Top Christchurch Outdoor Activities - page 4

Starting and ending in the “Garden City” of Christchurch, we show you the ultimate highlights of New Zealand’s stunning South Island over 7 action-packed days. From turquoise lakes to towering mountains and glaciers, the South Island’s scenery will blow your mind, and the nation’s adventure capital, Queenstown, has all the adrenalin activities on offer that you could possibly wish for. Activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre- booking any activities you especially want to do. As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation in Christchurch with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning. Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.

Available 01 October to 30 April. Seals, dolphins and whales - what more could you want in a three-day break! Head north from Christchurch to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Kaikoura township is bustling with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting is the wildlife. Your tour includes a magical swimming encounter with Dusky Dolphins, the world-famous Kaikoura Whale Watch tour and a half-day kayaking tour before heading home. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Active, adventurous travelers who don’t want to risk getting lost or having trouble at sea will enjoy this private sea kayaking tour from Christchurch. You’ll be met in the central city (or Lyttelton if you prefer) and driven to Lyttelton Harbour. Get fitted with kayaking gear, get a safety briefing, then head out to explore beautiful spots like Quail Island, sea caves, and more.

On this stunning journey to Packhorse Hut, we visit all four of the historic “rest houses” that were once part of a grand walking experience over the Port Hills. The hut is situated on a saddle above Lyttelton Harbour with unforgettable views of the Harbour and Banks Penninsula. This scenic drive and walking tour start in Christchurch by driving up the Port Hills following the historical track up Dyer’s Pass road before heading south along Summit Road to Gebbies Pass. Our walk starts and finishes at Gebbie’s pass, is approximately 11km (6.8 Mi) and takes most groups 3-4 hrs of walking to reach the hut and return to Gebbie’s Pass, including a lunch break at packhorse hut. On the return journey, we return to Gebbies Pass then follow the scenic coastal road back to Christchurch. This tour does not require minimum numbers to run. It is ideally suited to individuals, couples and small groups looking for a private and unique tour.

Godley Head is an exciting and wild place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the east coast of the South Island. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defenses, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides. This tour requires no minimum numbers to run. perfectly suited to individuals couples and small groups looking for a relaxing and exclusive tour.

This tour has been the #1 bucket list New Zealand adventure tour since 2005 and includes skydiving, bungy jumping, heli biking, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, jet boating, high ropes and cross country biking in the price! Also included are 10 nights of comfortable dbl/twin share ensuite accommodation in modern, centrally located 4* studio apartments, plus breakfast and lunch daily. We deliver seamless, professional and fun once in a lifetime tours for visitors to NZ and our trips have been carefully planned to visit fantastic off-the-beaten-track locations as well as the spectacular must-visit destinations for which the South Island is famous. Our guides are experienced and 100% dedicated to the needs of our clients who come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Our tours are typically made up from a mix of solo travellers, couples, and friends and we also frequently run this itinerary as a private option for small groups and families.

See the South Island by coach and railway on a semi-independent 5-day tour, traveling round-trip from Christchurch. Hear informative commentary on your sightseeing coach, gaze at the scenic Southern Alps while aboard the TranzAlpine train, and visit the World Heritage–listed Fiordland on a Milford Sound cruise with lunch. Overnight stays in Fox Glacier and Queenstown allow for plenty of free time to explore New Zealand’s magnificent glaciers and national parks.

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, including intricate river systems and fast-flowing rapids. This tour takes you on an amazing scenic flight over the Canterbury Plains before arriving at the Waimakariri Gorge for an adrenalin-packed Jet Boat ride. It’s the ultimate Kiwi experience. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including; Waimakariri Gorge and Claxby. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it. *Price includes Jet Boat adventure ride.

Take in amazing views from a unique vantage point with this scenic helicopter flight around the Christchurch area, lasting approximately one hour. See the beautiful Banks Peninsula, the charming French harbor town of Akaroa, and marvel at the city of Christchurch as it rebuilds from the 2011 earthquake. Your pilot will offer personal commentary on what you see, pointing out special landmarks.

Enjoy a private guided walking on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano within 30 minutes of Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New Zealand's most stunning coastlines with an experienced local guide.

Experience something new during your time in Christchurch with an opportunity to take control of a helicopter. Working with a qualified instructor, jump in and learn the basics of piloting, including take-off, landing, low flying and more. As well as enjoying the experience of flying, take the chance to marvel at the magnificent scenery of the Canterbury region.

Spend a day Sea Kayaking in Lyttleton Harbour. This tour includes transport from Lyttelton, lunch, kayaking gear and a local guide. This tour is suited to individuals, couples and small groups. Prior experience is not necessary. Explore Quail Island's and Lyttleton Harbour's shipwrecks, secret beaches, sea caves, and history with a local guide. What makes Lyttleton Harbour so interesting? Volcanic activity 45 million years ago formed Banks Peninsula and the two most significant eruptions formed Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. Now we have some of the most spectacular and dynamic harbours in New Zealand. Quail Island is the largest of three small islands in Lyttelton Harbour and rich in history. On this day trip, we explore Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island.

