New Zealand · CITY TOURS IN CHRISTCHURCH
The 15 best city tours in Christchurch you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
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.”
Meet near Lyttelton port for a guided Christchurch outing with Mona Vale Gardens, earthquake recovery stories, Cathedral Square, Riverside Market, and wide views from the Sign of the Takahe. Guides such as Scottie and Joseph bring local detail and humor to the drive.
“Be sure of dates and weather. Tour provider is confusing. Booked tour. Received email correcting date but tickets with wrong date. Took several attempts to get ticket corrected. When weather interfered with ability to do our tour there was no consideration despite having booked several other tours. Enquired about change in time of tour without success. Can’t in good conscience recommend provider.”
Spend a day seeing Christchurch at your own pace by vintage tram, then take a 30-minute Edwardian punt along the Avon River with a costumed guide. Punter Luke is known for good humour, while tram drivers explain earthquake recovery, city sights, and useful places to stop.
“This was a unique experience. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The hop on and off feature of the tram was perfect. The punting was relaxing. You can make an entire day hopping on and off the tram at different spots checking things out. Perfect way to scope out some of the city sites”
Join Amiki Tours at the Bridge of Remembrance for a 2.5-hour Christchurch walk capped at 12 people. Guides such as Ash, Emily, and Riwai Grace connect Māori culture, earthquake recovery, city landmarks, lunch, chocolate, honey, drinks, coffee, and gelato. Expect a relaxed pace and plenty of time for questions.
“Come hungry - the tour starts with a ton of food tasting! Guides are exceptionally informative and friendly”
You’ll ride an air-conditioned shared minivan from Christchurch Airport to selected Christchurch City Centre hotels. Drivers such as Keith and Jonathan may help with bags and offer local tips, but pickup directions and booking records can be unclear.
“Transfer to hotel was fine, driver was nice. Just note they were not waiting in the airport with a sign as it states with our name and we had to go to look for them outside.”
From Lyttelton, tour Christchurch with stops at the Sign of the Takahe, Mona Vale, and the earthquake-damaged cathedral. Then head north to Waipara for lunch and tastings at Waipara Springs, Torlesse Wines, and Georges Road Wines. Guides such as Tania, Rob, Di, Carmen, and Andrew are part of the experience.
“This tour was a good experience except for two of the three wineries that we visited. Our tour guide was great, and the small group atmosphere was very comfortable. We enjoyed the drive from Lyttleton to Christchurch, through the hills witRead more”
Travel from Christchurch to Waipara in a luxury minivan for boutique winery tastings, a winery lunch, city sights, Port Hills views, and a She Chocolate stop. Guides such as Mary and Georgi tailor the day to your interests. Groups are capped at eight, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
“Mary was great and gave us a very personalized tour of the city and three wineries. She had great knowledge of the local area.”
Spend four hours with a guide such as Justin, Sam, or Andrew seeing Christchurch’s top sights. Take in Cashmere Hill views, native wildlife at Willowbank, the Cardboard Cathedral, and the Botanic Gardens in a small group of no more than four.
“WOW!!! Full views of the city and snow capped mountains. Rare sight of a Kiwi and other natural native wildlife. Capped by the roses garden. Guide knowledgeable, explanation of sights throughout and accompanied us.”
Spend six hours with a private driver-guide such as Andrew, Bruce, or Chris, seeing Christchurch’s city center, hills, beaches, and parks in a Tesla. Expect a flexible route, limited walking, views from the Port Hills, and time at Riverside Market, with pickup offered and return to the starting point.
“Absolutely amazing, informative, and overall enjoyable exploration of Christchurch and surrounding neighborhoods with Chris. He was extremely knowledgeable and a great driver! We had Eco amount of walking and driving. Highly highly recommend.!”
Spend about eight hours touring Christchurch with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, WiFi, and bottled water. Visit the Gondola, Lyttelton, Sumner, the Botanic Gardens, New Brighton, and the Air Force Museum. The Antarctic Centre and Gondola require separate ticket purchases.
““A fantastic Christchurch City day trip with Kiwi Horizons Travel. Well organised, comfortable transport, and a friendly, knowledgeable guide who made the city’s history and highlights really enjoyable. Highly recommended.””
Spend about seven hours touring Ōtautahi by private, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water. Your guide connects the 2011 earthquake, Māori place names, creative rebuilding, and local life with stops at the Gondola, Lyttelton, Sumner, museums, Riverside Market, and the Botanic Gardens. Gondola and Antarctic Centre tickets cost extra.
“Christchurch is beautiful, and this tour covered all the must-see spots! From the Botanic Gardens to the Avon River, everything was well-paced and enjoyable. The Nature’s Trail made it easy to see the city’s highlights in just one day.”
See four Christchurch highlights in four hours with a small group of up to eight. Your guide, including Andrew Na or Justin on some departures, handles the city stories, Cashmere Hill views, Willowbank’s kiwi and wildlife, the Transitional Cathedral, and the Botanic Gardens.
“Our tour guide Justin was excellent - very friendly and inforrmative. He had many interesting stories about Christchurch. We particularly enjoyed our time in the Botanic Gardens. Justin provided us with wonderful detailx about the trees and other beautiful plants here. A very enjoyable half day tour to get to know Christchurch.”
You’ll visit Cashmere Hill, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the Cardboard Cathedral, Botanic Gardens, and Christchurch Art Gallery in about three to four hours. A guide such as Jo handles the driving and city context, with pickup available and a maximum group size of 11.
“Unfortunately our guide drove a Toyota Corolla. There were 2 couples. It was not a big enough car. Other issues was our guide was a college student from Korea. She did not speak English or have the history. This was not her fault this one is on Viator.”
You’ll tour Christchurch in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with local guidance, hotel, port, or airport pickup, and WiFi. The day combines Port Hills views from the Gondola with Lyttelton Harbour, Sumner Beach, Botanic Gardens, the Antarctic Centre, and Air Force Museum.
“It is a great tour; a good way to experience Christchurch in a single day. A lot of nice photo opportunities.”
Take a 20-minute English-language helicopter flight over Christchurch, the Avon River, botanical gardens, Cathedral, new library, Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton, the estuary, Sumner, and Redcliffs. Your local pilot provides live commentary, with space for up to six people.
“geweldige vlucht.Het was voor ons de eerste keer in een Helikopter. de pilote was heel aardig en legde goed uit wat we allemaal zagen onder ons. Kort gezegd een fantastische ervaring 👍”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
