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Things to do in Christchurch

29 experiences — hand-picked & rephrased

Top 25 things to do in Christchurch

  1. Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine, Christchurch01

    1. Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

    5.0· 32 reviews12 hoursFrom₹32,841/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef on one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys, combining the legendary TranzAlpine train with a fully guided West Coast road trip. Glide through the Southern Alps by rail before meeting your Cheeky Kiwi guide and heading deep into glacier country. From turquoise gorges and wild black-sand beaches to rainforest-fringed lakes, this day is packed with bucket-list scenery. Small groups, passionate guides, and unforgettable landscapes, this is the West Coast done right.

  2. TranzAlpine Train & Small Group Tour to Arthurs Pass with Lunch, Christchurch02

    2. TranzAlpine Train & Small Group Tour to Arthurs Pass with Lunch

    5.0· 14 reviews12 hoursFrom₹20,879/ person
    Free cancellation

    Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass (May–September) or Greymouth (October–April), where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter. Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history. - Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey - Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing - Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes

  3. 11 Day Takahe Christchurch to Christchurch Tour, Christchurch03

    3. 11 Day Takahe Christchurch to Christchurch Tour

    5.0· 14 reviews11 daysFrom₹2,72,900/ person
    Instant confirmation

    Thinking about an 11-day South Island loop from Christchurch? Named after the Takahē, a treasured national bird with vibrant blue-green plumage, once thought to be extinct. This tour offers you unparalleled flexibility, you can start in Christchurch, Picton or Wellington! Our expert guides will take you around the South Island’s highlights and hidden gems in style. Kick off with Abel Tasman's golden beaches and Coastal Track hikes, kayaking turquoise coves. Marvel at Punakaiki's Pancake Rock, then trek Franz Josef's glacier face. Snap the iconic Wānaka tree, then play in our adventure capital, Queenstown, hikes, Fergburgers and nightlife buzz! Cruise past Milford Sound's jaw dropping waterfall, trek the famous Kepler track, then stargaze beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook. Finish off your epic journey with a soak in Tekapo's hot pools and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. All from the comfort of 3-4 star hotels! Hop on the Takahe Select Tour. Which stop is calling your name?

  4. Sheep Farm Day Trip from Christchurch + Lunch and Winery visit., Christchurch04

    4. Sheep Farm Day Trip from Christchurch + Lunch and Winery visit.

    5.0· 63 reviews7 hoursFrom₹20,053/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Step behind the scenes of real New Zealand farming on a 6-hour guided tour from Christchurch to spectacular Glenafric, a genuine working sheep farm supporting three generations of the Hoban family, overlooking the South Pacific Ocean. With exclusive access, you’ll hand-feed sheep, watch farmer James in action as he shears their sheep, see skilled sheepdogs at work, and explore the woolshed and vintage tractor museum, followed by a tour of the farm via a unique tractor and trailer ride! Then, unwind with a gourmet picnic lunch featuring local produce at Louises' lookout, followed by a Waipara Valley wine tasting and a touch of city sightseeing before returning to your Christchurch accommodation. Ideal for Lyttelton/Christchurch cruise passengers. Our “Peace of Mind” guarantee: All trips are designed to meet Cruise ship's port arrival and departure times. Any reason you are not returned to your ship prior to it departing - we GUARANTEE to get you to the ship's next port of call.

  5. Discover Christchurch Tour, Christchurch05

    5. Discover Christchurch Tour

    5.0· 140 reviews6 hoursFrom₹23,192/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This is a wonderful way to see Christchurch City. We showcase the best of the city to you and include some of the best local attractions. We enjoy a fabulous lunch together (food included, drinks additional) in a beautiful atmospheric restaurant in Central Christchurch, punting, gondola and the Christchurch Tramways this is a day out not to be missed. Excellent local guides, small group tour so you will be very well looked after throughout the day. We only take 8 guests on the tour so make it feel just that little bit more exclusive. This is an exclusive Christchurch tour not to be missed

  6. Māori Waka Experience in Christchurch - 75 minutes, Christchurch06

    6. Māori Waka Experience in Christchurch - 75 minutes

    5.0· 20 reviews1.3 hoursFrom₹5,754/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell out

    Waka on Avon delivers a must-do cultural experience in Christchurch. This guided waka journey places you at the heart of Maori tradition as you paddle a handcrafted waka along the Otakaro (Avon) River. Led by expert kaiarahi (guides), you will learn authentic techniques, hear korero (stories) about the river’s significance, and listen to captivating tales of the Ngai Tahu iwi and the early European settlers who shaped the region. This is far more than a paddle, it is an immersive encounter with Māori heritage, delivered in an intimate setting that ensures genuine engagement. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it stands out as one of the most memorable and culturally rich experiences in Christchurch.

  7. Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Christchurch07

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

    4.8· 372 reviews13 hoursFrom₹14,531/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious lunch at the Hermitage Hotel (POA) located in Mt. Cook National Park and enjoy a scenic walk to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the turquoise coloured lakes of glacial melt and snow capped mountains.

  8. TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Christchurch08

    8. TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

    4.8· 473 reviews10 hoursFrom₹22,669/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests and stunning landscapes. Explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers & adventure seekers.

  9. Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included), Christchurch09

    9. Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)

    4.8· 212 reviews13 hoursFrom₹17,380/ person
    Free cancellation

    Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier as key highlights. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Highlights: Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepard Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

  10. Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Christchurch10

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

    4.8· 376 reviews9 hoursFrom₹18,891/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your guide and soak up breathtaking views from the peak of Edoras. Look over exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs of Edoras under construction. Pose for photographs with movie replicas such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with a glass of New Zealand sparkling wine. See for yourself how this tranquil mountainside was transformed into mysterious Edoras — the capital city of the Rohan people.

  11. Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating, Christchurch11

    11. Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating

    4.7· 38 reviews6.5 hoursFrom₹14,241/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell out

    Enjoy a city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild currently taking place but also the remaining historic landmarks and the existing beauty of this picturesque city. Then enjoy A rare opportunity to Jet Boat on the Waimakariri River, a fast flowing shallow braided river where you will experience jet boating at its very best.

  12. Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo, Christchurch12

    12. Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

    4.7· 94 reviews14 hoursFrom₹23,192/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown and includes a picnic lunch. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Highlights: Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepard Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki Lindis Pass, Kawarau Gorge While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

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The activities ranked above are sorted by traveller rating and review count — start with the top 3 if you're short on time. Christchurch is strongest on heritage walks, food tours and outdoor day trips; the listicle covers all three categories. Most experiences are 3–6 hours and can be combined with a morning visit to a landmark.

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