Top Christchurch Sightseeing Tours - page 6

Get to know the real untouched New Zealand as you take off over the Canterbury Plains towards the well-known braided Waimakariri River. Notice the Craigieburn Basin come into view, a distinguished blockbuster film set, followed by the curious rockscape of Castle Hill. See the glisten of Lake Pearson as you fly by the Southern Alps' main divide, climbing up & over the ridgeline, to debut at the mighty Rakaia River. Without another aircraft in sight come to two of Canterbury's best kept secrets, the rarely visited Lyell & Ramsay Glaciers due to their inaccessibility. Touch down to overwhelming 360 degree views, filled with staggeringly sharp mountaintops & turquoise waters of the the glacier lakes. Enjoy lunch in the amphitheatre of the outdoors without a single disruption. Rise over the depths of Lake Coleridge and return over the Canterbury Plains, inbound for Christchurch. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

We pick all customers from their given location. Drivers will inform the customer before heading for pickup. All vehicles have free wifi on board. Driver will explain about the scenic route.

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s unique West Coast Glacier Country, Franz Josef is only one of two places in the entire world where you can view glaciers surrounded by native alpine forest. As a popular midpoint for those travelling between Christchurch and Queenstown, this 1 way tour showcases the very best of what the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) and rugged West Coast have to offer. So why not join as we travel the Great Alpine Highway from New Zealand’s east to west coast. From the jaw dropping geology and geography of Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass to the picturesque Hokitika Gorge and Lake Ianthe, there will be panoramic views from every angle. 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 the stunning landscapes of Arthur Pass and Castle Hill on this full-day tour designed for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Marvel at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, hike to the impressive Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, and enjoy the picturesque views of Lake Pearson. This comprehensive journey through the Southern Alps includes visits to charming Arthur Pass Village and the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. With professional guides, comfortable transport, and hotel pickup, this tour ensures an unforgettable experience in New Zealand's natural beauty. - Duration: 7-8 hours of exploration - Enjoy a delicious pie at Sheffield Village - Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Christchurch - Spot native wildlife and take in breathtaking mountain views

Your journey begins at the doorstep of your accommodation or port. This amazing scenic tour we will take you through the most beauiful sights of our area. We first drive atop the Port Hills for the best views of Christchurch City, the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour. Learn about the local Māori and European history as we drive around the bays of picturesque Lyttelton Harbour. On this section, we will drive through the Rapaki settlement, home to the Rapaki Marae (traditional Māori meeting house). In Christchruch City we will have stops at the quirky and unique Cardboard Cathedral and Christchurch Arts Centre OR Botanic Gardens (your choice). Next we arrive at the locals favourite beach town of Sumner. Here you can have some free time to walk on the beach and enjoy an ice cream. Upon conclusion of the tour, you will be dropped back at your preferred location. Please note: This tour may run in a different order depending what your start point is.

Join us on an unforgettable day tour from Christchurch and discover the beauty of Akaroa’s crystal-clear waters, scenic coastal roads, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Along the journey, enjoy panoramic views of rolling countryside, visit the quaint village of Little River, and stop at spectacular lookout points overlooking the harbour.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated Family Estate located in the heart of the Waipara Valley, approximately 60 kilometers north of Christchurch, New Zealand. It stands as one of the founding wineries in the region and is now managed by the third generation of the family. We respect the importance of our customers and ensure that the service we provide is in keeping with their expectations. Waipara Springs is available and the perfect venue for all occasions including casual dining, group lunch bookings, corporate functions, weddings and wine tastings.

Our Hanmer Springs day tour is designed to offer a unique and memorable experience. What sets it apart is our focus on providing a personalized and immersive adventure. We combine scenic beauty with activities tailored to your interests, whether it’s relaxing in the hot springs, exploring local walking trails, or enjoying a gourmet lunch at a local eatery. Our knowledgeable guides share insights into the area’s natural and cultural history, ensuring you get a deeper understanding of Hanmer Springs. Plus, we prioritize comfort and convenience with well-planned itineraries and high-quality service.

