New Zealand · CHRISTCHURCH TOURS

The 15 Best Christchurch Tours & Day Trips

118 tours  ·  from $13

Christchurch is flat, walkable and the start of the alpine road south. The 15 below take in the tram and gondola, the Antarctic centre, Akaroa harbour and the Mount Cook day trips, each priced and timed.

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram - Starting at Cathedral Junction
Christchurch Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Tour Reviews

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, boarding at 18 central-city stops. Hear live commentary as you pass Cathedral Square, the Avon River, Riverside Market, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, New Regent Street, and the Botanic Gardens. Stay onboard for the full loop or hop off to explore.

“The drivers were very informative about the city. We enjoyed hopping on and off with different ones, because the narrations were different. The ride went by all the major attractions.”

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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo - Starting at Cathedral Junction
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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

2.Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 725 reviews · 1 day · from $46

Spend one day exploring Christchurch by antique tram and Christchurch Gondola. Hear live commentary, hop off at Riverside Market, the Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Junction, and other city stops, then ride to Mount Cavendish for views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, Canterbury Plains, and Southern Alps. Transport between attractions costs extra.

“The advice and guide was excellent - took the number 8 bus to the gondola and the views were breathtaking. The trams were also great value with commentary by the driver as we went around the city. Nothing negative at all.”

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Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram - Cathedral Junction and the best way to begin
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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

Ride Christchurch’s vintage trams for a full day, hearing live stories about the city’s earthquakes, rebuilding, and landmarks. Complete the 50-minute loop first, then hop off at Cathedral Junction, Riverside Market, the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and other central stops. Trams run every 15 minutes in summer and accept boarding at all 18 stops.

“There needs to be a warning that there are 2 steep steps to board the tram and anyone with mobility issues may not be able to readily get on or off. (This may already be in the advertising, I’m not sure.) The commentary was excellent.”

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Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket - Start with the vintage tram
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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 from three angles: a vintage hop-on hop-off tram, a 30-minute Edwardian-style punt on the Avon, and the Christchurch Gondola above Port Hills. You can ride the tram at your own pace, reserve a punt time in advance, and use the gondola ticket on the same day or another day.

“I had an amazing day and great time with all tree activities included in this combo”

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International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket - The Antarctic storm room feels surprisingly serious
Christchurch Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

5.International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

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

At Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre, you can brave a simulated southern storm, ride a Hägglund vehicle, watch rescued little blue penguins, meet huskies, and see a 4D Antarctic film. Allow two to three hours. The centre is beside Christchurch Airport, but admission does not include transport.

“Awful experience here based on the employee Karen. We arrived 1:30 and began touring the site. As we were told to do by the employee stationed there, we waited for 15 minutes to enter the winter storm room. Right as it was our turn, Karen Read more”

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Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings - Waipara Springs and the included platter lunch
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Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings

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

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

Leave Christchurch at noon for a five-and-a-half-hour Waipara wine tour with a small group of up to 16 people. Visit three wineries, taste at least 15 wines, and enjoy a platter lunch at your first stop. Guides such as Stephanie, Jude, Craig, and Graham add local wine and regional history along the way.

“Fantastic fun day. Great lunch at Waipara Winery and a large range of tastings. Jude our driver was great.”

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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip - Starting early from Christchurch
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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 guided minibus through the Southern Alps. You’ll stop at Otira Viaduct, Devils Punchbowl, Lake Pearson, and Castle Hill. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and help choosing walks. Expect a full 10-hour day with changing weather and a fair amount of road time.

“It was a fabulous day out. Our guide AJ was wonderful and explained everything perfectly. We would definitely recommend this tour.”

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Christchurch: Gondola Ride - What you can see from the summit
Christchurch Tours, Gondolas and Cable Cars, Tour Reviews

Christchurch: Gondola Ride

8.Gondola Ride

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

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

“My Grandson (8) first experience on the Gondola. He love the time tunnel also.”

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Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch - The Pacific coast near Kaikoura
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Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

9.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · from $164

Travel one way from Picton to Christchurch aboard the Coastal Pacific, one of New Zealand’s Great Journeys. Over about 5 hours and 40 minutes, you’ll pass vineyards, Pacific beaches, Kaikoura, farmland, and the Canterbury Plains. Panoramic windows, GPS-triggered commentary, comfortable seats, a viewing carriage, and an onboard café make this a scenic alternative to driving.

“Comfortable seats with beautiful views. Coastal views amazing. Good food and snacks. Very nice workers onboard. Downside, just this run were AC made it too cold and the train was 20+ minutes late which meant it was dark when we arrived. Also to know, the outdoor viewing car had no seating so I’d standing is an issue don’t go out there.”