Akaroa is the jewel in Canterbury's crown, a gorgeous little French inspired sea-side village. Experience unique views of Canterbury from above, the landscape before you an extinct volcano making up Banks Peninsula. Lush forests and grassland run down the hillsides to the azure water of the endless bays. The spectacular rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean flows inland to Akaroa harbour. This is the home of Akaroa Craft Distillery, prepare for a journey to taste Akaroa on your Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin tour

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to Forest Creek through to the expansive Mackenzie Basin & down to the aquamarine glow of Lake Tekapo to touch down & soak in the spectacular vista. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable azure of Lake Pukaki & head up to the famous Aoraki, Mount Cook as the Tasman Glacier comes into full view. Fly towards the Murchison Glacier to the head of the Rangitata River Valley. Sour along Mount Arrowsmith & touch down at the top of the interweaving braids of Rakaia River. Settle in for a picnic served with unobstructed views, overlooking two of Canterbury's glaciers only accessible by helicopter. After lunch, follow the wandering braids of the stony river, past Lake Coleridge & into the blockbuster scenery of the Craigieburn Basin. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

Travelers short on time in Christchurch don’t have to miss out on one of North Canterbury’s finest attractions: whale watching at Kaikoura. Taking a helicopter flight from Christchurch makes it easy to spot sperm whales in the ocean without having to spend hours sitting in a car. Also look out for dolphins and seals, which are also abundant in the area.

Arthur’s pass – A National Park located deep in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. You will be traveling on the Great Alpine Highway through the ever-changing remarkable landscapes. This tour highlights an example of great engineering, spectacular waterfalls, and famous filming locations. While on this tour with us you will see a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest and ice-fed lakes and rivers! There are plenty of stops along the route, so we won’t be spending all day in the van although it is pretty comfy. Grab an action thrilled tour while stopping at those must-see Instagram worthy spots too along the way! This package includes a 25-minute jet boat ride with the Team at Alpine Jet Thrills. “Jetboat Experience… more than a ride! Jump aboard Alpine Jet Thrills and discover the holy grail of jet boating rivers where much of the development of kiwi inventor Bill Hamilton's jet boat happened

On this stunning journey to Packhorse Hut, we visit all four of the historic “rest houses” that were once part of a grand walking experience over the Port Hills. The hut is situated on a saddle above Lyttelton Harbour with unforgettable views of the Harbour and Banks Penninsula. This scenic drive and walking tour start in Christchurch by driving up the Port Hills following the historical track up Dyer’s Pass road before heading south along Summit Road to Gebbies Pass. Our walk starts and finishes at Gebbie’s pass, is approximately 11km (6.8 Mi) and takes most groups 3-4 hrs of walking to reach the hut and return to Gebbie’s Pass. The track follows a gravel road before heading into pine forests. After 45mins we break out of the trees into open tussock grasslands. Reaching Packhorse Hut, you will time to explore the area while your guide prepares lunch. On the return journey, we return to Gebbies Pass then follow the scenic coastal road back to Christchurch.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status “A symbolic cloak of protection”. Your guide will show you around, if you like you can have a go at bouldering and test your climbing skills, or use your time here to explore the endless maze of boulders. We stop here for lunch at Castle Hill. Afternoon - Cave Stream It will take us approximately 45 minutes to make our way through the 594 meters of the limestone cave. Our route follows the crystal-clear water through the winding chambers and small waterfalls. Not interested in caving? No problem; you're welcome to explore the paths and trails in the area or sit and relax with some afternoon tea in this very peaceful landscape instead of going through the cave.

This is a small group tour specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Starting and finishing at Lyttleton, this excursion is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around both Lyttleton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. Learn about fascinating local history and come to understand how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. There are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. For those more active, a few bush and coastal walks are available along the way. A day trip that can be busy and active or laid back and relaxing. A trip to Akaroa from Lyttleton fits nicely into the cruise ship schedule.

We strive to give you the best experience for the best price. All out tours are run with small groups to provide a more intimate adventure. Really it just feels like a road trip with a group of mates. Except on this road trip, you get an experienced guide and don’t have to worry about organizing a thing. We are all about our customers. With this tour, you will see more, do more, spend less.

Named after the famous explorer and navigator, Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest peak. Surrounded by glaciers, this alpine environment is truly spectacular. Once there, transfer to either a ski plane or local helicopter service and land upon the Tasman Glacier. Then enjoy a scenic flight back to Christchurch over dramatic mountain ranges and extensive farmland. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including the Central Plains Water Scheme, Lily Bank Station and the Tasman Glacier. We have plenty to share with you and can't wait for you to experience it. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

See a couple of the most impressive sights around Christchurch with this full day tour. First visit Castle Hill and admire its amazing rock formations, as well as seeing where key scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed. Then head on to the dramatic mountain pass over the Southern Alps: Arthur’s Pass. Here you can enjoy a short trek, giving you a taste of the New Zealand outdoors.

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.