Top Christchurch Nature Walks

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

The first stop on this half-day tour is at the Sign of Takahe, a historic stone building. Next, you'll head to the Sign of the Bellbird Scenic Reserve and take in breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Afterwards, you'll visit the Governors Bay Jetty, allowing you to explore the serene surroundings of the seaside settlement. Following the coastal road, the journey continues to Cass Bay, where there is time to relax over morning or afternoon tea. We then make our way to the historic township of Lyttelton, allowing time to explore its boutique shops, heritage architecture, and distinctive port town character. The tour then takes you to the Evans Pass lookout, where you can learn about the operations of Lyttelton Port and its links to Antarctic exploration. The final stop is Sumner Beach, where you can wander through the charming village or along the waterfront. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation or in the city centre.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Morning Tea, Cafe lunch and entry into The Giant's House are included. Starting and finishing in Lyttelton, this excursion offers a genuinely scenic experience. You will learn about the fascinating local history and discover how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape, which in turn continues to influence the lives of the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the whimsical Giant’s House, filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures. While in town, you can enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. This trip to Akaroa from Lyttelton fits perfectly into your cruise ship schedule, guaranteeing a timely return to Lyttelton with no stress.

Embark on an unforgettable overnight journey from Christchurch to the serenity of Hurunui Hut along the Harpers Pass Track. This exclusive expedition promises a perfect fusion of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in the untamed wilderness. Depart from Christchurch and embark on a picturesque drive to the start point of Harpers Pass Track. Along the way, soak in the breathtaking vistas that set the stage for the adventure ahead. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes with a trek through the wilderness, or embrace the thrill of an exhilarating fat biking experience. Spend the night at the welcoming embrace of Hurunui Hut, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the wilderness. After settling into the cozy hut, indulge in a rejuvenating escape to nearby natural hot springs. Let their therapeutic waters melt away the stresses of everyday life. As night falls, bask in the peaceful ambiance of Hurunui Hut, sharing stories and laughter with fellow adventurers under the stars.

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.

The first stop on this private half-day tour is at the Sign of Takahe (a Historic stone building), where you can enjoy scenic views and capture some memorable photos. Next, you'll head to the Sign of the Bellbird Scenic Reserve and take in breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Afterwards, you'll visit the Governors Bay Jetty, allowing you to explore the serene surroundings of the seaside settlement. Following the coastal road, the journey continues to Cass Bay, where there is time to relax over morning or afternoon tea In Lyttelton Township, you'll have some time to explore the quaint shops and appreciate the town's historic charm. The tour then takes you to the Evans Pass lookout, where you can learn about the operations of Lyttelton Port and its links to Antarctic exploration. The final stop is Sumner Beach, where you can wander through the charming village. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation or in the city centre.