Day Trips and Tours from Christchurch

New Zealand’s southern island is revered for its imposing Southern Alps and fruitful coastal waters. Christchurch is an excellent base from where you can take a variety of day trips, feeding your hunger for adventure and sightseeing equally.

From speed boat rides to wine tastings, you can have it all with convenient day tours from Christchurch. Go whale watching or hiking, relax in thermal pools or risk it all with a death-defying bungee jump.

The distances are short and you can easily visit several locations on one tour, so maximize your sightseeing opportunities with some of these comprehensive day trips from Christchurch.

Akaroa

The lovely town of Akaroa is only a short drive from Christchurch, making it the perfect day-trip escape. Wander around the colonial town and take a boat trip to see or swim with the highly endangered Hector’s Dolphins that live in the bay.

After watching dolphins, penguins and seals, you can enjoy a delectable cheese tasting. Along the way, you will stop at some of the most scenic viewpoints in the country and see all the way to the Southern Alps.

Mount Cook

Standing at 3,724 meters, Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand and it is a must-see when visiting the south island. Venture into Mount Cook Nature Reserve for hours of free time to hike some of the stunning nature trails in the park.

Its snowy peak is a beacon of beauty and can be seen from miles away, but a close-up view remains the ultimate attraction.

Arthur's Pass National Park

The Southern Alps in New Zealand is a treasured location where nature has been left to dominate without human interference. A visit to Arthur’s Pass National Park is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this natural wonder.

Explore the myriad of hiking trails or focus on the journey with a scenic train ride to the park. It is a bona fide adventure playground with unlimited beauty and adventure opportunities.

Lord of the Rings Tours

Journey into Middle Earth with an imagination-fueled tour of the Lord of the Rings filming locations in the Southern Alps. See where the land of Edoras, the kingdom of the Rohan, came to life, where the Rangita River valley spreads out to the edge of sight.

Reach the remote location with a 4x4 adventure or on a cart drawn by Clydesdales for an unforgettable experience.

TranzAlpine Train

Embark on one of the greatest train journeys in the world as you wind your way into Arthur’s National Park past lush valleys and the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps.

The TranzAlpine train chugs across the Canterbury Plains and makes its way into the Waimakariri Gorge, showcasing some of the most spectacular views in New Zealand.

Lake Tekapo

A day tour to Lake Tekapo takes you into the heart of the south island. You will take a scenic ride and visit Lake Tekapo to see the spectacular milky turquoise water of the glacier-fed lake.

Along the way, you will make several stops in charming towns and at panoramic viewpoints and even get to enjoy a nature walk to Tasman Glacier.

Waipara

New Zealand has garnered a fierce reputation for being one of the leading wine destinations in the world. Waipara is an up-and-coming wine region in the country that has been delivering superior wines, putting them on the world wine map.

Take a day trip to Waipara to visit several vineyards on this iconic wine route and enjoy a safe and hassle-free way to experience the wines of New Zealand.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura has gone from a whaling town to a whale-watching haven in the last century and this is one of the best whale-watching locations in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sperm, humpback and blue whales thrive in the nutrient-rich water of New Zealand’s east coast and you can see these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat. There are also dolphins, seals and several species of sea-birds that live in the area.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a small city that packs a punch. On a day trip from Christchurch, you can explore a myriad of adrenaline-fueled activities or dive deep into the natural settings around the city.

The adventure capital of the world brings you opportunities for skydiving, jet boating, hiking, bungee jumping and much more. In each direction, you will be flooded with beauty, from Milford Sounds to the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.

Banks Peninsula

A quick day trip from Christchurch takes you to the volcanic Banks Peninsula. The rocky peaks dish up some of the most spectacular views across the Pacific. A day tour to the Bank Peninsula brings you close to nature and encourages visitors to unwind and unplug.

Walk on the rim of a mammoth crater or take a scenic helicopter ride across the imposing mountains to experience the unbeatable views on offer.

Tasman Glacier

The Tasman Glacier is the largest in New Zealand and covers the dramatic peaks of Mount Cook. Visit this icy giant in Aoraki National Park and stand in awe of its sheer magnitude.

The glacier covers 101 square kilometers and it is easily one of the most beautiful destinations to see on a day trip from Christchurch. Along the way, you can even visit icons like Lake Tekapo or you can swing by the glacier on your way to Queenstown.

Hanmer Springs

A full day of fun and excitement awaits you at Hamner Springs. On a day tour from Christchurch, you can experience a thrilling jet-boat ride through Waiau Gorge and soak away your aches and pains in the volcano-heated thermal pools of Hamner Springs.

The picture-perfect resort town is tucked away in the mountains, the perfect setting for a rejuvenating day out. In contrast to that, you will also race through the water and white-water rapids of Thrillseekers Canyon with your jet boat doing 360-degree turns and skimming over the braided shallows.

Canterbury Winery

Take luxury to new heights with a helicopter ride to prestigious wineries in the Canterbury valley. Sip and savor the tastes of the finest New Zealand wines while soaking in the spectacular scenery from a unique vantage point.

Fly between farms for top-tier tastings and enjoy lunch in the sophisticated setting of one of the farms.

Waimak Gorge

Soak in the spectacular scenery of Waimak Gorge in the most thrilling way. Hop on a jet boat and set off on the Waimakariri River for an adventure like no other. With verdant mountains rising on either side of the gleaming river, your shrieks of excitement will echo through the gorge.

A 30-minute thrill ride will get your blood pumping, while a 1-hour canyon safari will show you the best of both worlds, with a scenic ride and some adrenaline-fueled moments in between.