All Christchurch Tours & Excursions in 2026

Walking Tours

200+ results

Best Seller

4.5

(922)

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

1 dayFree Cancellation

from $25

4.5

(313)

Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $27

Aerial views of Kaikoura Sperm Whales & Boat

4.3

(188)

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

11 hoursFree Cancellation

from $221

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth with your guide. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Then, 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.

...More

4.6

(283)

Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $161

Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Enjoy views of native beech forest, snow-sprinkled mountains, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage and open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available through headphones at every seat.

...More

4.3

(334)

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

4 hours 50 minutes

from $146

The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

...More

4.8

(464)

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $245

Enjoy unobstructed views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain—Aoraki Mt. Cook—as well as some of the South Island’s most beautiful natural landscapes without having to drive yourself. Join an easy guided full-day tour from Christchurch that takes you past Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, fields of lavender (summer season only), and to hiking trails in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest. End back in Christchurch.

...More

4.8

(369)

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $155

Visit Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Get a look at exclusive photos of Edoras under construction and learn from a knowledgeable LOTR guide about its transformation from tranquil countryside to mythical capital city of the Rohan people. Pose with replica props from the popular trilogy, such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch plus a picnic lunch with sparkling wine.

...More

4.8

(373)

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $194

Otira Viaduct—engineering marvel spanning the gorge

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. At Arthur’s Pass visit Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, explore the national park, and walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. Lunch, snacks, and Christchurch hotel transfers add convenience.

...More

4.5

(117)

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $263

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 a minibus without needing to drive. Enjoy an included lunch and hotel pickup for a seamless experience. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.

...More

4.8

(192)

Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $179

Learn about Antarctic landscapes, wildlife, and explorers with tickets to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Brave a harsh Antarctic storm, hear about life on the remote Scott Base, and spend some quality time with adorable little blue penguins. Enjoy Hägglund rides and 4D shows, and enter the “cuddle zone,” where you can meet fluffy huskies that explorers historically used to pull their Antarctic dog sleds.

...More

4.4

(521)

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $44

Exclusive access to this coastal sheep farm - what a view

5.0

(62)

Sheep Farm Day Trip from Christchurch + Lunch and Winery visit.

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $176

4.6

(88)

Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

14 hoursFree Cancellation

from $239

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.

...More

4.5

(75)

Christchurch Sightseeing Pass

2 daysFree Cancellation

from $73

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.

...More

4.5

(480)

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $114

4.7

(97)

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

5 hours 40 minutes

from $158

Likely to Sell Out

Catering exclusively for cruise ship passengers, this half-day all-inclusive coach tour of Christchurch fits in more than most visitors can see or do in a weekend on their own. Combine a visit to the renowned International Antarctic Centre with a narrated, air-conditioned excursion around several of the Garden City’s most historic and picturesque sites, plus learn about the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes as you travel. Food and drinks are not included.

...More

4.6

(217)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $111

4.5

(109)

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry

1 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $22

With Local Guides, you'll understand how devastating the 2011 earthquakes were but how the city has reorganised and regenerated since. This is a1.75-hour guided walking tour. Starting from the iconic Bridge of Remembrance, this tour offers a deep dive into Christchurch's rich history, from Māori tales to English settler stories and the impact of the 2010/11 earthquakes. Perfect for anyone looking to connect with authentic Christchurch people in learning why Christchurch has become NZ's fastest growing city with people moving into Christchurch from both overseas and from within New Zealand. - Duration: 1.75 hours of walking and exploration - Tours start daily at 10am and 1pm from the Bridge of Remembrance - Gain insights into the city’s transformation and future potential - Enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for discussion and questions

...More

5.0

(23)

Christchurch's "Local" Earthquake & Historic 1.75hr Walking Tour

1 hour 40 minutesFree Cancellation

from $15

4.6

(65)

Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook (1 way)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $239

4.5

(38)

Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $134

Likely to Sell Out

Explore the Southern Alps on this day tour from Christchurch, which takes you by train on the way there and by car on the way back. Hop aboard your TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for the ride through the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains, through the Waimakariri Gorge, and up to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Explore the alpine village, take scenic walks, and visit a sheep farm before returning to Christchurch.

