Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
Countries
10 City Tours in Canterbury Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the countrys third largest urban area.
Restaurants in Canterbury Region
1. Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet boat ride or a relaxing 90-minute hot stone massage. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs nestled in the Southern Alps • Savor Pinot Noir and Riesling with wine tastings at three Waipara wineries • Soak in the renowned thermal waters of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa • Thrill yourself with 360-degree spins on an optional and exciting jet boat ride • Pamper yourself with an optional traditional hot stone ritual massage
Inclusions: Private Tour (i.e. only for one party), Hotel pick-up & drop-off., Wine-Tasting at 3 Wineries., Jet Boating (if option selected), 30 minutes use of Private Indoor Thermal Pools., 90 minutes Traditional Hot Stone Ritual Massage (if option selected), Professional guide., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz vans., Complimentary light refreshments., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI.
Exclusions: Meals.
Reviewed By AbigailCC
The Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mt. Cook views were just simply spectacular. So lucky to have a nice, warm weather today. Our tour guide/driver, Anujk, was excellent! He was very kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. The service he provided was superb from pick up to drop off. We will definitely come back to South Island and do more tours with NZSI. If you are making an itinerary, I highly recommend you include this full day tour on your to do list. It was 100% the highlight of our South Island trip! :-)
2. 8-Day Tour: South Island from Christchurch, Franz Josef, Wanaka and Queenstown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
See the best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island on this unforgettable 8-day tour! Traveling by private luxury vehicle you’ll visit all the highlights of this amazing destination on an counter-clockwise route from Christchurch. Explore Arthur’s Pass, see West Coast rainforests from Franz Josef Glacier, and visit Mount Cook and Queenstown. Customize your tour to your preference with a range of optional activities (own expense) including helicopter rides, mountain walks, bungee jumps and more! The service that we provide is a private luxury tour service, not a large group tour. Other than our friendly tour staff you will not be sharing your tour with anyone outside of your own party so you can rest assured that this is your tour and we’ll do exactly what you want to make it your perfect trip. With a round-trip transfer from Christchurch Airport or your local hotel plus seven nights of accommodation included, this adventure-laden tour enables you to see the South Island with ease.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Private tour, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Live commentary on board, Professional tour guide (who is also the driver), Transport by private vehicle and all fuel charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip airport transfer (Christchurch), 7 nights accommodation in your selected category of hotel
Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional activities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner)
Reviewed By Pipnruss
Fiordland Lodge and Doubtful Sound. Fantastic ferry ride across Lake Manapouri and bus ride over the Wilmot Pass to board the Fiordland Navigator for 2 nights. 3 sunny, calm days to relax on board, spoiled by the chef's lovely food and Courtney's very knowledgeable commentary about the Sounds, history, wildlife, birdlife and little things like having complete silence in the Sound to enjoy the peace and look at the amazing mountains and their reflections in the calm water. An unexpected run out into the Tasman Sea was a bonus. The Fiordland Lodge is an American style Lodge built with lots of logs and wood and stone, very spacious. Friendly helpful staff. Located 6km from Te Anau. Our only concern was the lack of food choice for dinner, on a 3 course meal was offered, no light meals. The breakfast (included) was lovely, as was all the food, some interesting variations in tastes.
3. Private Day Excursion from Akaroa to Christchurch and Banks Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
This is a private small group tour for up to 9 people. The route from Akaroa to Christchurch takes you over the old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula with varied scenery (farms, sheep, volcanoes, harbours, lakes, villages) and there is 1.5-2 hours driving time (90 km/50 miles) each way. We are happy to customise your tour to include attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre or Willowbank Wildlife Park (cost extra) , etc. We are locals and give an in-depth commentary covering the volcanoes, NZ and local history, earthquakes etc. The route is more or less like a figure "8" so the scenery is always changing and we cover a lot of places of interest on this day excursion to Christchurch and back. We have you back at Akaroa Wharf at least 1 hour before the last tender.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By Karlie M
We booked E S Tours to do a tour from Akaroa to Christchurch when our ship arrived on March 14th. I had corresponded with Dermot via email prior to this. His responses were quick and much appreciated. We arranged to meet on the dock (we were a group of 11) and true to his word Dermot was waiting for us. We left the itinerary in his hands and we were not disappointed. His commentary and knowledge like the views we were seeing was amazing. I know I speak on behalf of everyone in our group and we could not recommend Dermot and E S Tours enough. Was the highlight of our cruise. Thank you Dermot
4. Akaroa - Christchurch City Tour - Akaroa (Private Tour) 2 People
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This is a private transfer by a professional chauffeur. We can tailor your tour to meet any special requests within the time period. Our tour lasts for 6 hours and includes: transfer from Akaroa to Christchurch (90 minutes); transfer from Christchurch to Akaroa (90 minutes - depending time of day) and approximately a 3 hour tour of Christchurch including time for your lunch, morning or afternoon tea if required. Your driver will arrange to meet you in Akaroa, transport you to Christchurch for your tour and return you to Akaroa. Professional Chauffeur driven luxury vehicle / limo / limousine New Zealand Transport Agency licenced (this vehicle is not a taxi)
Inclusions: WiFi on board, Private transportation, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Happiness07929178734
Was gifted this transfer as a wedding gift as a transfer to and from Christchurch airport to go on our honeymoon. Lovely car and lovely people. Would recommend, they came to gate to meet us and took care of bags when we got backk.