Explore the highlights of Christchurch on this enriching day tour. Start with a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens and along the scenic Avon River, then immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Riverside Market, where local produce, artisanal treats, and coffee culture await. Visit Sumner Beach, a picturesque seaside escape, and enjoy sweeping panoramas from the Lyttelton Port lookout, capturing the harbour and surrounding hills. Travel north to the renowned Waipara Valley, where you will visit two boutique wineries to taste premium Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. Perfectly combining urban charm, coastal beauty, and the flavours of New Zealand wine country, this tour offers a well-rounded and memorable experience for first-time visitors & wine enthusiasts alike. This tour offers a flexible itinerary, timings & places can be modified on special requests, ensuring a personalized & memorable experience.

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. Join us we travel to this region and beyond, experiencing the best of what Te Wai Pounamu (New Zealand’s 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, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki Mt Cook Village before dropping you off in Twizel. As this tour showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, it is one of the most popular full day experiences. You will be driven in comfort by the modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by a fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!

Discover the marine wonders of Kaikoura on a full-day whale watching adventure from Christchurch. This tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura, renowned for its vibrant marine life including sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. Board a comfortable catamaran for an unforgettable cruise, with expert guides sharing insights on the local marine ecosystem and history. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this private tour offers flexibility and personalized service. Enjoy a scenic 2.5–3 hour drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura Experience whale watching with opportunities to see dolphins and seals Professional guides provide in-depth knowledge about marine wildlife Private transport included, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience

Named after James Mackenzie, an infamous local sheep rustler in the 1850s, New Zealand's South Canterbury and Mackenzie Districts are packed with highlights and scenery for you to explore. This relaxed return trip from Christchurch is the ultimate way to see some of Te Waipounamu's most iconic landscapes without all of the driving. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, this trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, Geraldine, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Pukaki, and Mt John. With optional activities available (including indoor astronomy, horse trekking, and scenic flights) to fully customise your time in Lake Tekapo, this tour is a great way to explore the region in a way that caters to your interests. 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!

Discover the very best of New Zealand with a fully flexible private custom tour designed entirely around your interests. Your preferences are understood, tailored recommendations are provided, and a balanced itinerary blending travel, exploration, and relaxation is crafted. Enjoy the comfort of a private tour with a dedicated guide driver and exclusive vehicle, starting from Christchurch and finishing anywhere in New Zealand as preferred. Explore iconic destinations anywhere across the country, from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island, based on your chosen number of travel days. Add optional activities that entirely match your interests, from scenic trains to adrenaline skydiving. All logistics including routes, timing, domestic flight or ferry, accommodation bookings, and optional activity bookings are taken care of. No planning stress, no coordination hassle, and no long self driving days. Just relax and enjoy a seamless journey while everything is managed in background.

Enjoy a relaxed small-group tour visiting Auckland’s top scenic locations, with plenty of photo stops and local insights along the way.

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking. Known for the wildlife who love to inhabit this part of Aotearoa’s east coast, the town experienced significant damage and seabed uplift following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 2016. Almost 10 years on, Kaikōura has come a long way; even being named one of the most beautiful small towns in the world by luxury travel bible, Conde Nast Traveler, in 2023. 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, and including a Wildlife Kayak Experience (approximately 3 hours) this journey is one you will never forget.

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. However, we at Cheeky Kea Tours feel it is an absolute "must-see"! Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking. Join us as we venture north to the Kaikōura Peninsula, which was the seat where Māui sat when he fished the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) up from the depths of the ocean. What can we say except you’re welcome to soak in the panoramic views and spot all the marine wildlife this town has to offer. 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, and including a 30 minute Whale Watching Flight, this journey is one you will never forget.

