The 15 Best Christchurch Tours & Day Trips

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram - Starting at Cathedral Junction

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $24Our pick

Explore Christchurch by vintage tram with live commentary, 18 stops, and an all-day hop-on hop-off ticket for museums, gardens, and historic streets.

“Our trip on the vintage trams was a very enjoyable experience and the expert commentary on the buildings and sights we passed added immensely to the experience. The trams themselves are quite a spectacle and if you hop off you never have to wait more than 10 minutes or so for another one.”

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Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

2.Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 725 reviews · 1 day · from $46

Christchurch Gondola and tram combo review: compare city sights, summit views, transport costs, timing, value, and practical tips before booking.

“Staff was placed all over the city so it was easy to find and everyone was was so helpful!! The gondola views were amazing and the tram and drivers were wonderful!!”

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Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

3.Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 717 reviews · 1 day · from $23Best value

See Christchurch by heritage tram with live commentary, 18 stops, and all-day hop-on hop-off access to gardens, markets, and museums.

“50 minute "get to know" trip well worth it. Get on 1st thing in the AM ...take the full circuit and plan the rest of the day.. Conductors" commets are very informative forb places o visitbin a very walkable area.”

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Christchurch Tours, Skyline Gondola Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

4.Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 608 reviews · 1 day · from $68

Review of Christchurch’s tram, Avon River punt and gondola combo, with honest advice on timing, transport, value and what to expect.

“We travelled on the tram and found it informative and a great way to travel around the city, the punt was very relaxing and made for a great midday activity We did the gondola the next day and thoroughly enjoyed it! All in all we feel these three attractions gave us the best insight into this beautiful city”

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Christchurch Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

5.International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 484 reviews · from $45

Explore Antarctica in Christchurch with penguins, huskies, a storm simulator, 4D film, and a thrilling Hägglund ride.

“It was a great fun experience, with lots to do & see. Very interesting & hands on. Can easily spend several hours there.”

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Christchurch Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tours, Wine Tours in Christchurch

Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings

6.Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch – including Lunch & Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 462 reviews · from $117

Taste 15 Waipara wines, enjoy a platter lunch, and visit three North Canterbury wineries from Christchurch without driving.

“The 3 wineries visited were quite different from each other but located close together so travel was much reduced, allowing much more time to taste at each winery. The offerings were good to excellent, with no “dogs.” The hosts and oRead more”

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1-Day Tours, Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, Train Trips in Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train Journeys

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

7.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Top rated

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, hike to waterfalls, visit Castle Hill, and enjoy guided Southern Alps scenery.

“This was an amazing day trip! We saw so many beautiful sights. Our guide was so prepared with umbrellas and ponchos. Even though we spent a lot of time in the bus, we had multiple stops, including 2 for short hikes. Our guide was kind and knowledgeable. The train was beautiful, so scenic. Loved this day trip-we got to see so much, especially with our limited time here!”

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Christchurch Tours, Skyline Gondola Rides, Tour Reviews

Christchurch: Gondola Ride

8.Gondola Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 408 reviews · 1 day · from $25

Review the Christchurch Gondola for mountain views, Port Hills walks, family attractions, cafe stops, transport tips, and value.

“Friendly ticketing staff member. Very hot in the gondola. Casual manner by staff in the cafeteria. Signage only in English! Should have all signage that is bilingual for a start and key signs in Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and German.”

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Christchurch Tours, Lake Tekapo Tours, Lunch Experiences, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Christchurch: Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour & Lunch

9.Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 405 reviews · 13 hours · from $178

Review of the Christchurch to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo day tour, with glacier walks, lunch, guide tips, costs, timing, and practical advice.

“It was a great tour and a fantastic experience. We learned and saw so many interesting things. Thank you very much and highly recommended.”

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Christchurch Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

10.Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $201

Visit Lord of the Rings filming site Edoras from Christchurch, with mountain views, a picnic lunch, props, and guided 4WD transport.

“unforgettable journey with super helpful and friendly guide. it was a challenge for me to climb up to the Lord of Rings scene. thanks for our lovely guide Cheryl's encouragement and instructions, I finally reached the top and enjoyed the spectacular views. highly recommended”

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Christchurch Tours, Glacier Tours, Lake Tekapo Tours, Mount Cook Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

11.Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $155

Review of the 13-hour Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier tour from Christchurch, with itinerary details, value advice, hiking tips, and FAQs.

“This tour was awesome! First of all, just know that it is going to be a LONG day. The tour really is 13 hours as it takes about 4 hours to reach Mt Cook from Christchurch, but this company does a great job including lots of breaks but also keeping things moving! My tour guide, Anuj, was particularly kind and caring. As in, I've been on a LOT of tours, and I'm pretty sure he was the most giving guide I've ever had. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but if you're fortunate enough to have him, he really looks after you and makes the experience special. And,…”

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Christchurch Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets

12.Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 347 reviews · 1 day · from $44

Christchurch’s Antarctic Centre brings storms, penguins, huskies, a Hägglund ride, and 4D thrills to one memorable day.

“It was really fun! We loved petting the dogs, seeing the penguins and riding in the haglund. Everybody was so nice! Cafe was understaffed sadly so give extra time if you want something (don’t order if you are wanting to get to a certain exhibit for timed events). Weather room was neat but not as cool as we thought it would be. We thought there would be snow and other things. It was cold and windy and only a few minutes. But neat nonetheless less. Glad we went!”

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