Top 18 things to do in Canterbury
Sorted by traveller rating
011. Arataki Conservation - our Journey to Protect our Whenua (land)
1.5 hoursFrom₹2,335/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationExperience the mahi on a one hour guided tour and learn about efforts to restore the land to its pre-European tunga (situation). Experience a one-hour interactive guided tour of the of the property from April to November. Your experienced guide has been sharing the stories of Aotearoa with people from around the globe for many years. At the end of the tour you are welcome to stay on and soak in the sounds, silence and sensations of our place. The opportunity to purchase our lavender products is available, as is the chance to enjoy our famous bush coffee/tea and a "kiwi as" snack. Facilities include an outdoor composting toilet. The income from our farm tours goes directly back into our conservation and regeneration programme. Booking is essential, no walk-ins. Contact us for a group tour bookings or for tours outside advertised hours. The road is not suitable for camper-vans, please phone us to discuss alternative arrangements.
022. Akaroa Lavender Seasonal Guided Tour Experience
1.5 hoursFrom₹1,868/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationExperience a seasonal one-hour guided tour of the lavender fields from late November to mid-February. The story of our lavender farm is shared as you walk amongst 5,000 plus lavender plants. The opportunity to purchase lavender products is available, as is the chance to try our famous Lavenade. At the end of the tour, you are free to wander through the lavender fields and on a short track to a picnic area amongst the forest. Facilities include an outdoor composting toilet. The income from our farm tours goes directly back into our conservation and regeneration programme. Booking is essential, no walk-ins. Contact us for a group tour bookings or for tours outside advertised hours.
033. Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour
5.0· 27 reviews1 hoursFrom₹77,333/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell outExperience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the underwater Kaikōura Canyon, a marine hotspot rich with wildlife due to nutrient-filled upwellings. Spot a variety of whales, including Humpback whales, Blue whales, Southern Right whales, and the resident Sperm whales—the largest toothed whale in the world. Along the way, watch for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals along the coastline. The experience concludes with a breathtaking alpine landing atop the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, where you'll enjoy panoramic mountain and ocean views. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, this Kaikōura helicopter tour offers the ultimate New Zealand nature experience.
044. Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura
5.0· 8 reviews3 hoursFrom₹20,428/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationAn intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you and your group around the rugged coastline encountering seals, penguins and seabirds with the jaw-dropping mountains as a backdrop. With expert local commentary along the way on indigenous local history, post colonial sealing and whaling and everything in between This immersive experience can be tailored to suit any traveller. Whether your special private tour is for a honeymooning couple, avid wildlife group or just a special family adventure, the team at Seal Kayak Kaikoura will make sure you create memories that last a lifetime
055. Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure
5.0· 8 reviews2 hoursFrom₹91,924/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell outEmbark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species. The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore. Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
066. Merino Farm Experience
5.0· 7 reviews1.5 hoursFrom₹5,545/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationOur Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on the property since 1884. See the sheep and sometimes our cattle roaming the fields. Visit our woolshed and learn more about how we shear our sheep, Touch the super fine wool and see what the product gets made into. Travel to the top of the farm for panoramic views of the southern alps and rivers. Visit our house gardens, both Flowers and vegetables. Meet our working dogs and pet sheep. Feed our friendly sheep, touch their wool and grab a selfie! Private tours can be arranged by request.
077. CRUISE SHIP DAY LYTTELTON Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours to Waipara
5.0· 3 reviews5 hoursFrom₹7,558/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationHop On Hop Off Wine Tours have come to Christchurch - Wiapara. Welcome aboard the Hop On Hop Off Wine, Beer, Food & Wonders Tours in North Canterbury! We're thrilled to introduce you to a personalized touring experience like no other. With our diverse selection of over 20 venues, you have the freedom to craft your ideal itinerary, tailored to your interests and schedule. Explore the scenic wineries, indulge in the finest local brews at breweries, and uncover the wonders of Wairapa your own pace. Our flexible timetable allows you to choose where you want to go and how long you'd like to stay at each stop, ensuring a truly bespoke adventure. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply curious about the city's attractions, there's something here for everyone. Join us on board and create memories as you explore North Canterbury your way with Hop On Hop Off Tours.
088. Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails
5.0· 2 reviews2.5 hoursFrom₹4,58,162/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationPRIVATE TOUR – Price is for up to 5 passengers, not per person. This exclusive helicopter experience is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, developed in collaboration with a local Marine Mammal Biologist from the Kaikōura Marine Mammal Foundation. You'll journey over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where whales reside close to the Kaikōura coast. Throughout the flight, your onboard marine biologist will share expert insights into the region’s marine life and ecosystem, offering a deeply educational and engaging experience. Next, we land to pick up a fresh crayfish lunch from the famous Karaka Lobster Café, which you'll enjoy at a remote mountain location with panoramic views of the ocean and the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. To conclude the tour, your pilot will guide you over dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake, highlighting fault lines, diverted rivers, and massive landslides—bringing both natural beauty and geological history to life.
099. Christchurch Alpaca Farm Tour From Kaiapoi
5.0· 2 reviews1 hoursFrom₹2,335/ personFree cancellationInstant confirmationCheck out the interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies when they're around. The owner shares entertaining stories and answers all your questions, making it a fun and informative experience. After the tour, check out the fibre shed, trophy room, and shop, or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and hang out with the alpacas again. Perfect for family outings and a hit with air crew. - One-hour interactive tour with alpacas, perfect for all ages - Feed, cuddle, and hold baby alpacas (seasonal) - Enjoy informative commentary from the owner - Explore the fibre shed, trophy room, and lovely gardens after the tour
1010. Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure
5.0· 2 reviews7.5 hoursFrom₹71,771/ personFree cancellationOn your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New Zealands most beautiful road. Then the fun begins, trekking along the Hooker Valley Track at the base of Mount Cook, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, swing bridges and the flowing Hooker River. Hopefully you spot the native Kea bird too! Relax and enjoy the sights on your way back to Timaru, stopping at Lake Tekapo for the last look at the Southern Alps. Finish your day with a legendary Fairlie Bakehouse pie, fueling you up for a day in the mountains.
1111. Ridgeway Disk Golf Robot Shooting Axe Throw
5.0· 2 reviews4 hoursFrom₹87,547/ personRidgeway Play isn’t just another activity spot; it’s an interactive playground for all ages, combining fun, competition, and outdoor adventure in a stunning rural setting. Unleash Your Inner Warrior – Try your hand at axe throwing, robot target shooting, and disc golf, all in one place! Whether you're a first-timer or a pro, our experiences are designed for thrills, laughs, and friendly competition. Perfect for Groups & Events – From team-building retreats to birthday bashes, stag/hen parties, and family getaways, Ridgeway Play is fully customizable to make your event truly special. Ready to Play? – Book now and experience epic fun in the great outdoors at Ridgeway Play!
1212. Arthurs Pass and Southern Alps Day Excursion from Port Lyttelton or Christchurch
5.0· 1 reviews7 hoursFrom₹97,515/ personFree cancellationThis day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and into the Southern Alps. Mountain lakes and wide braided rivers pass through ancient glacial valleys. After about 2.5 hours we reach Arthurs Pass National Park and its beech forests. We drive to the top of the pass and divide looking over into the rainforests of the West Coast, then stop in AP village here for lunch.Time permitting we have a quick tour of Christchurch on the return trip and a short stroll at Castle Hill.
