New Zealand · CHRISTCHURCH TOURS

The 15 Best Christchurch Tours & Canterbury Day Trips

41 tours  ·  from $23 a head

The city rebuilt itself and the plains behind it did not change at all. These 15 cover the trams and the street art, Akaroa and the harbour, the whales at Kaikōura and the alpine train west, with prices and pickup points.

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram - Avon River, High Street, and Re:START
Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

1.Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $24Our pick

Ride Christchurch’s restored vintage trams, hear live city commentary, and hop off at 18 stops including the museum, gardens, and Riverside Market.

“We loved our day hopping on and off a number of different trams driven by lively members of your staff who were witty, knowledgeable and informative about Christchurch.”

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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo - Starting with the antique tram in the city center
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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

Ride Christchurch’s antique tram and gondola for city sights, mountain views, walking trails, and flexible hop-on-hop-off exploring.

“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: the practical starting point
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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

Explore Christchurch by heritage tram with live commentary, 18 stops, and all-day access to the Botanic Gardens, markets, and city centre.

“50 minute "get to know" trip well worth it. Get on 1st thing in the AM ...take the full circuit and plan the rest of the day.. Conductors" commets are very informative forb places o visitbin a very walkable area.”

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International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket - The Hägglund ride brings the machinery to life
Christchurch Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings - First stop: Waipara Springs and the included platter
Christchurch Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Christchurch

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings

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

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

Taste 15 Waipara wines, enjoy a platter lunch, and visit three North Canterbury wineries from Christchurch without driving.

“It was a lovely day at beautiful vineyards with a great lunch. Our guide, Stephanie, particularly made the day special, answering all of our questions and providing helpful extra information on the wine tasting experience.”

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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip - The TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
1-Day Tours, Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, TranzAlpine & Scenic Rail

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Christchurch: Gondola Ride - The 10-minute climb up Mount Cavendish
Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews

Christchurch: Gondola Ride

9.Gondola Ride

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

Ride Christchurch Gondola to Mount Cavendish for Southern Alps views, summit walks, a family history ride, and a café stop.

“Awesome to see beautiful Christchurch under us as we went up to the Redrock cafe with normal prices to eat or drink, I might add the shop for souvenirs was so well priced I bought a few things to bring home....and I use a walker which I took with me to walk around without it being folded away and the beautiful staff stopped the Gondola for me to get on and off without rushing me in anyway, so if you are slow moving, a walker or have a stick go there as they look after everybody so well. Don’t miss out. Go and you will love it...my thanks to all…”

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Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch - Starting at the Canterbury Museum
Christchurch Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

10.Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $201

Visit Edoras on a full-day 4WD trip from Christchurch, with mountain views, LOTR stories, replica props, picnic lunch, and sparkling wine.

“I had an absolute blast on this tour with Nick. He is very knowledgeable about LotR and the Canterbury region, along with being a very considerate guide. Nick had a few props to play with (swords, axe, and Rohan flag) which made it even better. One thing to note is that the Edoras set has been demolished, so you will be visiting where the set was built. if you aren't a LotR fan and want to see some scenic views around Christchurch without having to drive, I still highly recommend this tour. There were a few stops made at different photogenic areas, and even the view from the vehicle was…”

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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch - Geraldine, the first useful break
Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

11.Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $155

See Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook, and Tasman Glacier on a guided 13-hour day trip from Christchurch.

“This is a great trip. It’s been on my bucket list to see glaciers before they melt, so this was awesome. Our guide, Anuj, was amazing. He was very kind, had plenty of snacks for us, and made sure everyone had a good time. The scenery is also incredible! Just be prepared for a long drive.”

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TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth - From Canterbury farmland to the Waimakariri River
Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, TranzAlpine & Scenic Rail

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour - Meeting your guide at Arthur’s Pass
Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences, TranzAlpine & Scenic Rail

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

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