Top Christchurch Art & Culture

Mount Cook (Aoraki) is the highest mountain in New Zealand at 12,218 feet (3,724 meters) and lies surrounded by some of the South Island’s most stunning natural landscapes. On this tour, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Lake Pukaki; pose for photos amid fields of lavender (summer season only); and hike through the Mount Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier.

Visit Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Get a look at exclusive photos of Edoras under construction and learn from a knowledgeable LOTR guide about its transformation from tranquil countryside to mythical capital city of the Rohan people. Pose with replica props from the popular trilogy, such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch plus a picnic lunch with sparkling wine.

Get ready for a hassle-free day of adventures from Christchurch with round-trip transport, and admission tickets included. The trip will showcase scenic viewpoints along the way, such as Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, the Ben Ohau Range, and sites from Lord of the Rings. Avoid long lines at Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre by having admission included. Another highlight is a visit to the Tasman Glacier, and a delicious lunch is included too.

Visit four boutique wineries of North Canterbury on a half-day wine-tasting tour with optional lunch. Departing Christchurch, you’ll taste a quality selection of wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region, including stops at Pegasus Bay, Waipara Hills, Torlesse Wines and Waipara Springs. Learn from a knowledgeable guide about Waipara’s unique terroir as you sip a range of superior reds and whites.

Explore the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on this Arthur’s Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield with your guide. Hop aboard your TranzAlpine train and journey through the Waimakariri Gorge. Explore the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass in the Otira Gorge and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Visit a sheep farm, and admire native birdlife in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Upgrade to include a hair-raising jet-boat ride on the mighty Waimakariri River!

Surround yourself with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, on this day trip from Christchurch. Travel by coach past the foothills of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and the MacKenzie Basin; stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukari; and enjoy views of Tasman Glacier. Enjoy lunch at the Hermitage Hotel in UNESCO-listed Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park. Includes round-trip hotel transport by coach with morning and afternoon tea.

Tour one of New Zealand’s up-and-coming wine regions the easy way from Christchurch on this hassle-free day trip. Leaving the city behind, you’ll be driven to the scenic Waipara Valley region, which is dotted with vineyards. Visit several of the best and sample a range of red and white wines. Don’t worry about who is going to drive as transfers are taken care of.

This is a great option for a Christchurch day trip that combines nature, local wildlife, and delicious food experiences too. Save time planning transfers by having round-trip transport in a luxury vehicle included. You won’t have to worry about bringing snacks with you as light refreshments, drinks, and a delicious lunch are all included. Travel in comfort between dispersed sites including Banks Peninsula, Barrys Bay Cheese Factory, and the Wild Side Conservation Area to spot wild penguins.

This is a superb choice for hiking fans. Spend a day exploring Banks Peninsula with the convenience of having a guide to navigate. After a morning pickup, you’ll be taken on a roughly 30-minute journey to start your walk. You won’t have to bring heavy equipment with you as a backpack, walking poles, and bottled water are included. Access scenic photo opportunities that you wouldn’t find alone, and hear about the area’s history. Highlights include visiting Crater Rim, seeing views of Pegasus Bay, and enjoying a picnic lunch.

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this 9.5-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth with your guide. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Then, sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector’s dolphins. Upgrade your tour to enjoy a delicious lunch in Akaroa Village.

When you’re ready to depart Christchurch, end your trip the easy way with this one-way shared departure transfer in a spacious minivan to Christchurch Airport. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to the pricey private taxi rides.

Visit a working sheep farm in the heart of the Canterbury Region on this day trip from Christchurch. Enjoy New Zealand hospitality with morning or afternoon tea and then watch a sheep shearing demonstration. You can upgrade your tour to include a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Waimakariri River or go wine tasting at Waipara Valley vineyard, where you can sip various vintages. Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels is included.

Treat yourself to a special evening at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch. Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and view the kiwi bird in its natural habitat. Visit the Ko Tane marae, a living Maori village, where you’re informed and entertained with Maori dance and song including the ‘haka' (war dance). Then observe endangered North Island brown kiwis and South Island kiwis— flightless birds native to New Zealand.

