The 14 Best Day Trips in Christchurch

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Our pick

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Queenstown via Tekapo & Mt Cook Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 167 reviews · 13 hours · from $238

Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown in a small group of up to 15, with stops at Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mount Cook, High Country Salmon, Lindis Pass, and Kawarau Gorge. Expect two vans, a pre-ordered bakery lunch, friendly English-speaking guides, and a very full 13-hour day.

“The trip was amazing throughout, drive was long but the driver (I think his name was Will) had some awesome facts to tell us was very informative and the way he approached it also showed his genuine interest and enthusiasm about the geographical and historical context, although a cloudy day he made sure to get us a nice view and even changed up the stops for the better so we could get better photos and see more. The food was really good glad it was fresh and from a local bakery, the amount of stops was great toilet and food breaks spaced out well. We travelled through to Queenstown this…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sheep Farm Day Trip from Christchurch + Lunch and Winery visit.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · from $183

Travel from Christchurch to Glenafric Working Sheep Farm with guide Simon, meet farmer James, watch sheep shearing, feed animals, and enjoy a grazing lunch with coastal views. Finish with five wine tastings at Georges Road Wines in Waipara Valley.

“This was one of the best tours I have done in New Zealand. You see some unique sites and a real working farm. Along with the winery stop and narration, it was a perfect day. Holding a baby lamb was a highlight!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · from $186

Travel privately from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass with guides such as Sunny or Dave, stopping at Lake Lyndon, Castle Hill, Otira Viaduct, Devil’s Punchbowl, and Cave Stream. Expect about four hours on the road, short walks, mountain views, and a flexible feel.

“We were picked up at the designated bus stop on time and driven out to Arthur’s Pass National Park by our guide SUNY, he was attentive to our needs, the car was clean and he had cold water for us, he took us to all of the sites we wanted tRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · from $145Best value

Ride a jet boat through Waiau Gorge, eat lunch in Hanmer Springs, and spend the afternoon in its heated mineral pools. A private vehicle collects you from central Christchurch, with about 1.5 hours each way through northern Canterbury. Bring swimwear, a towel, and walking shoes.

“We were a bit disappointed that Hanmer Springs was a series of manmade bathing pools in an enclosed complex. I thought we were going there to bathe in open springs with steam shooting out of the ground but alas, no! Bit more comRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $207

Travel from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with pickup, WiFi, and bottled water. Stop at Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, the Alpine Lavender Farm, Tasman Glacier, and Mount Cook Village, with guide JB helping shape the day.

“Good experience, the van was comfort, guide us when to take a photos,patient and reliable. Thank you😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $214

Travel privately from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook with a guide such as Dave, Steve, or Tiffany. You’ll stop at Geraldine, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Tasman Glacier, Hooker Valley, and Mt Cook Village during a 13.5-hour day, with time for photos, a short walk, and lunch.

“We did a private Mt Cook tour via Lake Tekapo, and even though it rained the entire day, the experience was still absolutely worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $186

Travel privately from Christchurch to Kaikōura with a professional driver and guide, possibly Steve or Dave. See the coast, seals, dolphins, and Kahutara River, then add the optional NZ$175 whale-watching cruise for the day’s main event.

“Steve was an incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating guide. He went beyond the planned itinerary and added several extra stops along the way, allowing us to experience some truly stunning scenery. We took a helicopter ride for wRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews

Travel privately from Christchurch to Akaroa in about six hours with a professional driver and guide. See Lyttelton Harbour, Governors Bay, Little River, and Akaroa’s volcanic setting, with cheese tasting and an optional dolphin cruise for NZ$120 per person.

“Absolutely loved Akaroa!! What a beautiful place, I would highly recommend traveling there and it is scenically beautifully along the way.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $192

Travel from Christchurch to Akaroa with a private guide and driver, stopping at Lyttelton, Governors Bay, Little River, and Banks Peninsula viewpoints. You get about two hours in Akaroa, with cheese tasting and a dolphin cruise available as optional extras. Guides may include Tom, Steve, Dave, Jordan, or Latham.

“Had an amazing day tour excursion with Steve in Akaroa. Although it was quite windy, it didn’t take away from the incredible experience. The scenic beauty was breathtaking — a charming little town nestled in nature’s lap. Peaceful, pictRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Sheep Farm Day Trip with Lunch & Winery

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $156

Travel from Christchurch to Glenafric, a 770-hectare working sheep and beef farm. Meet guide Simon or another local driver, watch sheep shearing, try it yourself, enjoy a Pacific Ocean picnic, then taste Waipara wines before a Christchurch city tour.

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Castle Hill & Arthur Pass Day Trip From Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $186

Travel from Christchurch across the Canterbury plains to Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass National Park. You’ll stop for a Sheffield pie, walk to Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, see the Otira Viaduct, and look for kea from a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

“Amazing experience from start to finish! The Nature’s Trail took care of everything, so all we had to do was enjoy the scenery. Perfect day trip with beautiful stops, great stories, and excellent service.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $328

Travel from Christchurch through the volcanic Banks Peninsula with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Little River, Akaroa, and scenic reserves. Choose the Giant’s House or an optional harbour cruise for a chance to see Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. Pickup, lunch, drinks, and morning tea are included.

“I had a wonderful, fantastic time with Alan. I would recommend this trip to anyone who would be interested in Akaora. Thank you Alan.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Arthur’s Pass and Castle hills Private Day Trip From Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $186

Join a private 10-hour trip from Christchurch to alpine Lake Lyndon, limestone Castle Hill, Devil’s Punchbowl, and Cave Stream. Your guide handles the driving and shares local stories while you choose how much time to spend at each stop.

“I took the Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip from Christchurch with Kiwi Horizons Travel, and it was an incredible way to explore the South Island’s alpine beauty. The drive through the Southern Alps was breathtaking, with stops for photos Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review