Top Christchurch Full-day Tours

View Christchurch’s highlights on a half-day city sightseeing tour that introduces you to the architecture, gardens, and waterways of “The Garden City.” You’ll drive past significant landmarks in the city center, meander around ponds and perennial gardens, visit the seaside, and marvel at views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and upgrade to include the International Antarctic Centre if you like.

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).

Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a full-day tour to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch. Travel into the mountains by car, then return in the afternoon on the TranzAlpine scenic train. At Arthur’s Pass visit Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, explore the national park, and walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. Lunch, snacks, and Christchurch hotel transfers add convenience.

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.

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.

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 short time on land on a shore excursion deep into the Southern Alps. You’ll be picked up from the port in Lyttelton and driven to Arthur’s Pass Village, a handy base for exploring the mountains of the central South Island. Visit a sheep farm with morning tea included and enjoy lunch available for purchase with a view.

Kiwi Horizons Travel' Christchurch city tour stands out due to its focus on providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city. Key aspects that make it unique include: Local Insight: The tour often features knowledgeable local guides who provide deep insights into Christchurch's history, culture, and ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts following the 2011 earthquake. Tailored Experiences: The tour may offer customized options, allowing visitors to choose specific attractions or experiences that interest them, such as visits to the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, or the innovative Re Mall. Emphasis on Recovery and Innovation: It highlights how Christchurch has transformed and innovated in response to the earthquake, showcasing new developments and creative solutions in urban planning and architecture.

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 Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Get a look at exclusive photos of Edoras under construction and learn from a knowledgeable LOTR guide about its transformation from tranquil countryside to mythical capital city of the Rohan people. Pose with replica props from the popular trilogy, such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch plus a picnic lunch with sparkling wine.

When your cruise ship docks in Christchurch, benefit from a full-day tour that combines a half-day city tour of Christchurch with a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Take in the city’s historical landmarks and rebuilding efforts underway since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Then head to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour that includes viewing of endangered kiwi birds and other New Zealand wildlife.

Explore the Southern Alps on this day tour from Christchurch, which takes you by train on the way there and by car on the way back. Hop aboard your TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for the ride through the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains, through the Waimakariri Gorge, and up to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Explore the alpine village, take scenic walks, and visit a sheep farm before returning to Christchurch.

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 area surrounding Christchurch has so much to see that it can be tough to know how best to take it all in on your own. Instead, on this full-day guided tour, explore a curated selection of activities and attractions, including wandering through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an ocean-view picnic at Louise’s Lookout, and even a visit to a working sheep farm.

Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery on the way by passing through Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), and Little River. Spend your full day that includes return transportation. Look for bird life, including Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest oceanic dolphin, New Zealand fur seals, blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins and other wildlife during the Akaroa Nature Cruise and get great views of the volcanic cliffs and remote sea caves (Akaroa Nature Cruise not included in this tour.)

Catering exclusively for cruise ship passengers, this half-day all-inclusive coach tour of Christchurch fits in more than most visitors can see or do in a weekend on their own. Combine a visit to the renowned International Antarctic Centre with a narrated, air-conditioned excursion around several of the Garden City’s most historic and picturesque sites, plus learn about the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes as you travel. Food and drinks are not included.

Travel from Christchurch to the stunning Lake Tekapo on a fully-guided small group tour. This 3-hour journey showcases the picturesque Canterbury plains, where your passionate guides will share insider stories along the way. Stop at the charming town of Fairlie to pick up a delicious picnic lunch before arriving at the breathtaking Lake Tekapo, famous for its vibrant blue waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a comfortable ride in modern minibuses with plenty of extra amenities for your convenience. - Small group tour ensuring a personalized experience - Guided commentary from knowledgeable tour leaders - Picnic lunch included for your journey

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.

Wildlife and nature enthusiasts will love this Kaikoura full-day trip from Christchurch. Look for impressive sperm whales along with 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, and top off the day with wine tasting (time permitting).

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.

Enjoy unobstructed views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain—Aoraki Mt. Cook—as well as some of the South Island’s most beautiful natural landscapes without having to drive yourself. Join an easy guided full-day tour from Christchurch that takes you past Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, fields of lavender (summer season only), and to hiking trails in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest. End back in Christchurch.

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 (May–September) or Greymouth (October–April), 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

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.