Top Christchurch Eco Tours

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.

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.

View the highlights of Christchurch on a 3-hour city sightseeing tour that introduces you to the architecture, gardens and waterways of ‘The Garden City.’ You’ll drive past significant landmarks in the city center; meander around ponds and perennial gardens at Mona Vale Gardens; visit the seaside enclave of Sumner; and marvel at the vista over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps from the ‘Sign of the Takahe.’ Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and upgrade to include the International Antarctic Center with an optional Hagglund vehicle ride.

Explore the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on this Arthur’s Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield with your guide. Hop aboard your TranzAlpine train and journey through the Waimakariri Gorge. Explore the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass in the Otira Gorge and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Visit a sheep farm, and admire native birdlife in the foothills of the Southern Alps.

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.

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.

Travel to Kaikoura from Christchurch on a small-group full-day tour that includes a whale-watching cruise. Look for whales, dolphins, and other wildlife during the whale-watching cruise, and get great views of the Kaikoura Range and Pacific Ocean. You’ll also stop for a cafe lunch, visit a Waipara winery (if time allows), and go to viewpoints where you can spot New Zealand fur seals.

Hiking fans will love spending a day exploring Banks Peninsula with the convenience of having a guide to navigate. You won’t have to bring heavy equipment with you as a backpack, walking poles, and bottled water are included. Access scenic photo opportunities that you wouldn’t find alone, and hear about the area’s history. Highlights include visiting Crater Rim, seeing views of Pegasus Bay, and a picnic lunch with lovely views.

Wander the charming village of Akaroa, and opt for either a harbor cruise or dolphin swim on this small-group tour from Christchurch. Start with a scenic drive through the magnificent Banks Peninsula where you’re treated to summit views of Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps. Sample locally made cheeses at a cheese factory, explore Akoroa and enjoy a cafe lunch before a nature cruise or dolphin swim alongside Hector's dolphins. Numbers are limited to eight people for a personalized experience.

Embark on an expedition across New Zealand's South Island, commencing from the historic Christchurch Railway Station. Prepare for an unforgettable day of exploration aboard the renowned TranzAlpine Railway, renowned as one of the world's most scenic train journeys. Highlights: Panoramic Train Journey: Departing from Christchurch, indulge in sweeping vistas of Canterbury's plains and distant peaks. Otira Viaduct Lookout: Witness the Otira Viaduct, an engineering marvel spanning the rugged Otira Gorge, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall: Guided hike to witness the majestic Devil's Punchbowl waterfall, where crystal-clear waters cascade down sheer rock faces. Visitor Centre Exploration: Dive into the fascinating history and natural wonders of Arthur's Pass at the visitor center, uncovering insights into the region's flora, fauna, and Maori legends. Kea Encounter: Keep a lookout for the playful kea, the world's sole alpine parrot.