All Christchurch Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

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.

Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

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

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Christchurch Sightseeing Pass

2 daysFree Cancellation

View Christchurch’s highlights on a half-day sightseeing tour introducing the architecture, gardens, and waterways of “The Garden City” without the hassle of self-driving or catching public transportation. Pass city center landmarks, meander around perennial gardens, visit the seaside, and marvel at views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and opt to upgrade to include the International Antarctic Centre.

Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

4 hours 50 minutes

4.3

(359)

from USD 139

Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

5 hours 40 minutes

4.7

(100)

from USD 160

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

Christchurch Scenic Private Tour with Local Guide Half Day

Christchurch Scenic Private Tour with Local Guide Half Day

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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.

Christchurch Tram and Gondola Combo

1 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

11 hoursFree Cancellation

Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park

20 minutes to 1 hourFree Cancellation

A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without missing a thing. Plus, get a chance to meet the iconic Kiwi bird, a rare sight in New Zealand. Explore Christchurch in depth with a private, small-group tour and an expert guide. Choose a half-day tour for the flexibility to enjoy additional activities.

Christchurch City Top Sights Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore the stunning Kaikōura coastline on this luxury day tour from Christchurch. Departing from your accommodation, journey through the picturesque Waipara wine region before arriving at the famous seal colony. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, wildlife photography opportunities, and free time to explore Kaikōura’s charming town. Optional activities such as whale watching, dolphin encounters, and seafood dining allow for a personalized experience. This small group tour ensures an intimate and guided adventure with a professional driver. - Duration: 9 hours, including travel time from Christchurch - Pickup from selected Christchurch accommodation for convenience - Enjoy free time in Kaikōura with optional activities available - Scenic coastal stops and wildlife viewing opportunities included

Kaikoura Coastal Escape Luxury Scenic Tour from Christchurch

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

5% savings

from

USD 204USD 193

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

14 hoursFree Cancellation

Learn about Antarctic landscapes, wildlife, and explorers with convenient pre-purchased tickets to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Brave a harsh Antarctic storm, learn about life on remote Scott Base, and check out adorable little blue penguins. Enjoy Hägglund rides (height restrictions apply) and 4D shows, and enter the “cuddle zone,” where you can meet fluffy huskies that explorers historically used to pull their Antarctic dog sleds.

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

Be enchanted by Kaikoura’s marine life on this full-day dolphin-swimming tour from Christchurch without having to drive yourself there and back along winding coastal roads. In Kaikoura, a whale-watching paradise, board a sightseeing boat and jump into the Pacific Ocean with the provided wetsuit and snorkel. Swim alongside dusky dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy the company of these graceful, curious sea mammals with help from your guides.

Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch

12 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Lyttelton Shore Excursion City Highlights with 3 best Attractions

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry

1 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

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

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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).

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

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

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Get out of Christchurch for the day and explore some of the most majestic landscapes in the South Island on an easy small-group day tour. Leaving Christchurch early in the morning, you’ll head to the mountains. Stop to enjoy the views at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and take short walks on the Hooker Track and the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand’s longest). See and do a lot on a full-day tour.

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch

13 hoursFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Christchurch

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What are people saying about Christchurch

Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

Jo_M, Oct 2026

Awesome day trip

Absolutely fabulous day, firstly Andrew our driver and guide on the trip to Akaroa was great and very informative , we stopped at a few locations to take wonderful photos as well. The Black Cat Cruise topped it off, the staff were very knowledgeable and we were so lucky to have not only a gorgeous day but saw the most adorable Hector Dolphins! Definitely worth it, only thing was unfortunately we stopped in at Barry’s Cheese factory on the way home due to not wanting cheese to sit in a hot bus all day but it seemed they were ready to close up so we didn’t see any cheese making! Just a thought.. Maybe the bus needs a chilly bin so we can stop on the way and experience that but all in all a fab day.

Christchurch: Sheep Farm, Lunch and Winery Day Trip

SheilaMarie_B, Oct 2026

What a spectacular experience!