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Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket - The summit view over harbour, plains, and Southern Alps
Christchurch Tours, Gondolas and Cable Cars, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

10.Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

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

Take the 10-minute Christchurch Gondola to Mt. Cavendish for broad views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. At the summit, explore the Discovery ride, cafe, shop, and crater-rim paths. Add a 30-minute Avon River punt if you prebook a time with the provider.

“Hiked up the mountain, took the gondola down! Highly recommend this method for some great exercise and views”

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Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour - The Waimakariri Gorge and the 73-meter Staircase
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Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

11.Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · from $555

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and Waimakariri Gorge to Arthur’s Pass. Your guide meets you there for short walks, Otira Gorge views, Cave Stream, Castle Hill, and lunch at a country hotel before driving you back. Groups are limited to eight, with guides such as Jock, Sue, Stu, Peter, and Hugo.

“Jock, our guide, was amazing. Our trip was altered due to the weather and he still made it fabulous. Arthur's Pass beautiful and the view from the train spectacular. He threw in an impromptu tour of Christchurch at the end as we hadn't had a chance to look around. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.”

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Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour - Arthur’s Pass National Park and the waterfall walk
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Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

12.Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 270 reviews · 10 hours · from $245

Spend 10 hours crossing the South Island by TranzAlpine train and air-conditioned minibus. Your English-speaking guide, such as Anuj or Anush, handles the timing, commentary, snacks, and scenic stops. Expect alpine walks, waterfalls, Lake Pearson, Castle Hill’s limestone boulders, and a return drive packed with photo stops.

“Our tour guide Anuj was on time. He was very patient and informative. He has water and chocolate and chips for everyone. The van we got on was comfortable. The views are amaziiiiiiing. Need i more to say? It’s worth it. Every penny 🔥🔥🔥”

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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights - Mona Vale gives the morning a slower rhythm
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

13.Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 209 reviews · from $62

This 3.5-hour shore excursion links Lyttelton Port with Christchurch’s gardens, earthquake story, city center, and Summit Road views. A local driver-guide such as Scotty, Joseph, or Larry leads the way in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup and return included. Lunch and market time depend on traffic and the ship’s schedule.

“I signed up for a 3 hour tour to see Christchurch. I got that, but was also left in Christchurch for 3 hours additionally on my own. Fortunately the weather was nice and I had no other plans. But this makes me worry about other viator tours I have scheduled. Can I believe what I signed up for, or will I get stranded on my own again.”

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Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill - The first stop at Alpine Jet Thrills
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Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

14.Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 203 reviews · 10 hours · from $118

Travel from Christchurch across the Great Alpine Highway in a small group with guides such as Clive, Joseph, or Paul. Expect Castle Hill, Arthur’s Pass, Cave Stream, waterfalls, mountain views, lunch, Kiwi snacks, and photo stops at Lakes Lyndon and Pearson. A jet boat ride is an optional extra at the first stop.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our day tour. Paul, our guide, was informative and friendly. He made as many accommodations for the rainy weather as he could. And it was an enjoyable trip in spite of the weather. We would absolutely recommend this detour to friends and family. The stops were all interesting and we were given adequate time to explore as we were interested.”

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Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch - A 7:30 am start from Christchurch
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Arthur’s Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

15.Arthur’s Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 202 reviews · from $347

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train, then explore the national park by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide. Expect mountain views, short walks, Otira Viaduct, village time, and a working sheep farm with dogs, shearing, and afternoon tea. Guides may include Jude, Graham, Terry, Pete, Carmen, or Stephanie.

“A ton of activities packed into the day but definitely one to recommend. Stephanie was great and connected with us all. Three wonderful hikes with Cascade falls being incredible - worth the steps. Loved the small group and especially loved the experience at the farm learning about the life of working with sheep. And we got a great picture of a Kea.”

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New in Christchurch Tours

★ 5.0Wine trail and Christchurch City – Luxury, Small Group TourFrom $38715 reviews
★ 4.5Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day EntryFrom $2294 reviews
★ 5.0Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic ViewsFrom $2355 reviews
★ 5.0Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing AdventureFrom $6166 reviews
★ 5.0Arthur’s Pass Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat & TranzAlpineFrom $3758 reviews
★ 5.0Tranz Alpine Train TourFrom $46592 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Southern Voyager 7 Days TourFrom $1,52536 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Southern Loop 7 Days TourFrom $1,49118 reviews
★ 5.0Southern Alps ScenicFrom $1,2848 reviews
★ 4.5Sea Kayaking Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail IslandFrom $2787 reviews
★ 5.0Rock Climbing Christchurch 1/2-day or full-day (Small Group Tour)From $1856 reviews
★ 5.0Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour5 reviews
★ 4.0Private Christchurch City Highlight Half Day TourFrom $1763 reviews
★ 5.0Christchurch City Private Day Tour with GondolaFrom $1338 reviews
★ 5.0Private Christchurch Walking TourFrom $9328 reviews

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