Top Christchurch How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Make the most of a travel day between Christchurch and Queenstown by taking an action-packed tour through the Southern Alps. Instead of just catching an uninteresting long-distance bus, take a guided tour via Mt. Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the scenic Mackenzie Country. Admire the views along the way and make plenty of stops, including brief stops at Wānaka and Cardrona. The tour ends in Queenstown.

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).

Make the most of a travel day with a 1-way small-group transfer that takes the stress out of traveling between Christchurch and Aoraki Mt. Cook. This tour includes convenient hotel pickup in Christchurch and stops at Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Geraldine and admire views of Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Learn from your guide’s engaging stories.

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.

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 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.

Self-driving through New Zealand’s mountainous South Island can be distracting, and public transportation links are limited. Travel between Christchurch and Queenstown with ease during this 2-day small-group transfer service that stops overnight in Franz Josef (accommodation own expense). Journey from the plains to the mountains while admiring the scenery rather than watching the road. Also stop at Hokitika and Wānaka en route for more sightseeing opportunities.

Enjoy a day out of Christchurch without the hassle of renting a car on this handy day tour to Arthur’s Pass National Park and Castle Hill. Be immersed in the mountainous landscape in the national park, walking to dramatic waterfalls and looking out for the native alpine parrot, the cheeky kea. On the return trip, stop at Castle Hill to admire the limestone formations—something you’d miss taking public transportation.

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.

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.

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.

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Travel through Canterbury with your expert Kiwi guide, stopping at Cheviot and Hundalee Hills where fur seals bask on rocks. Board your whale watching vessel with naturalist guides. The Kaikōura Canyon creates nutrient-rich waters attracting incredible marine diversity. Search for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas, and dolphins using hydrophone tracking technology. When time permits, stop at Waipara wine region for tastings. Travel carbon-neutral in a Mercedes Sprinter with WiFi and USB charging. With maximum 16 guests, enjoy personalized attention and lunch included on this ultimate whale watching 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.

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.

There’s a lot to see and do in Christchurch, but some of the most interesting stories may not be obvious when you wander around on your own. Learn about Christchurch’s history and culture—including the effects of the destructive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011—on a private walking tour. See central-city highlights, including the Botanic Gardens, New Regent Street, and the Cardboard Cathedral, while listening to illuminating stories from your guide.

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.

Found deep in the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is a national park that’s home to mirrored lakes, striking snow-capped mountains, crashing waterfalls, and mysterious craggy caves. Explore this stunning range of natural vistas on this full-day excursion from Christchurch that also highlights locations used in movie production and the several notable feats of engineering in the area.

Make the most of a short time on land on a shore excursion deep into the Southern Alps. You’ll be picked up from the port in Lyttelton and driven to Arthur’s Pass Village, a handy base for exploring the mountains of the central South Island. Enjoy lunch available for purchase with a view and time to explore the village and surrounding alpine scenery.