The 11 Best Boat Trips in Christchurch

1.Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 20 reviews · from $123Our pick

Tour Christchurch from Lyttelton, see sheep dogs and shearing at a working farm, enjoy tea, and take in Southern Alps views.

“Wonderful, fulfilling tour of countryside, sheep farm experience, and Christchurch city tour. The tour guide was a great driver but should not be assigned guiding duties. Unable to hear his diminutive voice and he was unable to exude a sense of wonder that we expect from Viator Tour Guides.”

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2.Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · from $145

Ride the Waiau Gorge jet boat, soak in Hanmer Springs thermal pools, enjoy lunch, and return to Christchurch by private vehicle.

“Jetboating was fun, but I would have loved to bungi jump - not sure if that was also an option.”

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3.Blokart Land-sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10 reviews · 1 hour · from $41Best value

Race the Canterbury winds in a safe, easy-to-learn blokart on Christchurch’s only Southern Hemisphere rental track.

“My mom and I had a great experience doing land-sailing here in Christchurch. While it wasn't my 1st time (I did it in Bonaire earlier this year) it was my mom's and we botg had a blast! Ian and his team were amazing and it is a MUST do activity if you're in the area. Thank you all for a good time!”

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4.Akaroa Day Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10 reviews · 1 day · from $113

Review of Christchurch to Akaroa day tour, with coastal views, French heritage, cheese tasting, and an optional Hector’s dolphin cruise.

“The harbour cruise was the highlight of the tour.”

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5.Arthur’s Pass Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat & TranzAlpine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $375Top rated

Review of Christchurch’s Arthur’s Pass tour with jet boat thrills, alpine stops, Devil’s Punchbowl, and the TranzAlpine train return.

“I won't comment too much on Arthur's Pass itself - if you've researched anything on Christchurch you will know that it's an essential place to visit. Instead I will comment on specifically the tour guide for this tour, which was fantastic. Joseph, Read more”

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6.Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $291

Review the Christchurch Heli-Jet, combining a scenic helicopter flight with a 20-minute Waimakariri River jet boat ride.

“loved the helicopter ride to the jet boat....Jet boat goes fast and loved the spins....This company was so professional and on time..They took care of every detail....”

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7.Akaroa with optional dolphin cruise (Small Group Tour)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $340

Explore Akaroa from Christchurch with scenic viewpoints, local food, a small group guide, and an optional Hector’s dolphin cruise.

“Alan was a fantastic guide on our day trip to Akaroa. He was very knowledgeable about the area and answered any questions we had and accommodated any little detours we wanted to make. The views were spectacular. He also provided a tasty lunch and snacks. Highly recommended.”

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8.Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · from $247

Review of Christchurch’s Arthur’s Pass day tour, with a 30-minute jet boat ride, waterfalls, kea country, mountain lakes, and practical tips.

“A wonderful experience fantastic scenery.Jet boat ride was exilirating . Friendly service with a great tour guide Francoise. Thank you.”

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9.Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $434

Review of Christchurch’s private V8 trike tour from Lyttelton, with Port Hills views, city sights, optional Gondola, and free time.

“Very nice experience. We saw breathtaking scenery. The driver was careful and very kind. He knows his subject.Auto-translated”

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10.Jet Boat and Hot Pools Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1 reviews · from $238

Ride the Rakaia Gorge by jet boat, enjoy lunch in Methven, then soak at Opuke Hot Pools on a full-day trip from Christchurch.

“This was the perfect day trip with a small group of friends. Stunning scenery on the jet-boat followed by a super relaxing time at the hot pools. Our guide Pete was amazing, and made our experience 10/10. Highly recommend!”

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11.Lyttleton Port Excursion Day Tour 3 options for Cruise travelers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1 reviews · from $201

Review of a private Lyttelton cruise excursion covering Christchurch, Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass, or Kaikoura, with practical tips and value advice.

“Everything went smoothly and exactly as planned. Tom was a fantastic guide—very knowledgeable and friendly. He shared great local stories and interesting Christchurch earthquake history throughout the journey. The van was clean and comfortable, and the whole day was perfectly organised to enjoy the stunning views.”

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