New Zealand · TOURS IN CHRISTCHURCH

The 15 Best Christchurch Tours & Day Trips

42 tours  ·  from $23 a head

A rebuilt city with the alps behind it and whales up the coast. These 15 cover the trams and gondola, Kaikoura, Akaroa and the TranzAlpine, priced and honest about how much of each day is driving.

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram - Along the Avon River and through Riverside Market
Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch

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, starting at Cathedral Junction and stopping at 18 central-city sights. Hear live commentary as you pass Cathedral Square, the Avon River, Riverside Market, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, New Regent Street, and the Botanic Gardens. You can ride the full circuit or get off and explore.

“Wonderful experience. We just showed the viator ticket to the tram office to have it exchanged with the tram tickets. The route was perfect, it provided a good overview of the area. The conductors were friendly. We had the best ice cream on stop 7 (Duck Island). We had a great experience.”

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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo - Cathedral Junction is the easiest place to collect your tickets
City Tours, City Tours in Christchurch, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Christchurch

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 full-day hop-on-and-off pass on Christchurch’s antique trams, with live English commentary and stops near Riverside Market, the Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Junction, and Canterbury Museum. Add a roundtrip gondola ride to Mount Cavendish for views over Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. Transport between the city and gondola costs extra.

“Had the best day ever. Up the top in the Gondola and fish and chips at the cafe, then jumping on and off the tram exploring the city of Christchurch. My only concern was ,as a 67 yr old, having to get on the Gondola while it is still moving. Quite scary for anyone who isn't fleet of foot”

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Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram - Cathedral Junction and the heritage tram ride
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Christchurch

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

See Christchurch from a restored heritage tram with an all-day pass, live driver commentary, and 18 city-centre stops. Take the full 50-minute circuit first, then hop off at the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Riverside Market, Cathedral Junction, and other sights. Drivers such as Barry, Sam, Eden, and Charlotte are known for adding humor and local detail.

“Brilliant, unique way to see Christchurch. The tram driver, Barry, was very informative and funny.”

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

Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

4.Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

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

See Christchurch three ways with an all-day vintage tram ticket, a 30-minute guided punt on the Avon, and a round-trip Gondola ride to Port Hills. You can board the tram at 18 stops, including Riverside Market and the Botanic Gardens. Reserve your punt time in advance, and budget separately for transport to the Gondola.

“We had a great day in ChCh, the tram was fun, and the driver pointed out interesting landmarks and had a lot of knowledge about the city. The gondola was great, you got to see breathtaking views of the city. The punt ride was fun the guide was a laugh. We enjoyed our day in ChCh.”

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International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket - Riding a Hägglund gives the visit some muscle
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

5.International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

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

Spend 2 to 3 hours at Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre with a storm simulator, Hägglund off-road ride, 4D film, rescued little blue penguins, Antarctic science exhibits, and huskies in the Cuddle Zone. The centre is beside Christchurch Airport, making it handy before a flight or as a family activity.

“Fun to learn a bit about Antarctica. We especially enjoyed the simulation room with cold temperatures and wind! And also, seeing the blue penguins and the beautiful huskies. It was all well worth the time spent!”

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Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings - The noon departure from Cathedral Square
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Christchurch, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Christchurch

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings

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

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

Leave central Christchurch for a half-day Waipara wine tour with a guide such as Stephanie, Jude, Craig, or Andrew. Visit three available wineries, taste at least 15 wines, enjoy a platter lunch at the first stop, and return to Cathedral Square in about five and a half hours.

“The 3 wineries visited were quite different from each other but located close together so travel was much reduced, allowing much more time to taste at each winery. The offerings were good to excellent, with no “dogs.” The hosts and oRead more”

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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip - Arthur’s Pass and the Otira Viaduct lookout
1-Day Tours, Larnach Castle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch, Train Experiences

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

7.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 TranzAlpine, then return by minibus through alpine scenery, with stops at Otira Viaduct, Devils Punchbowl, Lake Pearson, and Kura Tawhiti. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, umbrellas, and help with walk options. Expect about 10 hours and a small group of up to 21.

“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 view at 445 meters
Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch

Christchurch: Gondola Ride

8.Gondola Ride

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

Take a round-trip Christchurch Gondola ride from Heathcote Valley to the 445-meter summit of Mount Cavendish. Look across Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps, then walk the trails, visit the Discovery Ride, or stop at Red Rock Café. Allow extra time in summer for queues.

“Due to the misty mountains that day, It was a bit daunting as it climbed up the mountain we couldn't see the top of and the ground began to disappear behind us. That really just made it more exciting for us though. The site coming back down was clear and breathe taking. When you get to the top there is a "ride to museum" downstairs from the gift shop that is actually a ride through the story of Christchurch similar to a theme park (like the globe at Epcot). It was unexpected and so worth the short queue. The view upstairs and walk through the sheep is a must! PS:…”

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From Christchurch: Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour & Lunch - Fairlie Bakehouse and the first food stop
Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Christchurch

From Christchurch: Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour & Lunch

9.Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 405 reviews · 13 hours · from $178

Travel from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook with a small group of up to 11 people, stopping at Fairlie Bakehouse, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki. At Mount Cook, choose the Hooker Valley or Tasman Glacier walk. Guides including Joseph, Nick, Will, and Phil provide local stories, lunch, snacks, WiFi, and USB charging.

