The 4 Best Boat Tours in Christchurch

1.Scenic Coastline Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2h 30m · from $65Our pick

Cruise Akaroa Harbour on a small 1964 kauri launch, spotting dolphins, penguins, seabirds, and volcanic coast scenery with local guides.

“Just the perfect tour in Akaroa. I can only recommend this tour instead of the big tour company at Akaroa. Muffy and Tony are just here for you and got so much knowledge of the surrounding. You will not only have a small boat tour chasing the dolphins (which the big company are doing) but a full experience of the Akaroa Coastline with complete respect towards the wildlife. If you hesitate between companies at Akaroa for a tour, just go with them! Thanks again for this amazing tour with you guys, we loved our time on the boat!”

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2.Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 20 reviews · from $123

See Christchurch, the Southern Alps, and a working sheep farm on a six-hour Lyttelton shore excursion with tea and local guides.

“Most of the day trip was riding the bus, the guide had no rear speaker (should be a must ) we were not able to hear any information or what she was saying or talking , the ride to the sheep farm was 1.5 hour on way The visit itself was short and below expectations and then driving back to the ship another 1.5 hour , very poor experience”

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3.Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · from $145

Combine a Waiau Gorge jet-boat ride with lunch and a relaxing soak at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools on an 8.5-hour trip from Christchurch.

“The Jet boats and their Captains are AWESOME. Total knowledge of the river system resulted in an excellent experience. The Thermal pools experience was a great ending to the day helping to relax those muscles that were given a workout on the Jet boats,”

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4.Akaroa Day Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10 reviews · 1 day · from $113

Review of the Christchurch to Akaroa day tour, with coastal scenery, French heritage, cheese tasting, and an optional dolphin cruise.

“The harbour cruise was the highlight of the tour.”

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