Top Christchurch On the Water

Begin with an official mihi whakatau, a traditional Maori welcome rarely experienced by visitors to Christchurch. Hosted by local Māori guides, you will be welcomed onto the peaceful waters of the Otakaro Avon River. Step aboard a traditional waka and paddle the calm, spring-fed river as you take on the role of kaitiaki guardian of the awa. As your paddle moves through the clear water, hear the stories of this historic mahinga kai, once an important food gathering place for Maori. Along the leafy riverbanks, learn how the principle of kaitiakitanga, guardianship of the environment, guides the ongoing restoration of the river today. In just 45 minutes, connect with the history, culture, and living landscape of this special place.

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.

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.

Wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will love the chance to swim with rare Hector’s dolphins so close to Christchurch on this full-day Akaroa tour. Admire views of scenic spots such as Lake Ellesmere on the drive out to Banks Peninsula. Enjoy free time in Akaroa and a cheese tasting at Barry's Bay before hopping onto your cruise boat. Wetsuits and snorkeling gear are provided for a comfortable swim with dolphins.

Enjoy an authentic Māori tradition—without dealing with any logistics—on this guided waka canoe experience starting at 794 Colombo Street. Learn how to paddle a real wooden waka before setting off on the Otakaro (Avon) River. As you paddle, listen to stories about the river, Christchurch, the Ngai Tahu iwi, and European settlers. Discover Māori culture and heritage in a hands-on, immersive way.

Feel the wind in your face as you race your friends and family around our cusom-built track in a blokart. Fun, safe, accessible, sustainable, and much easier than riding a bike, our team of experienced instructors will have you successfully piloting your kart in a matter of minutes. Blokarting can be as thrilling as you want it to be with a range of gear designed to suit every need from the most timid to the most adventurous. Perfect for riders from 7 to 87+. Located just 15 minutes from either the port of Lyttelton or the CBD our site has a lovely backdrop of farmland and the Port Hills. We are proud of the accessibility of the karts, and can work with people with physical or other restrictions to help them successfully operate a kart. Blokart landsailing was invented in New Zealand and Velocity Karts is the only custom-built track in Australasia.

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea, the now National Park’s dramatic terrain, powerful waterfalls, unique fauna, native Beech forest, and engineering feats make it a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. 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 thrilling 30 minute jet boat experience and return to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, 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. Please note that this tour is not suitable as a shore excursion, and runs in reverse over winter.

Take a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Waimakariri River from Christchurch, with round-trip hotel transfers included to save you driving yourself to the starting point outside the city. Select a ride duration to suit your needs and schedule. Admire views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains as you zip along the water. An ideal adventure for families and friends that leaves time in your day for other activities.

A thrilling jet boat ride and a scenic helicopter tour are both must-do activities in New Zealand. Save yourself time and hassle by combining them in one easy trip. Departing from Christchurch, you’ll fly over the scenic Canterbury countryside, admiring the pristine braided rivers as you go. Soon you’ll be zipping over them in a jet boat navigated by an expert driver who will keep you safe while you’re having fun.

Soak in the natural beauty of New Zealand with a full-day tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch. Start with transfer to the Coastal Pacific Train for the journey north to Kaikoura, then transfer to a sturdy boat for your whale-watching cruise. Have lunch afterward, then visit a New Zealand fur seal colony on the return drive to Christchurch.

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.

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.

With transport from Christchurch, this small-group kayaking tour makes it easy to enjoy Lyttelton Harbour's natural beauty. Paddle sheltered waters around Quail Island, spotting native birds and wildlife. The small group size means you get personalized attention from your guide. Learn basic kayaking techniques and explore the harbour further with your guide before returning to Christchurch in time for your evening plans.

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea, the now National Park’s dramatic terrain, powerful waterfalls, unique fauna, native Beech forest, and engineering feats make it a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. 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 thrilling 30 minute jet boat experience, 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. Please note that this tour is not suitable as a shore excursion and the ititnerary runs in reverse over winter.

Experience the South Island without crowds or rigid schedules on this 7-day private loop tour from Christchurch. Travel by private vehicle with your own driver-guide, visiting Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin, and scenic coastal towns — all at your own pace. “To keep the tour fully flexible and personalized, accommodation and meals are not included. We’re happy to offer recommendations or assist with planning if needed.” 100% private tour — only your group Flexible itinerary and photo stops Door-to-door pickup and drop-off Local driver-guide knowledge Solomon, your experienced driver with over nine years in the transportation industry, ensures a friendly and professional experience tailored to families and small groups alike.

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.