public transportation.

Visit three top attractions in the "Garden City" with a Christchurch sightseeing pass. Explore at your leisure and see the city from above on a 10-minute Christchurch Gondola ride, including the Discovery Ride exhibit. Enjoy a 30-minute ride in a flat-bottomed punt on the serene Avon River, or discover 18 stops during a hop-on hop-off Christchurch Tram tour all day pass—what you do first is totally up to you.