Things to do in Christchurch
The unmissables
Most booked
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram: 18 stops, all day★ 4.55 (973) · 1d
Top rated
Waipara Wine Tasting Tour: 3 Vineyards & Lunch Included★ 4.47 (511) · 5h 30m
Best value
Christchurch: International Antarctic Centre & Penguin Encounter★ 4.45 (553) · 2h–3h
Recommended (7)
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train & Castle Hill Day Trip★ 4.85 (496) · 10hNZ$ 380View ›
Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch★ 4.85 (386) · 13hNZ$ 250View ›
Christchurch: Mount Sunday & Edoras Day Tour with Lunch★ 4.76 (379) · 9hNZ$ 335View ›
Christchurch to Greymouth: TranzAlpine Train & Southern Alps★ 4.35 (356)NZ$ 239View ›
Christchurch Gondola Ticket & Mt Cavendish Summit Views★ 4.50 (331) · 2hNZ$ 45View ›
Arthur's Pass & TranzAlpine Train: Small Group Day Trip★ 4.84 (310) · 9hNZ$ 895View ›
Akaroa Day Trip from Christchurch: Dolphin Cruise & Cheese Tasting★ 4.64 (303) · 9h 30mNZ$ 270View ›Top rated (10)
Godley Head Coastal Hike: 8–10 km Loop with Lunch, ChristchurchA full-day guided hike of the Godley Head Loop Track near Christchurch takes you across an extinct volcano's rim, past WWII gun emplacements and an Antarctic cabin, down to a secluded beach where you eat lunch with seals and dolphins nearby. Hotel pickup within the city centre, a local guide, walking poles, water and a gourmet picnic lunch are included; the walk spans 8–10 km and takes about three hours, with a 20-minute drive to the trailhead and time to rest at a seaside café before you start.Is it for me?Small groups of up to 12 travelers share the van and the guide, so this suits anyone who wants the company and local knowledge without arranging transport or carrying gear. If you prefer to hike alone or with just one or two others, a private guide can be arranged at checkout.
Christchurch: Blokart Landsailing & Custom Track RacingYou get picked up from central Christchurch or the port, driven to the custom-built track, fitted with safety gear, and taught to pilot a blokart in under an hour of instruction and racing. The sail adjusts to your confidence level, so you control how thrilling it gets. The whole outing, including transport, runs about two hours and includes the air-conditioned van ride back to your starting point.Is it for me?Book this if you want a hands-on activity that works for mixed ages and fitness levels without needing your own transport or prior racing experience — the custom track and adjustable sails are what make it safe and fun whether you're seven or seventy.
Christchurch: Gondola, Avon Punting & Tram Day Tour with LunchYou’ll float down the Avon River on a punt as willows drift by, ride Christchurch’s vintage trams with a local guide sharing stories along the way, enjoy lunch in a central spot where locals eat, and then soar above Lyttelton Harbour on the gondola—all in one relaxed day that feels both personal and full of surprises.
Christchurch: Zipline Adventure Park Tour & Chairlift RideYou’ll feel your heart race as you zip across Port Hills on New Zealand’s longest lines, guided by locals who know every story and shortcut. From gearing up to riding the chairlift and sharing laughs over hot chips afterward, this Christchurch zipline tour packs adrenaline with real warmth—plus those wild city-and-ocean views you won’t forget soon.
Christchurch: Small-Group Food Walking Tour & Local StoriesYou’ll walk Christchurch’s inner city with a local guide, tasting regional foods and hearing real stories behind landmarks like the Bridge of Remembrance. Expect Māori and European history woven into casual conversation, plenty of snacks (and lunch), plus little surprises along hidden lanes. By the end you’ll feel like you’ve seen—and tasted—a side of Ōtautahi most visitors miss.
Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch with Tastings & LunchYou’ll join a small group for a relaxed day trip from Christchurch to Waipara Valley, tasting boutique wines at Pegasus Bay and Torlesse Wines with guidance from passionate locals. Enjoy a fresh winery lunch overlooking the vines, chat with winemakers, and soak up the valley’s unique flavors — all without worrying about driving home.
Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch: Good Shepherd ChurchYou're picked up from your Christchurch hotel and driven through farmland and alpine passes to Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and Lake Pukaki with Mt Cook as the backdrop. Lunch is included in Geraldine. You get two hours free time in Aoraki National Park for walks, scenic flights, or the visitor centre — your guide handles transport between stops. The minibus is small and comfortable, the guide shares stories and local knowledge, and you return to Christchurch in the evening.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki in one day without driving yourself or managing the timing — the small group size and included transport mean you're not navigating a national park on your own, and the two hours free time lets you choose whether you want to walk, fly, or just sit and look.
Christchurch to Queenstown: Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo & Salmon TastingYou’ll travel from Christchurch to Queenstown with stops at Lake Tekapo’s blue waters, time to wander under Mt Cook’s peaks, and a taste of fresh salmon along the way. Expect small group comfort, stories from your guide, and moments where New Zealand’s landscapes feel almost unreal—plus space for your own quiet discoveries.
Christchurch day tour from Lyttelton with Antarctic CenterYou’ll wander Christchurch’s gardens and city center with a local guide, feel the chill of an Antarctic storm room, meet rescued Blue Penguins up close, and bounce along in a Hagglund vehicle before heading back to Lyttelton—moments you’ll remember long after your cruise sails on.
Arthur's Pass Day Tour from Christchurch: TranzAlpine & PeaksYou board the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch and ride it to Arthur's Pass through the Southern Alps, then explore the national park's alpine walks and visit Castle Hill's limestone formations. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with expert local commentary from your driver-guide. The full day is roughly eight to nine hours door-to-door, with the train journey itself taking four-and-a-half hours.Is it for me?A good fit if you want to cross the Southern Alps without driving yourself and experience both the train journey and the alpine landscape in one day. Plan for a full eight to nine hours out, which is what makes the train ride, the national park walks, and Castle Hill all possible in a single trip.