“I have spent a wonderful day touring in Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook. I am sorry I cannot remember the name of the driver/guide., he had a ginger beard and wore a green wooly hat. I did the tour on 9 September, he gave us lots of explanations and you could see that he knows about the region.”

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Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch - Mount Somers: a useful first pause
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Christchurch

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 Mount Sunday, the former Edoras filming site, in a small-group 4WD tour led by guides such as Peter, Cheryl, or Nick. You will cross high-country scenery, climb to the summit for 360-degree views, handle replica props, and enjoy a picnic lunch with sparkling wine at Mt Potts Lodge.

“This was an absolutely fantastic day. Our tour guide Natasha was an absolute legend and had fantastic commentary, stories, facts, was passionate about the area and made sure we were all looked after. It was great to see the filming location of Edoras and have all the cool facts explained to us by Natasha. I also felt accomplished for being able to climb Mount Sunday! Make sure if it's a sunny day you take sunscreen and a hat because there is not one piece of shade. The bus does provide some basic sun cream and hand sanitiser. Natasha laid out the day so we understood what time everything was, where…”

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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch - The early start through Canterbury
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Christchurch

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 National Park in a small group of up to 20. Your guide handles the long drive, commentary, snacks, and photo stops, while you choose how to spend free time near the Tasman Glacier. Anuj and AJ are among the guides named in guest feedback.

“Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki were absolutely breathtaking. Clear skies, turquoise waters, and perfect reflections. Each stop offered peaceful surroundings and incredible photo opportunities. The beauty of these lakes was unforgettable. Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier were a different experience. The weather was cloudy, giving the mountains a dramatic, moody atmosphere. Even so, the scenery was impressive, and the glacier views were truly memorable. Our guide was excellent: knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole journey even more enjoyable. He offered us so many snacks!! The drive itself was a highlight, with stunning landscapes unfolding at every turn. Overall, a fantastic experience ...”

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Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets - Antarctica 101: More Than Cold Weather Facts
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch

Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets

12.Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 347 reviews · 1 day · from $44

Visit Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre for a hands-on half-day of polar exhibits, rescued Little Blue Penguins, huskies, a -18°C storm chamber, Hägglund all-terrain ride, and 4D Antarctic cruise. Allow at least two hours, and closer to three or four if you want time for feeding sessions, films, displays, and lunch.

“Totally worth the experience which was both engaging and informative. The staff were friendly and fielded just about any question on topic. Food was pretty good at the cafe w/reasonable prices. The hagglund ride was a wonderful adrenaline rush through the training obstacle course. The windstorm chamber immersion was way cool, no pun. Chilled out in the chamber twice. 4D Extreme theatre was a nice sensory play of sights, sounds and touch. Be prepared to get wet. Overall, a truly physical and mental stimulating moment and would recommend it to anyone curious about Antarctica. It may be the closest you'll get to the frozen continent.”

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From Christchurch: Arthur's Pass with TranzAlpine & Lunch - Waimakariri Gorge: your first taste of the high country
Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch, Train Experiences

From Christchurch: Arthur’s Pass with TranzAlpine & Lunch

13.Arthur’s Pass with TranzAlpine & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 333 reviews · 10 hours · from $263

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in a small group with Kiwi guides such as Joe, Jess, Mark, or Clive. Stop at Castle Hill, Lake Lyndon, Waimakariri Gorge, and Otira Viaduct, then choose a waterfall walk or village time before returning by TranzAlpine train. Lunch, snacks, WiFi, and hotel pickup are included.

“We liked it all despite the rain causing us not to get the most out of Arthurs Pass. Ross is very knowledgeable and he made many stops along the way for us the see. The train ride back was lovely especially with the rain stopping and sun coming out. Rosswas very kind to drop people off closer to their residences than the noted pick up points. All in all a great tour.”

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TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth - Starting at Christchurch Railway Station at 8:15 am
Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch, Train Experiences

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

14.TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

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

Travel from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the TranzAlpine, crossing Canterbury farmland, following the Waimakariri River, and passing through Arthur’s Pass National Park. Your reserved seat includes GPS-triggered audio commentary, with a café carriage, picnic option, and open-air viewing deck. Dress for changing alpine weather.

“Check in was easy although we were there before some of the bus groups. The trip was wonderful and staff were friendly and helpful.”

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Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket - At the summit: views, paths, and sheep
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

15.Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

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

Take the 10-minute Christchurch Gondola to Mt. Cavendish, where you can see Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch, and the Southern Alps. Walk the crater rim, visit the short Discovery ride, and use the café and shop. Add a 30-minute Avon River punt ride if you contact the provider to reserve a time.

“The kids really loved it. Although the weather wasn’t perfectly clear, we were still able to see most of Christchurch. In particular, the complimentary Level 1 attractions included in the ticket were very engaging for the children, which made tRead more”

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