Top Christchurch Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Discover the best of Christchurch on this unforgettable highlights tour, featuring three of the city's most iconic attractions. Step aboard the heritage Tram, glide along the picturesque Avon River on a traditional punt, and soar above the city on the Christchurch Gondola for spectacular panoramic views. Combining history, scenery, and local charm, this tour is the perfect way to experience Christchurch's top sights in one memorable day.

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.

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.

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this Akaroa day trip from Christchurch and avoid the need to self-drive. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor, where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector’s dolphins. Hotel transfers are included.

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.

While lots of tours help you experience Christchurch’s sights and sounds, not many include first-hand anecdotes from the 2011 earthquake that rocked the city. On this small-group walking tour, explore local landmarks and hidden gems that most travelers miss while listening to personal stories of the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

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

Explore Christchurch in style with the all-day ticket for the iconic Christchurch Trams and the breathtaking Gondola. Hop on and off the restored heritage trams for a delightful city tour, enriched by live commentary from local drivers. Enjoy the ticket as a hop on and off tour or just complete the 50 minute circuit. Then, ascend the Gondola for stunning views over the city, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Pacific Ocean. At the summit station, enjoy walking tracks, the Christchurch Discovery Ride, and a café offering local fare. The 852 horizonal metre trip to the summit takes around 10 minutes and offers stunning views in all directions. This experience is perfect for families and those seeking a memorable sightseeing adventure in Christchurch. Customers can do the attractions on different days if they wish.

A serene 30-minute punt ride awaits you on the iconic Avon River, nestled in the heart of Christchurch. Glide through the lush scenery of the Botanic Gardens guided by a knowledgeable punter dressed in classic attire. This eco-friendly experience offers a unique perspective of local wildlife and flora, making it perfect for families and nature lovers alike. Enjoy a relaxing escape as you learn about the sights along the way—an ideal way to unwind while soaking in the beauty of Christchurch’s waterways.

The scenic TranzAlpine train travels from Christchurch to Greymouth. But if you don’t have the time, or the need, to travel so far, you can enjoy a shorter version of the journey. Boarding the train in Christchurch, travel to Arthur’s Pass, in the middle of the Southern Alps. Spend some free time there, then board a small-group guided tour for the return journey that stops at other top attractions.

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.

Make the most of a short time in Christchurch on a full-day shore excursion after your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton. Head into the city and learn about its rebuild post-earthquake. Travel into the Port Hills to get a view over the Canterbury Plains, then speed up the weaving waterways of the braided Waimakariri River on a jet boat. This tour is designed especially to work with cruise ship timings.

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.

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 beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a full-day tour to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch. Travel into the mountains by car, then return in the afternoon on the TranzAlpine scenic train, which runs in reverse in winter. At Arthur’s Pass visit Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, explore the national park, and walk to the Devils Punchbowl waterfall. Lunch, snacks, and Christchurch hotel transfers add convenience.

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.

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.

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.

Travelers short on time in the South Island won’t miss out on exploring the Southern Alps with this easy day tour from Christchurch. Take the train there and a car on the way back. Hop aboard the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for the ride through the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri Gorge, and up to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Explore the village, take bush walks, and see the limestone rock formations of Castle Hill.

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.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Franz Josef offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll enjoy personalized service, small group sizes, and expert local guides who will ensure your journey is as informative as it is exhilarating. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.