New Zealand · CHRISTCHURCH TOURS

The 15 Best Christchurch Tours & Day Trips

171 tours  ·  from $13

Christchurch is flat, walkable and two hours from an alpine pass. These 15 cover the tram and punting loop, the Antarctic centre, and the long days to Aoraki, Tekapo and Kaikoura, with prices and how early the coach leaves.

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram - Canterbury Museum and the Botanic Gardens
Christchurch Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

1.Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $24Our pick

Use an all-day ticket on Christchurch’s restored vintage trams, boarding at 18 central-city stops. Hear live commentary from the driver, ride the full loop in about 50 minutes, or hop off near the Avon River, Canterbury Museum, Riverside Market, New Regent Street, and the Botanic Gardens.

“Great tour of the city in a vintage tram, with very interesting and informative driver. Good value for an all day ticket that gives you an insight into what the city has to offer.”

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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo - What the 18 tram stops add to your day
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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

2.Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 725 reviews · 1 day · from $46

Use a one-day pass for Christchurch’s antique tram, with live commentary and 18 stops, then ride the Gondola to Mount Cavendish for views over the city, harbor, Canterbury Plains, and Southern Alps. Transport between the two attractions costs extra.

“Amazing views from the top of the gondola! Brilliant drivers on the trams giving a superb informative talk as we went. Trams were immaculate.”

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Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram - Start with the 50-minute circuit
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Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

3.Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 717 reviews · 1 day · from $23Best value

Use a one-day pass to ride Christchurch’s vintage trams around the compact city centre. Hear live commentary from drivers, complete a 50-minute circuit, then hop off at the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Riverside Market, and Cathedral Junction. Arrive anytime during operating hours.

“There needs to be a warning that there are 2 steep steps to board the tram and anyone with mobility issues may not be able to readily get on or off. (This may already be in the advertising, I’m not sure.) The commentary was excellent.”

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Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket - Start at Cathedral Junction for the vintage tram
Christchurch Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

4.Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 608 reviews · 1 day · from $68

You get three distinct Christchurch views: a hop-on hop-off tram with live commentary, a 30-minute Edwardian-style punt on the Avon, and a gondola ride to Port Hills. Reserve your punt time before arrival, and budget extra for transport to the gondola, 15 minutes from the city center.

“loved all the events but the punting was our favourite”

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International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket - Riding a Hägglund through an Antarctic-style course
Christchurch Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

5.International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 484 reviews · from $45

Spend 2 to 3 hours exploring Antarctic science, exploration, wildlife, and life at Scott Base. Face a simulated southern storm, ride a Hägglund vehicle, watch a 4D film, see little blue penguins, and meet huskies. The centre is beside Christchurch Airport, making it an easy stop before or after a flight.

“Hagglund ride a must. Snow storm experience feel -18c. 4d cinema. Husky patting. View Blue penguins.”

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Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch - Lake Tekapo and the little stone church
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Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch

6.Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 483 reviews · from $146

Travel from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook with an English-speaking guide such as Anuj or AJ. Visit Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and Tasman Glacier, with about 2.5 hours for lunch and a self-guided walk.

“A long, tiring trip. The 30-minute stopover in Lake Tekapo wasn't enough, we wanted to stay longer 😅. However, we reached Mt. Cook on a beautiful day, and the scenic view of Blue Lake and Tasman Glacier made it all worthwhile. The driver/guide was very nice and offered snacks along the way.”

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Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings - Leaving Christchurch at noon
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Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings

7.Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 462 reviews · from $117

Spend about five and a half hours touring North Canterbury’s Waipara wine region from central Christchurch. Visit three available boutique wineries, taste at least 15 wines, and enjoy an individual platter lunch. Guides such as Jude, Stephanie, Craig, and Graham add local wine and regional insight.

“Guide was amazing and wineries were beautiful! Excellent experience and the wine tasting was exceptional”

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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip - Riding the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps
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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

8.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Top rated

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on the scenic TranzAlpine, then explore waterfalls, alpine viewpoints, Lake Pearson, and Castle Hill by minibus. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and practical help on this small-group day out.

“Great experience, the train ride was fun. Exploring Arthur's Pass and Devils Punchbowl walk was very interesting, but we really like walking around the Castle Hill. Anuj was a wonderful guide and took very good care of everybody and providing a lot I f interesting information. We definitely recommend this tour!”

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Christchurch: Gondola Ride - The summit at 445 meters
Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews

Christchurch: Gondola Ride

9.Gondola Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 408 reviews · 1 day · from $25

Ride a glass-sided gondola up Mount Cavendish to 445 meters for wide views over Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. At the summit, walk the trails, visit the Discovery Ride, and stop at the Red Rock Café. Allow several hours, not just the 10-minute ride each way.

