Top Christchurch Cultural Tours

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.

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.

Travel the full circuit aboard the Christchurch Tramway, which departs regularly. Use your ticket to hop on and hop off at 17 stops and create your own sightseeing itinerary. Drivers provide live commentary on the landmarks of this South Island city. Bonus: children up to age 15 travel free.

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

Get out of Christchurch for the day and explore some of the most majestic landscapes in the South Island on an easy small-group day tour. Leaving Christchurch early in the morning, you’ll head to the mountains. Stop to enjoy the views at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and take short walks on the Hooker Track and the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand’s longest). See and do a lot on a full-day tour.

The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

First-time visitors to Christchurch will enjoy a fun half-day overview tour of the city with a small group of travelers. See many of the central city’s highlights, including riding the scenic tramways, punting on the River Avon, and riding the gondola for sweeping views. Learn more about Christchurch than you would touring independently.

Take an aerial journey on the Christchurch Gondola to the Port Hills crater rim and Mt Cavendish summit. At the summit complex — revamped since the 2011 earthquake — you’re rewarded with views of the cityscape, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Upgrade for admission to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens including a caterpillar bus tour, or go punting by flat-bottomed boat on the Avon River.

Make the most of a travel day between Christchurch and Queenstown by taking an action-packed tour through the Southern Alps. Instead of just catching an uninteresting long-distance bus, take a guided tour via Mt. Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the scenic Mackenzie Country. Admire the views along the way and make plenty of stops. The tour ends in Queenstown.

Make the most of a travel day and let someone else do the driving so you can admire the views. This transfer-come-tour will get you from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Mount Cook. Instead of just sitting in a bus all day, get out and explore Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and other points of interest along the way.

Catering exclusively for cruise ship passengers, this half-day all-inclusive coach tour of Christchurch fits in more than most visitors can see or do in a weekend on their own. Combine a visit to the renowned International Antarctic Centre with a narrated, air-conditioned excursion around several of the Garden City’s most historic and picturesque sites, plus learn about the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes as you travel.

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.

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked in Lyttelton, this tour takes you to some of the North Canterbury region’s best vineyards. Depart the port and head to Waipara Valley, famous for its dry climate and rick soils. Then visit 3 different wineries, sampling a variety of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more. A delicious lunch is also included at Waipara Springs Winery.

Green Kiwi Tours offer private tours for those who would like a small group experience and the tour tailored to specific interests. This tour is most popular as a 2-hour tour, but can be adjusted to suit your needs. Learn about the history and culture of Christchurch from a local, passionate guide. Your local tour guide will point out popular places to eat and drink as well as local street art, gap fillers and things you may not notice on your own. It is best to contact us via email or our website to enquire about private tours, as we can offer a variety of times and days depending how far in advance you book. We also require a minimum number of people to confirm your booking. We look forward to hearing from you and organising your very own customized private tour.

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 wine tasting at a local Canterbury vineyard, where you can sip various vintages. Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels is included.

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.

Amiki offer inner city walking tours that share the local culture in a unique way with international and local visitors. The tours weave through laneways, gardens and hidden squares, past historic buildings and land marks revealing gems hidden in plain sight. Amiki share an often-forgotten Māori and European whakapapa (history) and perspective of Ōtautahi (Christchurch). As keen foodies Amiki have combined their passions for storytelling, with the region’s rich kai (food) and inu (drink) offerings, connecting guests to local unique people and places.

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

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. This 10 day South Island tour is the ultimate South Island roadie visiting Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo and back across to Christchurch via the famous Arthur’s Pass.

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.

'The Christchurch Story' Tour by Green Kiwi Tours is a historic & nature based tour and is perfect for getting a comprehensive overview of Christchurch. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city before taking a waka/canoe or punt down the Avon River. For lunch your guide will recommend the perfect spot before heading to the hills for a walk with a stunning panoramic view of the area. By using our comfortable van, we can cover more of the wider Christchurch area. Alternatively you can customise your day with whatever attractions or sights you may wish to see. We provide Christchurch day trips for those arriving in Lyttleton or Akaroa from cruise ships looking for shore excursions. Join your local tour guide born and raised in Christchurch and support a small local family business.