5. Christchurch City to Lyttelton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discover Christchurch from a whole new perspective when you fly over the city. See the progress of the massive rebuild and the abandoned suburbs from the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Then on the way back head over Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour for a dramatic view of the port and coastline. 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; Burnside Park, Lancaster Park, Sumner Cliffs and more. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.
Inclusions: Scenic flight
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Donotaskmeforopinion
Thanks to Jess for arranging the 2 combined flights. Jess went out of her way to make sure we got the best experience. We combined the Akaroa & Banks Peninsula with the Southern Alps which was breath taking. What topped the experience off was that we had Richie McCaw as our pilot. One of the nicest guys I have ever meet. Thanks again for a great experience Jess and Richie. Hamish and Karen.
6. Southern Alps Taster
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Discover the picturesque Southern Alps, one of New Zealand's most iconic land features. Fly over the immense checkerboard of the Canterbury Plains, across the tresses of the braided Waimakiriri River and to the sheer sides of a steep gorge to touch down at Chest Peak. Sitting at just under 6,500ft, the peak dwarfs most other mountains in the region. Take in breathtaking, 360 degree vistas stretching from as far as the eye can see, including the Blockbuster backdrops of Castle Hill, the Lees Valley, Flock Hill Station and beyond. All our pilots proudly call Canterbury home and will share their wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes as you fly near their much-loved and noteworthy spots.
Inclusions: A landing on Chest Peak - one of the highest mountains in the Canterbury Region
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 11joannan
We had booked for a morning flight but the weather didn’t play the game. Jess was brilliant at keeping us informed and came up with a new plan. We were extra lucky to have a ex rugby All Black captain as our pilot. Thanks so much for the flight.
7. Single Crater & Mt Herbert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Fly over the city and explore Christchurch from new heights. See the progress of the massive rebuild and the abandoned suburbs from the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Swoop over Godley Heads and then up to Port Levy, the biggest Maori settlement in the Canterbury region during the 19th century. Then touch down next to Mt Herbert and enjoy breathtaking views of Lyttelton Harbour, originally formed by volcanoes six million years ago. 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; Lancaster Park, Sumner Cliffs, Quail Island, Stone Well and more. We have plenty to share with you and can't wait for you to experience it.
Inclusions: Landing next to Mt Herbert
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Donotaskmeforopinion
Thanks to Jess for arranging the 2 combined flights. Jess went out of her way to make sure we got the best experience. We combined the Akaroa & Banks Peninsula with the Southern Alps which was breath taking. What topped the experience off was that we had Richie McCaw as our pilot. One of the nicest guys I have ever meet. Thanks again for a great experience Jess and Richie. Hamish and Karen.
8. Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on our newly extended track & enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. Drivers provide a live and entertaining commentary. A full circuit takes 50 minutes, includes 17 stops and there are up to four Trams operating. Trams run approximately every 15 minutes and your ticket lasts all day.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local taxes
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Larnach01
Our evening dinner experience was perfect in every respect. Food was beautifully presented and exceeded expectation. Thanks for a wonderful evening.
9. 4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.1 based on 15 reviews
Picturesque mountains, deep fiords and icy glaciers - this is New Zealand's South Island. See for yourself on a four-day independent tour highlighting this scenic region. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown and up the West Coast to Greymouth before a return to Christchurch. View Franz Josef glacier and experience Milford Sound.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Live commentary on board, Milford Sound Cruise, 3-nights accommodation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
10. Christchurch City Sightseeing: Must See Three Attractions
Overall Ratings
4.1 based on 11 reviews
Three of the best things to do in Christchurch in one day! See New Zealands military history at the Air Force Museum, with 28 fully restored aircraft representing the four ages of flight. Visit the International Antarctic Center and experience what life is like on the ice and meet the animals of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Cruise Port pickup
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
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