Top Christchurch How to Get Around in 2026

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.

It's all about the experience! Exhilarating! Sightseeing has never been so much fun. Standard tour or made-to-measure, you are sure to enjoy your ride on our V8 trike. We can easily customize something just for you. 2 persons per trip, we may be able to accommodate several people riding together with prior arrangement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 picnic lunch with free menu choice.

Godley Head is an exciting and wild 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 east coast of the South Island. 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. - 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

Explore Kaikoura’s rugged scenery, wildlife, and local food on this small-group, carbon-neutral day tour. Travel comfortably in a modern vehicle with Wi-Fi and enjoy stops at hidden gems including Gore Bay and Cathedral Cliffs. Optional activities include whale watching, kayaking, and nature walks. Savor snacks, lunch, and a wine or beer tasting before returning to Christchurch with new memories.

A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without missing a thing. Plus, get a chance to meet the iconic Kiwi bird, a rare sight in New Zealand. Explore Christchurch in depth with a private, small-group tour and an expert guide. Choose a half-day tour for the flexibility to enjoy additional activities.

A Half-Day Tour that satisfies all visitors to Christchurch. Recommended for travellers short on time and those eager to see the city’s top attractions. Discover Christchurch as a first-time visitor. Interact with your guide on a private, small-group tour. Select a Half-Day Tour, allowing for additional activities to be enjoyed.

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. Enjoy lunch available for purchase with a view and time to explore the village and surrounding alpine scenery.

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.

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.

First-time visitors to Christchurch will enjoy a fun, small-group overview tour of the city. Experience many of the central city’s highlights, including riding the scenic tramway and punting on the Avon River, and then get out of the city to ride the gondola for sweeping views over the countryside. Learn more about Christchurch than you would touring independently, and fit a lot into a day. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

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.

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.

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 viewing the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an ocean-view picnic at Louise’s Lookout, and even a visit to a working sheep farm.

Step into the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch and join us for a lively walking adventure through the city we proudly call home. Along the way you’ll discover iconic landmarks, fascinating insights, and the stories that have helped shape this vibrant and special place. Our city trail weaves through more than 40 sites, blending history, culture, and local flavour to reveal the character and spirit of Christchurch. Since the earthquakes of 2010–2011, our city has undergone a remarkable transformation. As we walk, you’ll experience innovative new spaces alongside treasured historic landmarks, each one reflecting the resilience, creativity, and hospitality that continues to shape the city today. - Explore Christchurch's iconic landmarks and hidden gems - Gain insights from knowledgeable local guides - Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience

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.

Experience the best of the lower South Island without having to drive yourself through the distractingly beautiful landscapes on a 6-day coach tour from Christchurch. Stop at Aoraki Mt. Cook, take a Milford Sound cruise with included lunch, and spend a free day in Queenstown, then journey to Dunedin. Enjoy a guided tour of neo-gothic Dunedin and the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula, with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and a wildlife cruise.

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.

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.