Top Christchurch Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 4

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

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.

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Queenstown, Christchurch, or Dunedin. For Queenstown Pickup: Pass by Kawarau Suspension Bridge, Roaring Meg & Cromwell. Stop at Lindis Pass, and High Country Salmon. For Christchurch Pickup: Pass through Geraldine and Fairlie, stop at Fairlie Bakehouse, and visit Lake Tekapo. For Dunedin Pickup: Travel via Waitaki River and Omarama, with stops at Oamaru and High Country Salmon. Enjoy panoramic stops at Lake Pukaki and a scenic drive to Mount Cook. Take in stunning views, walk the Hooker Valley Track with its swing bridges and Hooker Lake, spot alpine kea, or engage in Tasman Glacier View Walks. Visit the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s history. Choose to finish at Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin or end journey at Mount Cook. Total road time will be approximately 8.5 hours.

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the vibrant city of Christchurch and conclude in the adventure capital Queenstown. Take a ride on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Arthur's Pass. Experience the serene beauty of Arthur's Pass National Park and marvel at the unique rock formations at Castle Hill. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide-driver and enjoy a private vehicle exclusively for your group.

See some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural vistas on this 2-day multi-stop adventure from Christchurch to Queenstown. Travel on the TranzAlpine train on a journey to see the blue-tinted frozen glaciers on New Zealand’s west coast, before stopping off overnight in Franz Josef. Once rested up, continue on to see the stunning crystal blue waters of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before finally arriving in the bustling town of Queenstown.

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled with views of untouched Cantabrian landscapes as you pass through the majestic Rakaia River Gorge to Methven Village, found at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Arrive to Ōpuke and feel immersed in nature from the moment you walk through the doors. Receive entry to your own locker with a robe and towel then enjoy luxurious relaxation in Tranquility, the adult exclusive pools complete with a swim up bar (NZ accepted ID may be required for entry). Alternatively, enjoy a soak in Discovery, which is open to all ages. After 2 hours of relaxation in the solar thermal pools at Ōpuke, your tour will return to Christchurch

Fitting the South Island’s highlights into one trip can be a challenge, but this tour makes it simple. Go your own way with a mixture of guided tours and free time to explore. Experience the stunning natural beauty of Fiordland on a Milford Sound cruise, witness magnificent Aoraki Mt. Cook and the dramatic glaciers, live it up in action-packed Queenstown and traverse the mountains on the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch.

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing boulder fields at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti—a day trip from Christchurch City into the mountains and back again. Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status, “a symbolic cloak of protection.” Your guide will show you around. If you like, you can try bouldering and test your climbing skills or use your time to explore the endless maze of boulders.

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook day tour from Christchurch. At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. He and his brothers’ story is arguably one of the South Island’s most important Māori legends, speaking to the dramatic formation of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps). Escaping the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, this trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook Village. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is fully customisable and is one you will never forget!

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just a mountain. He and his brothers’ story is arguably one of the South Island’s most important Māori legends, speaking to the dramatic formation of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) which have since become home to one of Aotearoa’s most beautiful National Parks. So why not join us as we travel south to experience the best of what the South Island has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mt Cook Village. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!

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.

Christchurch has been voted as one of the best city’s to visit in the world. Since the earthquakes, the city has a real buzz and is very popular. On the tour, I’ll show you all the best parts of our city, port hills and anything you’d love to see! I was born in Christchurch, and have grown up in the city and in the surrounding area. I have been tour guiding around New Zealand since 2012 and even had a stint as a TV Presenter for a farming show on our local network, CTV. On a Scotty B Tour you can rest easy knowing you're going to get great service, I put my name on it! I've travelled to more than 40 countries and I know that meeting & travelling with a local guide can make for a great experience. Our city has been reborn and I want to make sure you have the best experience in our beautiful city and see as much as you can. Both New, old and get you exploring our nature! Get in touch for you want to customise this experience Scotty

This tour is a commitment to delivering a premium, personalised travel experience across New Zealand’s stunning South Island. The carefully crafted itineraries combine iconic destinations with hidden gems, allowing guests to experience breathtaking landscapes, local culture, and unforgettable moments at a relaxed pace. With experienced local guides, comfortable transportation, flexible service, and attention to detail, this provides more than just a tour, it creates a seamless and memorable journey tailored to each traveller.

The Christchurch to Queenstown journey takes you from the incredibly flat Canterbury Plains right through to the dramatic mountains of the Southern Alps. The area is out of this world beautiful! This tour gives you the opportunity to absorb the wild beauty, starting in Christchurch you'll travel into the heart of the Mt Cook National Park. After a full day of exploration, on the final afternoon, hop on board the coach to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

1. In Search of the Southern Alps A seven-day, 1,500-kilometre journey in search of landscapes shaped by New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Begin where snow-capped mountains rise from the Pacific, trace the wild West Coast, Canterbury High Country and glacier-carved Mackenzie Basin, and enter Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring National Parks. Follow the mountains and discover the story they have written across the South Island. 2. Walk into Two Worlds Some landscapes need to be walked into. Explore the 3.5-hour Hooker Valley Track, 1-hour Tasman Glacier Lake Track and 4-hour Routeburn Shelter–Routeburn Flats Track. Experience two faces of the Southern Alps — ice, moraines and open alpine scale; forest, rivers and wilderness. Guided walks operate under our DOC concession. 3. Private, Small & Unhurried Travel privately, up to 4 guests, with the freedom to stop, explore and spend more time where it matters — far from the rhythm of large-group touring.