All Christchurch Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

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

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

1 dayFree 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

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

11 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

(357)

from US$137

Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

2 hoursFree 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

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

5 hours 40 minutes

4.7

(98)

from US$158

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

14 hoursFree Cancellation

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

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

13 hoursFree 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

Ninety minutes. One city. No wasted steps. If you have a few hours in Christchurch, off a ship at Lyttelton or on a stopover between one thing and the next, the usual advice is to pick a single sight and hope it was the right one. This walk is the other option: the centre of the city, the short way round, with someone who lives here doing the talking. Christchurch is not a city that shows you what it has always been. It shows you what it is becoming. In ninety minutes you will stand in front of a Gothic revival cathedral still marked by the 2011 earthquakes, then walk a few streets to a working cathedral built out of cardboard tubes. That gap, between the city that was and the city being built in its place, is the most interesting thing happening in New Zealand right now, and almost nobody is telling visitors about it properly. Your guide is a local. Expect the short, true version: the buildings, the stories behind them, and the parts that do not make the guidebooks.

Christchurch: 90-Minute Guided Walking Tour with Gelato

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5% savings

from

US$86US$81

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

Lyttelton Shore Excursion City Highlights with 3 best Attractions

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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

4 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

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.

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

6 hours 30 minutesFree 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

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

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

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Must-Dos in Christchurch

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What are people saying about Christchurch

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

Rowena_R, Oct 2026

Great day. Really enjoyed...

Great day. Really enjoyed the scenery on the train to Arthur’s Pass. Collected by Hannah who drove us to so many spectacular locations and shared many local insights. The walk up to Devil’s Punchbowl was fabulous and we really enjoyed the jet boat ride - definitely worth doing! It was great to experience it all as a small group. Thank you.

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.

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch with Lunch

Vikas_G, Sept 2026

Amazing trip and great host - Malcom

He did the trip with Cheeky Kea travel on 22-Sep-26 and had an amazing time. The trip was well planned, the host (Malcom) was absolutely amazing and shared great details throughout the trip. He took every possible effort to make the trip for us memorable. He even went out of the way to make it enjoyable for us. The lunch was great and we enjoyed the specialties of Fairlie bakery.

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

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, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Karen_T, Aug 2026

Fantastic from start to...

Fantastic from start to finish. Great guide who explained everything clearly and thoroughly. Options for hiking, dining walking, sightseeing. Amazing views from the train and bus, and all transport very comfortable. No bathroom on bus, but plenty of stops so not an issue. Two thumbs up!

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

Shahla_S, Jul 2026

Amazing Day in Edoras!

We had an amazing time visiting Edoras- the views were spectacular (maybe the best of our New Zealand trip, which is really saying something)! Tammy was a wonderful guide- she was kind and so patient and never hurried us even though we were a bit slow to climb. She provided a great commentary on our drive and we felt very safe with her as our driver. Lunch was good and we couldn't have asked for a better day. Thank you so much!

Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

Jill_E, Jul 2026

Loved this tour- Don’t miss out on Akaroa

This tour is about Akaroa, getting there through beautiful mountains and valleys, the township itself so quaint and tranquil, the lunch of your choosing, the dolphin cruise, the cheese factory, and return. This tour is a stunning countryside, mountain, seaside and ocean experience (whether the dolphins are found, or not). Jude was a wonderful and kind guide for the day. She was very knowledgeable and went out of her way to accommodate special requests! I can’t wait to return in the summer. We were so lucky to have been gifted a bright, sunny day in mid-winter and I returned home with loads of beautiful photos of the Canterbury hills, harborside views, and the spectacular scenic ocean cliffs and rocks on the cruise. Cathedral Cove was a beautiful place to see-watercolor was amazing. This was a fantastic introduction to the Banks Peninsula, its terrain, and the picturesque, quaint French town of Akaroa.

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Amanda_S, May 2026

Amazing Adventure

To do this trip on our own would have been exhausting. Terry made the trip amazing. We stopped at a halfway point to get coffee and go to the bathroom and then got to Kaikoura just before noon and had nearly an hour to find a spot to eat lunch in this quaint town. Whale watching was such an adventure and Terry capped it off by stopping to see the seals. What a treat! Thanks to Terry for all the information and stories on the way up!

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.