Explore all corners of the gorgeous garden city with this guided tour of Christchurch. Located on New Zealand's East Coast of the South Island, the city is filled with stunning scenery and history. Visit the famous Christchurch Cathedral in the city center, before traversing the Port Hills to visit the town of Lyttelton. Punt along the Avon River while admiring the gorgeous Botanic gardens.

Enjoy a rustic day out in nature, experiencing epic landscapes that featured in The Lord of the Rings films. Starting from Christchurch, this convenient tour will take you out to the Canterbury Plains and a working sheep station. There you can enjoy touring the countryside on a wagon pulled by large Clydesdale horses. This is a fun and relaxing way of experiencing the area, and a great alternative to hiking.

This guided tour from Christchurch includes a Hagglund snowmobile ride at the International Antarctic Centre and a dinner buffet at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Start with the Snow and Ice Experience and watch the antics of playful arctic birds at the Penguin Encounter, then observe both native and exotic animals — including the endangered kiwi bird — at the wildlife reserve after your five-course meal. Round-trip hotel transport is included.

For an adventure-packed trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, look no further than this all-inclusive 9-day South Island tour. From stunning glaciers and turquoise lakes, to picturesque towns and dramatic mountain peaks, there's something for everyone on this comprehensive road trip. Plus, with all accommodation and some activities included, you can enjoy the ride rather than making travel plans on the fly.

This action-packed private tour is the perfect way to discover the outdoor beauty between Christchurch and Queenstown.Travel in a luxurious Mercedes Benz minivan with your private guide from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt.cook and Lake Tekapo, and reach your destination relaxed & refreshed. It is a great alternative to enjoying New Zealand landscape, making frequent stops for photos on the way. HIGHLIGHTS: •Private Tour (i.e. Only for one party) means more personal service from the guide •Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and Bronze Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo •Admire Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in Mackenzie region, and stunning alpine scenery •Savor a delicious lunch with spectacular views at the Hermitage Hotel(POA) •Explore one of the many alpine walks in Mount Cook National Park

The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is one of the most popular resorts on New Zealand’s South Island and less than two hours north of Christchurch. On this tour, travel from Christchurch in the comfort of a private vehicle, stopping along the way to enjoy wine tasting in the Waipara Hills wine region. Spend the rest of the day at Hanmer Springs, where you can relax in the thermal pools or enjoy optional extras such as a 90-minute hot stone massage or a jet boating excursion.

Adventurous travelers visiting Christchurch—this is the tour for you. Set off with a small group on a guided adventure towards Castle Hill—which is also known as Kura Tawhiti. Here, you can try out bouldering and rock climbing with ease, as climbing equipment rental is included. To stay fueled for the activities, lunch is provided before a visit to Cave Stream—where you can explore small waterfalls, and a limestone cave.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, a portrait photo shoot is a great way to remember your travels and to level up the quality of your vacation pics. Choose a backdrop of your choice, whether that’s Christchurch’s beautiful beaches or the old architecture and parks of the central city. Receive a selection of edited photos after.

Allowing you to see the South Island of New Zealand in a cost friendly and flexible way. This Hop-On Hop-Off flexible bus pass allows you to take your time and see all that the South Island offers! Join in with our friendly driver guide who will show you around, offering activities and some incredible accommodation options that can all be booked in on the bus along the way.  Depart from Christchurch ( main pick-up point YMCA Christchurch 7:15am) and head in a loop around the South Island taking a minimum of 11 days to complete, or up to 365 days if you'd like! This guided tour lets you relax and see all that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer whilst we do the work for you!  • Fully guided flexible tour allowing you to choose what you want to do  • Meet mates from all around the world • Largest and original hop-on hop-off NZ travel network

Godley Head is an exciting and wild place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the east coast of the South Island. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides.

Get to know the story of Christchurch and see its key landmarks in just a few short hours with this walking tour. Visit major sights, such as the Christchurch Cathedral, the expansive Botanic Gardens, the Cardboard Cathedral (the temporary replacement for the main cathedral after the earthquake) and much more. Your guide will explain the history of this region and share fascinating local stories.