Top Christchurch Nature Walks

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.

Travel deep into the Southern Alps on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. Admire views of Lake Tekapo, the Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while traveling comfortably on an air-conditioned minibus with included hotel pickup and lunch. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.

Fly along a series of high-speed ziplines at the Christchurch Adventure Park, soaring high in the air for sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean that you can’t get any other way. Zipline guides and fitted protective equipment ensure a safe, fun adventure through the Port Hills. Ride four dual ziplines that soar more than 518 feet (150 meters) above the ground for a thrilling experience.

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 Aoraki 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.

Explore the stunning sights of Christchurch in a convenient 4-hour private tour. Discover picturesque locations such as the Cashmere Hills Lookout, Sumner Beach, the Sign of the Kiwi, and the serene Christchurch Botanic Gardens. A knowledgeable local guide shares captivating stories about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking to experience the essence of Christchurch in a short time. - Visit iconic scenic spots like Cashmere Hills Lookout and Sumner Beach - Enjoy engaging insights from a local guide about the city’s transformation - Comfortable transport with hotel pickup and drop-off included - Perfect for first-time visitors, families, and those with limited time

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.

Experience an award-winning attraction, enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through the native section of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, led by an expert guide. See kiwi in a natural nocturnal setting, meet kea, tuatara, and other native species, and learn about local conservation efforts. After the guided tour, explore the rest of the reserve at your own pace, with opportunities to see farm animals and other wildlife. Highlights: 45-minute guided walk through native habitats Kiwi viewing in a natural nocturnal environment See NZ's Big 5 wildlife (kea, kākā, takahē, tuatara and kiwi ) all in one location Explore the rest of the reserve at your own pace Learn about wildlife conservation and restoration

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

A seven-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily. Travel by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in Christchurch travelling to Greymouth on the world famous Tranzalpine Train and then by road to Franz Josef. Travel the rugged West Coast, via Haast Pass and Wanaka to Queenstown. Experience Milford Sound and enjoy a nature cruise on the sound. You will also have a full free day in Queenstown to explore at your own pace. Transfer by coach from Queenstown to Dunedin, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city plus a day tour out onto the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnach Castle and for a wildlife cruise on the harbour. The tour includes 6 nights' accommodation. This tour may operate in reverse order, subject to transport provider availability.

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

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.

Experience an unforgettable day immersed in the great outdoors on a guided Crater Rim Walk along the Godley Head Loop Track. Explore Lyttelton Harbour, nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, and admire one of New Zealand's most picturesque coastlines. Widely regarded as one of Christchurch’s top hikes, this undulating trail features awe-inspiring coastal views, fascinating WWII landmarks, an Antarctic cabin, a penguin colony, and charming beaches. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and native birds.

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.

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland 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. This tour requires no minimum numbers to run. It is perfectly suited to individuals, couples, and small groups looking for a relaxing and exclusive tour. 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

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.

Discover the spectacular scenery of Christchurch and Lyttelton on this nature-focused, small-group half-day tour. Your journey begins at the historic stone building, Sign of the Takahe. Next, marvel at breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour from the Sign of the Bellbird Scenic Reserve. Stroll the Governors Bay Jetty before relaxing over morning or afternoon at Cass Bay. We'll then visit the historic port township of Lyttelton, where you can explore boutique shops and heritage architecture. At Evans Pass lookout, uncover the port's fascinating links to Antarctic exploration. Your tour concludes at beautiful Sumner Beach, with time to wander the waterfront before enjoying a convenient drop-off at your accommodation or the city centre.

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New Zealand's most stunning coastlines with an experienced local guide. Godley Head is a beautiful coastal track with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and also Lyttelton Harbour. It includes historic landmarks from WW2, an Antarctic cabin, and quaint little beaches to boot. The walk is 4 km and takes around 2.5 hours to walk, including a rest stop. The track can be adapted by the guide on the day. If you are short on time, this half-day guided walk is a great option. Both morning and afternoon walks are available, see the highlights and be back in Christchurch in time for lunch or dinner. This walk has less elevation than the full day option, and is suitable for most levels of fitness.

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.

This private tour is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. This excursion, starting and finishing at Lyttleton, is a genuinely scenic experience. Learn about fascinating local history and understand how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll visit the whimsical Giant’s House; a place filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures. In town, there are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. A trip to Akaroa from Lyttelton fits nicely into the cruise ship schedule.

From deep turquoise waters to snow-capped mountain peaks, Christchurch offers some of the most stunning views in all of New Zealand. Make the most of your time in the region on this half-day private walking tour over Banks Peninsula. Take in the spectacular vistas on display from the top of the extinct volcano only 30 minutes away from the city.

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New Zealand's most stunning coastlines with an experienced local guide. Godley Head is a beautiful coastal track with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and also Lyttelton Harbour. It includes historic landmarks from WW2, an Antarctic cabin, and quaint little beaches to boot. The walk is 4 km and takes around 2 hours to walk, plus plenty of time to stop and enjoy the scenery. The track can be adapted by the guide on the day. With your own guide, you can set the pace. Both morning and afternoon walks are available, see the highlights and be back in Christchurch in time for lunch or dinner.

Shore Excursion: Small Group Scenic Tour of Christchurch This half-day, very small group tour (max 8 people) is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers and fits perfectly into your ship’s schedule. Led by a friendly local guide, you'll explore some of Christchurch’s most scenic and historic locations: - Lyttelton – Historic port town with local charm. - Evans Pass Lookout – Stunning views over Lyttelton Harbour. - Sumner Beach – Relax by the sea or explore the coastal village. - Cass Bay - Short snack and beautiful views. - Governors Bay Jetty – Peaceful harbour views and photo opportunities. - Sign of the Bellbird – Panoramic views of the harbour and hills. - Sign of the Takahe – Grand heritage building with panoramic city views. At the end of the tour, you can choose to be dropped off in Christchurch city centre or back at the port. Shuttle buses run continuously between the port and the city centre for cruise passengers, making it easy to return to your ship.