...More

4.6

(225)

Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $335

View Christchurch’s highlights on a half-day city sightseeing tour that introduces you to the architecture, gardens, and waterways of “The Garden City.” You’ll drive past significant landmarks in the city center, meander around ponds and perennial gardens, visit the seaside, and marvel at views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and upgrade to include the International Antarctic Centre if you like.

...More

4.2

(49)

Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $57

4.6

(22)

Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park

20 minutes to 1 hourFree Cancellation

from $18

1 2 3

...

Top Attractions in Christchurch

1 / 2

Attractions

What are people saying about Christchurch

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Evan_O, Apr 2026

The ONLY Tour Fit for Mt Sunday

Unbelievable. If you truly are a Lord of the Rings fan, then you NEED to take this tour. Seeing Edoras in person and the surrounding area was like stepping into Middle Earth. The landscape is beautiful and the tour itself makes that experience just a little bit more magical. Cheryl, our guide, knew the area so well and even stopped at a few other scenic locations on the way to Mt Sunday! Those were just as beautiful. Highly recommend this!

Check Availability

Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

Renae_H, Apr 2026

A great day was had

The day started cloudy but ended up absolutely perfect. Our driver, Craig, was on time, friendly, and very well informed. His commentary was very interesting and peppered with personal stories. Just really great. Lunch was beautiful and the “long harbor” cruise was terrific. We did see dolphins so well done boat team. The commentary on the boat was excellent as well and much was learned and appreciated.

Check Availability

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

Danica_G, Mar 2026

A Wonderful Experience

This was such a lovely experience!! The Hagglund ride was so much fun and then my friend and I braved the storm room without jackets which gave us such a laugh. The highlight for me was the penguins, I loved all their individual stories and the fact that they're mostly rescues. My favourite is Toa because he had to be rescued just because he is terrible at being a penguin. Toa forever.

Check Availability

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Danica_G, Mar 2026

Absolutely Pefect

We had a wonderful day, our driver/guide Stephanie was a lovely and interesting lady who made sure the drive was comfortable and lots of knowledge about the local area. We got really lucky on our boat, we saw two species of whale and three species of dolphin and then on the way back Stephanie took us to see a fur seal colony with loads of babies!!! An amazing experience.

Check Availability

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings

William_F, Mar 2026

Great Tour of the Wine Region

Our tour director, Tanis, was very prompt for pickup. She provided a very spacious an comfortable van. She was very welcoming, friendly, and enthusiastic. Also very knowledgeable of the area. She kept the tour on a nice relaxing pace. We went to three different wineries which were very nice. The lunch was very nice. It was a great day.

Check Availability

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Sarah_P, Mar 2026

Brilliant way to see Arthur’s Pass with train and tour

A really great way to explore the Arthur's Pass. We took the train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass then were picked up by our fantastic guide to explore the Devils Punchbowl Arthur’s village Castle Hill, Pearson Lake and more. Great information from the guide

Check Availability

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

Alyssa_R, Mar 2026

Fantastic!

Fantastic experience, we enjoyed every moment of it! Our guide Paul was knowledgeable and recommended multiple things for us to do in our free time. The views are spectacular and you spend the right amount of time at each stop. Jet Alpine Thrills has a beautiful bush walk you can do if you choose to not to the Jet Boat (we saw multiple Fantails who flew around us it was incredible!) Castle Hill was stunning, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Then later in Arthurs Pass, my friend and I attempted the Devils Punch Bowl and the others on our trip encouraged us to keep going when we thought about turning around. This experience was the best on my trip yet and I’m so thankful we chose this!

Check Availability

Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

Chittem_V, Mar 2026

The tranzalpine ride was...

The tranzalpine ride was worth it and saw some wonderful scenery. Unfortunately due to heavy rain we could not do the devils punchbowl walk. The lunch was good. Castle hill was a photogenic place. The couple who run Toby hill farm were very friendly and warm people and we got good insight regarding sheep farming. Alexander the guide was very nice and accommodated everything despite the weather. Would absolutely recommend this tour.

Check Availability

Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook (1 way)

Hubert_M, Mar 2026

The journey is in two...