Lowest price (10)
Christchurch Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Quake StoriesA two-hour walking tour of central Christchurch led by a local guide who shares first-hand accounts of the 2011 earthquake, the city's rebuilding, and its future direction. The small-group format keeps the pace relaxed and interactive, with time for questions and tailored local recommendations. All sites visited are free to enter.Is it for me?The two-hour pace and flat, accessible route suit anyone wanting an authentic introduction to Christchurch without a heavy time commitment or physical strain. If you're a first-time visitor or returning traveler wanting to understand the city's character beyond the guidebook, the guide's personal stories and local insights are what make this walk different from a self-guided walk through the same landmarks.
Christchurch: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve & Guaranteed Kiwi ViewingYou walk through over 50 wildlife species in one location, with guaranteed kiwi viewing in a dedicated house and hands-on time feeding farm animals and native birds. The reserve includes the Big 5 species unique to New Zealand — kea, kaka, takahe, tuatara, and kiwi — all accessible in a single day without needing transport beyond Christchurch.Is it for me?Right for families and wildlife lovers who want to see New Zealand's unique species in one place without arranging multiple stops — the guarantee on kiwi viewing is what makes the trip worthwhile if that's your main reason for coming.
Christchurch sightseeing tour: Gardens, coast and mountain viewsA half-day guided tour of Christchurch takes in the central city landmarks—the Botanic Gardens, Arts Centre and Bridge of Remembrance—then moves outward to Mona Vale's landscaped gardens, the Sign of the Takahe on the Cashmere Hills, and the seaside suburb of Sumner. A local guide provides live commentary throughout; you choose a morning or afternoon departure. The morning option can be extended with admission to the International Antarctic Center and a Hagglund ride, adding roughly two hours.Is it for me?Choose the morning departure if you want the option to add the Antarctic Center and Hagglund ride; pick the afternoon slot if you prefer a shorter outing focused on the gardens, viewpoints and coast without the extra two hours. Both work for first-time visitors and anyone with a free half-day in the city.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City SightsA half-day shore excursion from Lyttelton port takes you through Christchurch with a live English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle, starting at 8:30am or up to an hour after your ship disembarks. The route covers Mona Vale Gardens, a viewpoint over the city and Canterbury Plains, and Cathedral Square with time to explore and eat lunch at the riverside market. Port pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour operates in all weather.Is it for me?Book this if you're docked at Lyttelton and want a guided tour that fits your ship's schedule—the guide picks you up and drops you at the port, so timing works around your departure.
Christchurch: Gondola, Avon River Punt & Tram PassYou’ll ride vintage trams through central Christchurch, float quietly along the Avon River in a hand-crafted punt with a local guide steering, and soar above city rooftops on the Port Hills gondola. Take your time—each experience is flexible across different days. Expect small surprises: laughter from locals, sunlight breaking over distant hills, maybe even your own mispronounced “Kia ora.”
Private Christchurch Walking Tour: 2011 Earthquake & Hidden GemsA private two-hour walking tour of Christchurch led by a local guide in English, covering Māori and European history, the 2011 earthquake, and the city's architecture and culture. The tour passes the Cardboard Cathedral, Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, New Regent Street, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, with recommendations for local places to eat and drink included.Is it for me?Book this if you want a walking tour where your guide speaks English throughout and covers Māori, European, and modern history in one loop—rather than a self-guided app or tour where you'd piece together the story yourself.
Christchurch & Willowbank: Shore Excursion with City Tour & Kiwi SpottingYou’ll step right into Christchurch’s story as you walk its rebuilt streets and peaceful gardens with a local guide leading the way. Pause for lunch outdoors before heading to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for an up-close look at New Zealand’s elusive kiwi bird. It’s a day that lingers long after you’re back on board.
Christchurch Highlights Half Day Tour: Gardens & WildlifeA half-day guided tour of Christchurch covering four key stops: Cashmere for panoramic city views, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve with native species and guaranteed kiwi sightings, the Cardboard Cathedral designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, and the 52-acre Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Your guide drives and narrates the route, with pickup included and the vehicle air-conditioned throughout.Is it for me?This is a shared tour with a guide driving the route, so you're not navigating between sites or managing transport yourself — it suits anyone wanting to see the main highlights in a single morning without the logistics. If you prefer to linger at one stop or set your own pace, a self-guided option or private tour would work better, but the fixed itinerary is what keeps four distinct attractions inside four hours.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City & Waipara Wine TourThis shore excursion from Lyttelton combines a morning tour of Christchurch with lunch and wine tastings at three wineries in the Waipara region, timed to match your cruise ship's disembarkation and return. The guide meets you at the port, handles all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and adjusts the start time to fit your ship's schedule. Lunch and tastings at Waipara Springs Winery and Cafe, Torlesse Wines, and a third boutique winery are included; children from age 3 are welcome.Is it for me?Book this if your ship docks at Lyttelton and you want to combine Christchurch's landmarks with Waipara wine tastings in one day—the timing is coordinated with your cruise schedule.
Christchurch to Picton: Coastal Pacific Train JourneyYou board at Christchurch station, receive GPS-triggered audio commentary through headphones, and spend five hours watching 98 kilometers of untouched coastline pass — mountains on one side, the Pacific on the other. Open-air viewing decks let you step outside the carriage; the café carriage handles lunch. You arrive in Picton with no driving, no navigation, and the whole journey behind you.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see the South Island's east coast without driving, navigating, or worrying about timing — the five-hour journey does the work, and the open decks mean you're not watching the scenery through glass.