It was truly amazing to witness sheep shearing up close, feeding them, learn about the different breeds of sheep and explore such a massive farm. The lunch was delicious, too! Simon and James were the best! You can tell how much he loves his job through his passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm. They made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Winery experience was fantastic! A definite 10/10! Don’t miss this tour if you’re visiting Christchurch. Highly recommended!

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

jashwant_p, Oct 2026

Loved our trip to see the...

Loved our trip to see the place where they filmed the Edoras scenes. The weather in Christchurch was bad so we thought the trip was ruined but it got better as we got to Mt Sunday. The scenery was beautiful and our photos turned out great. It was a highlight of our New Zealand trip.

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

Helen_B, Oct 2026

Great trip

This was a great trip .Enjoyed the train ride to Arthur’s pass …stunning views . The walk up to the devil’s punch bowl was very enjoyable and also loved the walk around Castle hill rocks . AJ the guide was great .He was friendly and very attentive …he even brought us snacks . Great day out !

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Sophie_D, Sept 2026

Beautiful scenic trip with lovely guide.

Such a beautiful well planned day. Our tour guide was absolutely amazing. Looked after us so well with plenty of snacks and water and was immensely knowledgeable about the local areas we travelled to. The scenery we visited was stunning and we were given adequate time at every stop n

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

WENZHE_L, Sept 2026

Trip review

Driver from christchurch to lake tekapo is very knowledgeable about geography, geology, history and enthusiastic along the entire journey. Learned a lot about from him. Driver from lake tekapo to queenstown is really nice. She explained about history of the gold rush, how queenstown came to be, recommendation for the fresh salmon, ice cream in jackson orchard, etc. it was well worth it. Good value for money.

Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch

Chris_H, Sept 2026

This was a spectacular...

This was a spectacular experience; we got very lucky with the weather, with barely a cloud in the sky. I planned the trip well, and our knowledgeable, flexible driver made it clear there were opportunities on the way back to stop in places like Fairlie to check out the award-winning bakery. Cheeky Kiwi felt like an excellent operator, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with them again if I were back in the country.

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

Eleanor_O, Sept 2026

Absolutely amazing ...

Absolutely amazing experience, would recommend to anyone, Nzers & tourists, who can afford it. We were like kids in a candy store. Only disappointment was there was no running commentary. A big part missing was knowing all the landmark’s & history of each area as we passed. Yes I had the phone app ( no earphones) so had to read instead of being free to look!! This was a big part missing as I love to know the stories!!

TranzAlpine Train to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch with Lunch

Rachel_T, July 2026

Breathtaking Tranzalpine Train Ride and Tour

The Tranzalpine Cheeky Kiwi Tour was absolutely brilliant on every level. Although the weather did not cooperate as it was wet and cold, we still had a really great time. The train ride through the coast was just stunning and so picturesque with the southern alps in the background and foreground of our photos. The mountains were spectacular and it was breathtaking! Our tour guide, Logan was highly professional, personable, warm and friendly. He provided us with not only the basic information about the area we were visiting but also gave us an insight into what Christchurch means to people of the past and to those of the present. Additionally, Logan presented us with the history of the places we visited and even gave us personal anecdotes of his life and family which I felt added a true personal touch. It was a trip worth going on and worthwhile for so many reasons and we highly recommended it!

Arthur's Pass National Park Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train

Tania_C, Apr 2026

Great Day Out

Train trip was fantastic with snow on the alps which was a bonus as apparently it doesn't usually snow in April. Stephanie our driver for the trip back was very knowledgeable and gave us plenty of time to see the sights when we stopped to stretch our legs and short walks. Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill stops with lunch at Grasmere (very yummy) and the view to the snow- capped mountains was spectacular. Toby Farm very interesting and the hosts were lovely. Plenty of opportunity for photos along the way. A long day but worth it. A must do trip.

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

G_C, Apr 2026

Great way to enjoy The diversity of the Southern Island

This trip gives you time to enjoy some of the tremendous beauties that span the southern island from Christchurch to Queenstown. Frequent stops made the trip much more manageable and the views are exceptional on the trip. Plus the ability to hike at some of these sites really make it enjoyable.