“A really cool place to take the kids. They loved it and so did we. The food in the restaurant was nice enough but not as good as I expected to accompany the awesome view. Great however that they had something for the kids that are fussy eaters, like fairy bread (even though the healthy food fanatics wouldnt agree) beacause to those of us who actually want to feed our kids and not spend 20.00 on something they won't eat, $2.50 for Fairy bread was great.”

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Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch - Mount Somers: a practical first pause
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Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $201

Travel from Christchurch to Mt Sunday, the film setting for Edoras, in a small-group 4WD tour led by guides such as Cheryl, Peter, Nick, or Natasha. Expect mountain views, film-site stories, replica props, a picnic with sparkling wine, and a steep, windy walk to the summit.

“Firstly, it’s awesome! Secondly, be prepared for some extensive uphill walking. Walking poles are available but if you’re not fit (&/or young!) be prepared to take your time - the guide (Cheryl) was super patient either me. Thirdly, it’s completely awesome!!”

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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch - Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd
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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

11.Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $155

Travel from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mount Cook in a small group of up to 20. Guide Anuj is often assigned, with snacks, WiFi and commentary on board. You get about 2.5 hours in the national park for lunch and the Tasman Glacier walk.

“It was an amazing day! We saw so many amazing things. The scenery was breathtaking! The day just got better!”

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From Christchurch: Mt Cook Day Tour & Lake Tekapo - Lake Tekapo and the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd
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From Christchurch: Mt Cook Day Tour & Lake Tekapo

12.Mt Cook Day Tour & Lake Tekapo

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 331 reviews · from $175

Travel from Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook in a small group with an English-speaking guide such as Joseph, Mark, or Will. Stop at Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki, then choose a village visit or short walk. Lunch, snacks, WiFi, USB charging, and hotel pickup are included.

“Despite not being able to make it to the final destination due to weather, the guide and company were extremely hospitable. From pick-up to drop-off was smooth and efficient. The guide was wonderful, and the lunch was just amazing. Even despite the closure, they attempted to fulfill our heart's desire. All in all, an amazing and wonderful company. I will definately utilize their services when (and yes, I mean when) I come back.”

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TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth - Following the Waimakariri River
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TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

13.TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 312 reviews · from $151

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth in about 4 hours 50 minutes. Watch Canterbury farmland give way to the Waimakariri River, Arthur’s Pass, beech forest, and West Coast scenery. GPS-triggered commentary, assigned seats, an open viewing deck, and a licensed café are included.

“The journey from Christchurch to Greymouth was lovely. A brief stop at Arthurs Pass. The area around Moana and Lake Brunner was particularly stunning. The staff were great and we even got a wave goodbye from the platform. Next time, I might try the Scenic carriage which appears to be a fine dining experience. I was unaware of this option when I booked and was only offered what seems to have been a more expensive ticket an than one economy may have been - but then again, the scenic carriage may be even more overpriced for a five hour train trip. But overall, a great experience.”

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Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket - The crater rim walks need proper shoes
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Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

14.Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · from $26

Take a 10-minute Christchurch Gondola ride to Mt. Cavendish, then explore the crater rim, Time Tunnel, cafe, and gift shop. Add a 30-minute Avon River punt through the Botanic Gardens. You arrange your own transport to the base station.

“Hiked up the mountain, took the gondola down! Highly recommend this method for some great exercise and views”

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Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour - Otira Gorge and the old route west
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Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

15.Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · from $555

Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps, then meet a guide such as Jock, Sue, Peter, or Fiona for short walks, Cave Stream, Castle Hill, lunch, and a scenic minivan return.

“Jock, our guide, was amazing. Our trip was altered due to the weather and he still made it fabulous. Arthur's Pass beautiful and the view from the train spectacular. He threw in an impromptu tour of Christchurch at the end as we hadn't had a chance to look around. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.”

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New in Christchurch Tours

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★ 5.0Southern Alps ScenicFrom $1,2848 reviews
★ 5.0Rock Climbing Christchurch 1/2-day or full-day (Small Group Tour)From $1856 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa with optional dolphin cruise (Small Group Tour)From $3403 reviews
★ 4.5Sea Kayaking Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail IslandFrom $2787 reviews
★ 5.0Akaroa & Banks Peninsula from Lyttelton(Private Shore Excursion)From $4966 reviews
★ 4.5Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook (1 way)From $24760 reviews
★ 4.5Private Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo5 reviews
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