Most Akaroa day tours take you to the village. This one takes you into the harbour, with expert dolphin-spotting dogs on board to help find them. The 2-hour Akaroa Nature Cruise is included in the tour price. You cruise Akaroa Harbour in search of Hector's dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and sea birds. Hector's dolphins are found only in New Zealand's coastal waters. The dolphin-spotting dogs on board are trained to help the crew locate them. Your group is capped at 15 people. En route, the tour stops at Little River for a coffee break, the Hilltop Lookout above Akaroa for panoramic views of the harbour and the volcanic crater, and Barry's Bay Traditional Cheese for an included tasting. Lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks are included. WiFi and USB charging on board. Carbon neutral tour. Note: this tour is built around the Nature Cruise. There will not be time for additional walking tracks or extended shopping in Akaroa.

Join us as we travel from Ōtautahi Christchurch to the wild West Coast. Your morning to midday will be spent aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, travelling across braided rivers and the Canterbury plains, past majestic mountains and Lake Brunner, and through the 8km long Otira tunnel before arriving in Greymouth. Travelling via the Great Alpine Highway on your return, we will stop to explore the jaw dropping geology and geography of Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass. You will be driven in comfort by your modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by your fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget! As this tour operates in an alpine region, the weather can be unpredictable so please prepare for all conditions.

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s unique West Coast Glacier Country, Franz Josef is only one of two places in the entire world where you can view glaciers surrounded by native alpine forest. As a popular midpoint for those travelling between Christchurch and Queenstown, this 1 way tour showcases the very best of what the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) and rugged West Coast have to offer. So why not join as we travel the Great Alpine Highway from New Zealand’s east to west coast. 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 and including transfer from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, this journey is one you will never forget!

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

Discover the stunning landscapes of Kaikōura on this private guided day tour from Christchurch. Travel along the picturesque State Highway 1, stopping at iconic sights such as the Ohau Point Seal Colony and the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. Enjoy a delicious lunch and refreshments en route, with the option to add additional experiences in Kaikoura This tour is ideal for nature lovers and those looking to experience New Zealand's unique wildlife. - Full-day private guided tour with a maximum of 8 travellers for a personalised experience - Take a stroll along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway - Get up close and personal with New Zealand Fur Seals at Ohau Point Seal Colony - Enjoy local cuisine with Lunch and refreshments included. - Additional experiences can be added in Kaikōura, including: + Whale Watch Kaikōura + Dolphin Encounter + Wings Over Whales Scenic flights + Eco Zip Ziplining *Optional activities are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Discover authentic Kiwi country life on this immersive Private Shore Tour from Lyttelton/Christchurch Cruise Port. This experience offers an up-close encounter with New Zealand’s farming traditions, complete with sheep feeding, shearing demonstrations, a countryside picnic, and wine tasting in the scenic Waipara Valley. With comfortable transport and a knowledgeable local guide, the tour blends nature, culture, and rural charm—perfect for guests seeking a genuine New Zealand experience during their cruise stop.

As a country recognised for its hiking opportunities and stunning scenery, take your pick of an untouched landscape to explore. If you would rather leave the planning up to us, we recommend lifting off from Christchurch and enjoying an incredible scenic flight of braided rivers, towering mountain ranges and high-country lakes inbound for the famous Aoraki National Park. Land at Glentanner airfield to meet your guide and get briefed before flying up onto New Zealand’s largest Glacier, the mighty Tasman. Explore the gently undulating terrain, as your crampons bite into ancient 2-million-year-old ice. The highest peaks of the Southern Alps, Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman will tower above you. When your legs become tired and your heart becomes full, fly back down to Glentanner airport to drop off your guide and equipment before heading North via some incredible Canterbury landscapes inbound for Christchurch. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to Forest Creek through to the expansive Mackenzie Basin & down to the aquamarine glow of Lake Tekapo to touch down & soak in the spectacular vista. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable azure of Lake Pukaki & head up to the famous Aoraki, Mount Cook as the Tasman Glacier comes into full view. Fly towards the Murchison Glacier to the head of the Rangitata River Valley. Sour along Mount Arrowsmith & touch down at the top of the interweaving braids of Rakaia River. Settle in for a picnic served with unobstructed views, overlooking two of Canterbury's glaciers only accessible by helicopter. After lunch, follow the wandering braids of the stony river, past Lake Coleridge & into the blockbuster scenery of the Craigieburn Basin. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)