The journey is in two parts. We travel to Mt. Cook with one driver, then onward with another, in a different bus, with other tourists. The transfer is seamless. The whole thing goes smoothly, even though it starts very early in the morning. Spectacular scenery along the way, including the beautiful and modest Church of the Good Shepherd.

Check Availability

Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)

Andrea_S, Mar 2026

Breath taking views

It was fantastic!Long journey but definitely worth it! Beautiful home made lunch(sandwich) with delicious homemade brownie and banana bread. The views of the lakes and mountain Cook was breathing 😍 Also we had a wonderful driver -guide(Rosie)who made the journey interesting,she was well spoken,so much knowledge about almost everything to know NZ,we'll done Rosie and thank you for an amazing trip 👏😌

Check Availability

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

Sharon_A, Jan 2026

Amazing experience!!

What an amazing experience !! Worked like clock work 😊 with easy to board, staff were great! We did the lunch and train ride and were fortunate enough to have a lovely UK couple share the table we were on. The food was fantastic!! We thought it was just lunch but you get a lovely A la carte menu which also includes a light breakfast which was totally delicious with drinks being alcohol and juices or cool drinks and coffee and teas. We would definitely do it again! You won’t be disappointed!! 😊😊

Check Availability

40b6257a-758b-4e43-b6f7-b07d83dcd420

things_to_do

People Also Ask

What are the best tours in Christchurch?

Are guided tours in and around Christchurch worth it?

Yes, guided tours in and around Christchurch are definitely worth it, especially if you're looking to visit multiple sites during the same day. Leaving logistics to local experts can ensure you save time and often money by paying a package price upfront. Plus, some areas and activities are only accessible to organized tours, such as swimming with wild dolphins at Kaikoura.

Per one customer who booked the Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, "The Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Tasman Glacier tour was absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. Every stop felt more beautiful than the last, with scenery that hardly seems real. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the landscapes, glaciers, and history that really enhanced the experience. The day was perfectly paced and allowed plenty of time to soak it all in. This tour is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer."

How much do Christchurch tours cost?

Guided tours in and around Christchurch come in a wide range of prices, and it's easy to find an option for most budgets. Tram tours start around US$25 per person, while guided walking tours cost at least US$30 per person per hour. Expect to pay at least US$100 per person for wine tastings and excursions outside of city limits. Helicopter tours can cost as much as US$1,000 per person. Private tours and day trips typically cost more.

For an immersive tour at the lower end of the price range, book the Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour for around US$59 per person. This 3-hour driving tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and features stops at the Bridge of Remembrance, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Mona Vale, and the Sign of the Takahe. Pricier options include the 9-hour Tranz Alpine Train Tour from US$460 per person: See the Southern Alps from the comfort of a climate-controlled viewing carriage, a gourmet lunch is provided, and you can get out to stretch your legs on a short hike at Arthur's Pass National Park. This pricey, but popular, tour is limited to seven people and includes a guide.

What activities are included on Christchurch tours?

Christchurch tours feature an array of activities, with something for every age, interest, and physical ability. More laidback activities include walking tours, wine tastings, and stargazing. You can also see the sights via cable car, whale-watching boat, helicopter, or scenic train. Those looking for thrills can go caving, hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, jet boating, or even paddling in a traditional waka (Māori canoe).

All-day or multi-day Christchurch tours will help you pack in as many sights and activities as possible. For example, the Christchurch to Queenstown 2-Day Tour via Franz Josef (One Way) showcases some of the country's top sites, including filming locations for movies such as The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. While the itinerary covers nearly 300 miles (500 kilometers) in just two days, expect to have time to walk around, take photos, and shop for handmade souvenirs along the way.

How many days in Christchurch is enough?

Most travelers find that 1–2 days is enough time to explore Christchurch if it’s just a stopover on their way to other destinations on the South Island. In just one day, you can easily take in a bird’s-eye view of the city and beyond from the gondola, learn about the country’s war history at the Air Force Museum, spot a kiwi bird at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and enjoy dinner and local wines in the city center. The next day, hit up Riverside Market and swing by the International Antarctic Centre. If you want to be based in Christchurch and take day trips around the South Island, allow at least 5–6 days.

What are the best attractions in Christchurch?