Christchurch city tour with gondola, tramway and punting

Gondola views, tram rides and a punt down the river: all in one morning and afternoon

A small-group Christchurch city tour with a live English-speaking guide takes eight travelers through the city's main attractions over 6 hours, including the Christchurch Gondola for 360-degree views of the city and Port Hills, a day pass for the historic Christchurch Tramway, punting on the Avon River, and lunch at a central restaurant (drinks additional). Hotel pickup is included and children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Christchurch city highlights

• Punting on the Avon River
• Ride the Christchurch Gondola
• Tour Christchurch on historic trams
• Enjoy lunch in central Christchurch

The experience

The day starts with a punt down the Avon River: a slow, quiet way to see the city from the water before the pace picks up. From there, the gondola takes you 500 meters up the Port Hills for views across Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour and the surrounding landscape. The tramway pass gives you access to the historic trams for a full day, so you can ride the route through the city center and out to the coastal suburbs at your own pace during the tour or revisit stops later if something catches your eye.

Lunch happens mid-tour at a restaurant in Central Christchurch. The food is included, though drinks are extra. The guide handles the route and timing, so the day holds together without you planning the stops or managing transport between them. Because the group stays at eight people, there's room to ask questions and move at a pace that lets you actually see what you're looking at instead of rushing through a checklist.

Hotel pickup is included, and the whole thing runs 6 hours. The tour works for families with children from age 3 onward, though it's not suitable if you have spinal injuries or significant cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Extended Christchurch citywide tour with local guide.
• hotel pickup and return.
• punting on the Avon River.
• Christchurch Gondola entry.
• Christchurch Tramway 2-day pass.
• lunch at a Central Christchurch restaurant.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Discover Christchurch

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the main sights without assembling the route yourself: the small group size and included transport mean you spend the day looking at Christchurch instead of figuring out how to get between stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do you see from the Christchurch Gondola?

The Christchurch Gondola climbs the Port Hills and gives you 360-degree views of Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour and the Port Hills themselves: the vantage point that shows you how the city sits in relation to the water and the surrounding landscape.

Does the tramway pass let you ride whenever you want during the tour?

The 2-day tramway pass is included, so you can ride the historic trams through the city center and out to coastal communities both during the guided portion and on your own time if you want to revisit a stop or explore further.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch at a Central Christchurch restaurant is included in the tour price. Drinks are additional and you order them separately at the restaurant.

How many people go on this tour?

The tour takes a maximum of eight guests, which keeps the group small enough that the guide can give everyone attention and the pace stays manageable.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the starting point?

Hotel pickup is included, so the driver collects you from your accommodation and brings you back at the end of the day.