Christchurch tours, sightseeing, things to do

Christchurch

Trip Planning & Itineraries

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Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand's cities. But for all its self-consciously inherited charm, it can hold its own as a thoroughly modern New Zealand city.

Kiwi art has pride of place in the city's gallery, the wildlife reserves teem with native animals, and the multitude of great cafes, restaurants and bars that fill the city center prove that Christchurch has a special charm of its very own.

Best of Christchurch: Suggested Itineraries

Get to know this most English of cities by strolling, punting and dining your way around the South Island's charming capital. From museums to gardens, river punting to gastronomic indulgence, you'll soon see there's plenty to see and do in Christchurch.

Day 1: Christchurch meander

Christchurch Sightseeing Tours

Get around and see the sights in style on a hop-on hop-off tram tour, running from the Botanic Gardens to the River Avon. Combine with a glide on the aerial Christchurch Gondola to see this fair city from both above and below. Or cram in a visit to the Big 5 most popular must-do's in Christchurch: the International Antarctic Center, viewing native kiwis at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, taking a ride on a historic Christchurch tram, soaring above the city on the Christchurch Gondola and taking a relaxing two-hour harbor cruise.

In the evening, combine dinner with sightseeing on the Tramway Restaurant Tour, or discover Maori culture and savor a traditional hangi dinner at the Tamaki Heritage Village.

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Day 2: Get Outdoors

Kaikoura Whale Watching Tours from Christchurch

It's easy to see why New Zealand is the world's outdoor activity capital. Think of an active pursuit, and you'll find it here: swimming with dolphins, jet-boating, white-water rafting, horse trekking, eco-cruising, fishing, and that's just for starters. Frolic with whales in Kaikoura, go hot-air ballooning over the Canterbury plains, or use Christchurch as a base to go skiing at Mt Hutt.

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Day 3: Day Trips from Christchurch

South Island Tour from Christchurch

Christchurch is brilliantly positioned for multi-day South Island excursions. Choose from three- to seven-day tours taking in Dunedin, Queenstown, cruising majestic Milford Sound and admiring the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Ride the rails aboard the TranzAlpine train on a stunning rail journey through the Southern Alps, or if time is tight take a stupendously scenic day trip to Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain.

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Best of Christchurch: Top 3 Restaurants

The dining scene in Christchurch is good quality and varied, combining great views, relaxed ambiance, great seafood and meat dishes, and a dash or three of imaginative culinary invention.

Dux de Lux

No wonder this brew-pub restaurant is such a long-standing favorite, beloved for its vivacious atmosphere, adventurous seafood/vegetarian menu, award-winning beers and indoor-outdoor dining.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Restaurant

Specializing in uniquely New Zealand flavors and entertainment, Willowbank showcases native kiwis, Maori culture, and NZ wines and menus.

Retour

Dine in the stately surroundings of an elevated rotunda overlooking the River Avon, and discover the culinary magic of modern NZ cuisine.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

From USD $45.66

A fascinating cave system on the western shore of Lake Te Anau is an underground adventure.

Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour
Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour

From USD $199.30

Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals living in its waters. See giant sperm whales, other whale species, dolphins, and seals.

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