Tours and Trips in Christchurch

Travel by TranzAlpine railway to Arthur's Pass National Park, riding across the Canterbury Plains, then winding through Waimakariri Gorge and into the heart of the Southern Alps on this day trip from Christchurch. An informative guide takes you on a minivan tour of Arthur's Pass, including short rainforest walks past rivers to mountain vistas at Castle Hill. Enjoy a hotel lunch and light refreshments before the return trip via Waimak Gorge. Small-group tour is limited to eight participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Relax on a romantic 30-minute punt (flat-bottomed boat) ride along the Avon River in Christchurch. Float past willows lining the riverbanks as a punter, dressed in traditional costume, uses a long pole to propel you and your companions across the water while providing informative commentary. You'll row past the city center and Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which you can opt to tour by electric shuttle. Other upgrades include a Christchurch Gondola ride to the Crater Rim and/or a Christchurch Tram hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of downtown.

Getting to Aoraki/Mount Cook from Christchurch is half the fun on this private day trip. Get a look at New Zealand's tallest mountain and dig into a delicious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel. Then take a walk in Mt. Cook National Park or stroll the village during free time. En route, admire gorgeous views from Lake Pukaki and make a stop at the alpine waters of Lake Tekapo.

The only place to see NZ's Big 5 wildlife (kea, kaka, takahe, tuatara and kiwi ) all in one location!  Including a 45 minute guided tour to meet the kea and guaranteed kiwi viewing!Get 'up close and personal' with over 50 different wildlife species!

We are a locally owned, specialised boutique tour company operated by Vicky Eastwood - your experienced & passionate New Zealand tour guide.Vicky's tours are uniquely designed to entice you to explore areas such as Christchurch, Sumner, Lyttleton, Akaroa available as half or full day tours.Mix and match a range of activities in and around the Christchurch city area.

Book advance tickets to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for guaranteed kiwi sightings and up-close access to native New Zealand species. Booking Willowbank Wildlife Reserve tickets online combines the convenience of advance planning with the flexibility to arrive at any time of day, making it easy to fit this wildlife experience into a full day of travel or sightseeing.

We are a locally owned, specialised boutique tour company operated by Vicky Eastwood - your experienced & passionate New Zealand tour guide.Vicky's tours are uniquely designed to entice you to explore areas such as Christchurch, Sumner, Lyttleton, Akaroa available as half or full day tours.Mix and match a range of activities in and around the Christchurch city area.

We are a locally owned, specialised boutique tour company operated by Vicky Eastwood - your experienced & passionate New Zealand tour guide.Vicky's tours are uniquely designed to entice you to explore areas such as Christchurch, Sumner, Lyttleton, Akaroa available as half or full day tours.Mix and match a range of activities in and around the Christchurch city area. We can discuss options along the way we can personalise the tours as we go.

Relax during a one-way coach tour from Mount Cook to Christchurch, enjoying scenic views of New Zealand's South Island. Leave the driving up to an expert guide who narrates the landscape, from the shores of Lake Pukaki to the Canterbury Plains and Otago farmland. You'll make a photo stop at Lake Tekapo before ending your 4.5-hour tour at Christchurch the garden city.

In the afternoon, depart Mount Cook Village on a one-way narrated tour to Wanaka by luxury coach. The 3.5-hour journey follows a scenic route along Aoraki/Mount Cook's Lake Pukaki and through the Mackenzie Basin and Omarama before arriving in the rural township of Tarras, where a shuttle transfers you to your final destination on the shores of Lake Wanaka.

Fly over Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula on a 20-minute helicopter tour that takes in city sights. From an aerial view, you'll appreciate the scale of Christchurch's devastation and recovery following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Soar above the ruins of ChristChurch Cathedral and see the new sports stadium while the pilot comments on rebuilding efforts. See the suburbs of Sumner and Redcliffe, and view the port of Lyttelton.

Swap Queenstown for Aoraki/Mt Cook on a one-way coach tour through the spectacular South Island countryside. The 4.5-hour journey north passes lush farmland and follows the winding Kawarau Gorge to Central Otago then over Lindis Pass and into the Mackenzie Basin. You'll skirt the shores of Lake Pukaki where you can set eyes upon Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain. Opt for a three-course lunch at the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village before hotel drop-off.

Surround yourself with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, on this day trip from Christchurch. Travel by coach past the foothills of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and the MacKenzie Basin; stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukari; and enjoy views of Tasman Glacier. Enjoy lunch at the Hermitage Hotel in UNESCO-listed Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park. Includes round-trip hotel transport by coach with morning and afternoon tea.

Enjoy a 4-course dinner aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and travel in heritage style through the city center, round-trip from Cathedral Junction. Relax and enjoy views of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Avon River from your window-side table. The 2.5-hour journey in this elegant restaurant on wheels includes a welcome drink upon arrival, with tea and coffee to accompany your gourmet meal, served by professional waitstaff.

Get a narrated tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens by electric-powered caterpillar shuttle. The ride makes frequent stops where you can disembark to explore the lovely landscapes and extensive plant collection. Combine your experience with a hop-on hop-off tour aboard the Christchurch Tram, a restored heritage vehicle that travels between 17 stops. Other optional upgrades include a punt cruise on the Avon River, a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, or a combination of all four tours.

Journey by luxury coach, departing Aoraki/Mount Cook on a one-way tour to Queenstown. You'll be mesmerized by the vivid landscapes of New Zealand's Southern Alps during the 4-hour drive south, which takes you alongside Lake Pukaki, through Mackenzie Basin and over Lindis Pass into Central Otago. Stop for a tea break in Omarama before continuing on through the Kawarau Gorge and past verdant farmland into Queenstown. Hotel drop-off included.

Enjoy seeing a variety of birds and animals during a guided tour of the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, followed by an entertaining evening with the Ko Tane Maori cultural performance plus a buffet dinner. You'll enjoy two popular attractions, including a traditional 4-course 'hangi' meal followed by a short city tour of Christchurch at night. Round-trip hotel transport is included.

Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train. Choose between three different segments of the TranzAlpine Train route, then enjoy views of native beech forest, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage or open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available on headphones at every seat.

Take a jet-boat ride on the Waimakariri River, locally known as 'The Waimak,' with round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch. Select whichever duration best suits your schedule: enjoy a 30-minute braided Blast on the Lower Waimak, a 30-minute Adventure tour through Waimakariri Gorge or a 1-hour Canyon Safari adventure full of thrills and spills - suitable for the whole family.

A Milford Sound scenic flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown completes this full-day tour by land, sea and sky. Before your 1-hour and 45-minute cruise, travel by coach to the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, stopping at the Mirror Lakes. You'll see the world-famous fiord, including Mitre Peak, and other natural glories from the water, then get a bird's-eye view from the air that will take your breath away.