Top Christchurch Cultural Tours

Discover Christchurch on a small-group walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings the city’s story to life. This experience goes beyond a typical sightseeing walk. You’ll hear first-hand accounts of the 2011 earthquake, understand how the city has rebuilt, and explore the ideas shaping Christchurch’s future. As you walk through the central city, you’ll visit key landmarks while also uncovering hidden gems that most visitors miss. Along the way, your guide shares engaging stories, local insights, and personal perspectives that make the experience both informative and memorable. With a small group size, the tour is interactive and relaxed, giving you the chance to ask questions and get tailored recommendations for your stay. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an authentic introduction to Christchurch, as well as returning travellers looking to better understand the city’s unique character.

Like many New Zealand cities, Christchurch has a dual history shared between Māori and European peoples. Explore the city on this small-group walking tour, taking in landmarks and hidden gems that reveal an often forgotten heritage. Along the way, enjoy local food, drinks, and lunch tastings, connecting you to the people and places you’ll see.

Our tours are about sharing our ancestors cultural stories, and the narrative of the diverse people which now call Ōtautahi Christchurch home. We do this this through meandering through our less known areas sharing gems hidden in plain sight. ​ It’s about getting out and about and walking to your destinations and discovering our Māori and settler heritage and connecting you with the exquisite hard to find local establishments with unique stories to share You will arrive as strangers and leave as friends.

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European history to modern day locals. From geography, culture, architecture and the 2011 earthquake, we cover it. As we unravel the the story of Christchurch, be amazed at the hidden gems of the city! Join one of our passionate and knowledgeable local guides for the best express history of Christchurch City!

Travel the full circuit of the Christchurch Tram, which departs about every 15 minutes from stops around the central city. Use your ticket to hop on and hop off at 18 stops and create your own sightseeing itinerary, or stay onboard for a comprehensive tour with live commentary. The ticket lasts all day so you can get on and off where you want.

Explore Christchurch on foot and uncover a city reborn from the 2011 earthquakes into a vibrant mix of heritage and innovation. From the quirky Cardboard Cathedral to Gothic Revival gems, from buzzing New Regent Street to tranquil riverside terraces, every stop reveals resilience, creativity, and charm. Wander through playful spaces like the Margaret Mahy Playground, pause at moving memorials like the Bridge of Remembrance, and soak up art, culture, and flavors at Riverside Market. Along the way you’ll see stunning street art, heritage façades, modern marvels like Te Pae Convention Centre, and lush sanctuaries like the Botanic Gardens. This tour isn’t just about sights it’s a journey through history, recovery, and the unique spirit of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Take an aerial journey on the Christchurch Gondola to the Port Hills crater rim and Mt. Cavendish summit. At the summit complex—revamped since the 2011 earthquake—you’re rewarded with views of the cityscape, the Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour. Return tickets are included. Upgrade to include punting by flat-bottomed boat on the central-city Avon River.

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

Discover Christchurch’s vibrant arts and heritage scene on a curated walking tour. This immersive journey takes you behind the scenes of The Court Theatre, where the magic of live performances begins. Explore inside the iconic Christ Church Cathedral and learn about its historic significance and restoration efforts. Walk down Worcester Street Boulevard, connecting key cultural landmarks while observing stunning architecture and street art. Visit the Arts Centre Quad, featuring striking sculptures and the Great Hall, before concluding at the Ravenscar House Museum, showcasing exceptional art. Perfect for culture seekers and history enthusiasts, this tour offers exclusive insights and intimate storytelling. - Behind-the-scenes access to The Court Theatre and its creative spaces - Guided entry into Christ Church Cathedral with insights on its history and restoration - Stroll through Worcester Street Boulevard, - Explore Ravenscar House Museum, home to a remarkable private art collection

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth with your guide. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Then, sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector’s dolphins.

Visit a working sheep farm in the heart of the Canterbury region on this half-day trip from Christchurch. Enjoy New Zealand hospitality with morning or afternoon tea and watch a sheep-shearing demonstration. Upgrade your tour to include wine tasting at a local Canterbury vineyard, where you can sip various vintages. Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Christchurch hotels is included, for your convenience.

Make the most of a travel day and let someone else do the driving so you can admire the views. This small-group, fully guided tour takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Mt. Cook. Instead of just sitting in a bus all day, get out and explore Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, and other points of interest along the way. A picnic lunch is included.

The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Get out of Christchurch for half a day on a North Canterbury boutique wineries tour with a platter lunch. After a short drive from Christchurch, stop at three wineries, where you taste a selection of quality wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region. Possible stops include Pegasus Bay, Waipara Hills, Torlesse Wines, and Waipara Springs. Learn about Waipara’s unique terroir as you sip a range of superior reds and whites.

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare Hector's Dolphins while soaking in breathtaking views of Lyttelton Harbour. Experience the local café culture in Little River and delight in culinary adventures tailored to all dietary preferences. This intimate tour provides you with comfortable private transport and expert guidance, ensuring a memorable journey through the scenic Canterbury region. - Dolphin watching experience featuring rare Hector's Dolphins - Explore Lyttelton Harbour and Little River's charming cafés - Private transport with a professional driver for a personalized experience - Tour duration: Full day, starting from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

For an adventure-packed trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, look no further than this all-inclusive 9-day South Island tour. From stunning glaciers and turquoise lakes, to picturesque towns and dramatic mountain peaks, there's something for everyone on this comprehensive road trip. Plus, with all accommodation and some activities included, you can enjoy the ride rather than making travel plans on the fly.

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.

Discover the coastal charm and vibrant culture of Christchurch on this small-group sightseeing tour, perfect for cruise ship guests. Kick start your day with a scenic drive from Lyttelton Port to Sumner Village for a coffee stop and a visit to Cave Rock. Explore the city's architectural highlights, including the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral, the colorful New Regent Street, and Cathedral Square. Enjoy a stroll through the expansive Christchurch Botanic Gardens, visiting the giant trees, the rose garden, and the Peacock fountain. Enjoy free time at the Riverside Market, where gourmet food stalls await. Conclude your tour with a relaxing 30-minute punting session on the Avon River, followed by breathtaking scenic views on your return journey. - Scenic coffee stop in picturesque Sumner Village - Tour of Christchurch’s unique architecture and city center - Visit to Botanic Gardens and free time at Riverside Market - Punting experience on the Avon River with an expert punter

Explore all corners of the gorgeous garden city on this private full-day tour of Christchurch. Located on New Zealand's east coast of the South Island, the city offers stunning scenery and history. Visit Christchurch Cathedral, traverse the Port Hills to Lyttelton, and punt along the Avon River while admiring the Botanic Gardens. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Get to know the story of Christchurch and see its key landmarks in just a few short hours with this walking tour. Visit major sights, such as the Christchurch Cathedral, the expansive Botanic Gardens, the Cardboard Cathedral (the temporary replacement for the main cathedral after the earthquake) and much more. Your guide will explain the history of this region and share fascinating local stories.

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.