Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
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What to do and see in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Rail Tours
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. 5 Day South Island Circut: Trains, Glaciers and Milford Sound from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours
2. 7 Day South Island Lick Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Starting and ending in the “Garden City” of Christchurch, we show you the ultimate highlights of New Zealand’s stunning South Island over 7 action-packed days. From turquoise lakes to towering mountains and glaciers, the South Island’s scenery will blow your mind, and the nation’s adventure capital, Queenstown, has all the adrenalin activities on offer that you could possibly wish for. Activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre- booking any activities you especially want to do. As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to book accommodation in Christchurch with us the night before the tour – only having to walk downstairs on day 1 makes for a stress-free morning. Accommodation is included on the last night of your tour, but we can also book a few extra nights for you if you would like to extend your stay.
Inclusions: 7 nights in high-end hostel accommodation – dorm share, upgrades available, Small groups, maximum 16, Orientation tour of every location, Continental breakfast every day, Dinner on first night, TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch, Carve your own pounamu/jade pendant in Franz Josef, Comfortable bus transport, Journey through multiple National Parks
Exclusions: Lunch and Dinner (unless specified) at own cost, Add on activities ie - Bungy jumping
Reviewed By Elizabeth K
I booked a trip scheduled 2nd April, the company notified me that due Covid 19 pandemic the tour would be cancelled. I was offered options of a refund or get credits. I chose refund as I was not gonna get any other time which they concurred. After 2 weeks I was contacted by one rude Eva Lawrence who stayed that the business was not doing well due to the pandemic hence they would not refund back the money?! So is that how you treat your customers? Was it my fault that you cancelled the trip due to the pandemic??! I need a refund ASAP. [email protected] +61450753569
3. Day Trip to Arthur's Pass including TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 14 reviews
Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests and stunning landscapes. Explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers & adventure seekers.
Inclusions: TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass., Hotel Pick up & Drop off., Transport in luxurious minivan (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz), Light Refreshments., Hotspot WIFI., Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch
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! :-)
4. Tranz Alpine Train Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 67 reviews
A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National Park including some short walks to see the mountain flowers and incredible mosses in this high rainfall area. A delicious 2 course homemade picnic, scenic location and much grown in my Organic garden glasshouse. I bake Wholemeal Walnut bread and a selection of fillings and dependent on season make homemade soup or dessert.Lots of photo stops and short walks on the return via Highway 73 passing many beautiful lakes & limestone formations. As an option can add on jet boat trip on Waimakariri River or a farm visit including sheep dogs and shearing demonstration followed by a homemade afternoon tea in the Woolshed. Tour leaves at 7.45am and returns at 5.15pm. Central City pick ups ok. Tour is aimed at small numbers. Happy to tailor it to guests wishes and although not always private usually caters for family groups.Can charter and drive a bus if needed.
Inclusions: Homemade picnic lunch grown in my Vege garden.Dependent on season I bake Wholemeal Walnut bread 2 meats, cheeses, homemade salad, tomatoes , avocados , dressings and chutneys. homemade soup dessert
Exclusions:
5. Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 123 reviews
In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding it's way through the magnificent Waimakariri Gorge. Join short guided walks to rainforests, rivers and mountain vistas and visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks. Traveling in a small group, maximum eight participants, allows for an intimate and informative experience.
Inclusions: Lunch at a country hotel, Guided walks of Arthur's Pass National Park, Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Christchurch hotels, Air-conditioned vehicle, Travel by TranzAlpine train, Light refreshments, Local guide
Exclusions: Cruise port pickup is not available, Gratuities
Reviewed By KenVicLee
A shout out to Hugo, our tour guide, who we discovered had stayed the night in Christchurch to make certain he picked us up promptly at 8:15 am. Our tour took us out across the Canterbury Plains with its sheep, cattle and deer farms then up into the hills that overlooked the Banks Peninsula. Our first destination was Manderley Farm in Little River. Here we had a sheep dog demonstration as well as a sheep shearing. Watching the sheep dogs run off into the hills to herd the sheep down to the shearing barn was amazing. Our host, Mary, then provided us with coffee, tea, fruit punch and homemade cookies. From there it was a drive around French Bay to the little town of Akaroa, Hugo's hometown. We had lunch at Bully Hayes and then time to shop for some of the famous wool products that are available in town. After lunch Hugo asked us if we wanted to work some of those calories off. We said of course so she took us to little known traihead that meanders up a hill looking back at French Bay and Akaroa. Along the way we spotted some metal sculptures of a crocodile, some giraffes and at the end, a rhinoceros made out of automobile parts. A fun little jaunt. It was a delightful day with a native New Zealander. We can't thank Hugo, and Canterbury Trails, enough.
6. Arthur's Pass Full-Day Tour Includes TranzAlpine Express Train from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Arthur’s Pass through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Journey on one of the world’s greatest train journeys, lunch in an Alpine Village nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps. Whizz through the Waimakariri Gorge on an exhilarating jet boat ride and then visit a high country sheep farm for a farm tour and afternoon tea, you might even be allowed to have a go at shearing a sheep.
Inclusions: Tranz Alpine train journey, Jet boat ride (if option chosen), Lunch (if option chosen), Afternoon tea, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: 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.
7. Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Hop aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and travel in comfort through the city center while enjoying a delicious 4-course dinner. The 2.5-hour ride in this moving restaurant on wheels allows you to enjoy views of city attractions while you relax in a meticulously restored heritage tramcar. Sip a welcome drink upon arrival, and then dine on a gourmet meal, accompanied by tea and coffee. The only Tramway Restaurant in New Zealand.
Inclusions: Tour by air-conditioned tram, 4-course dinner, Welcome drink, Tea and coffee
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Robinson72
What a fantastic way to see Christchurch central. We stayed on the first round and then went around again and got on and off. During Winter the Tram runs every 20mins. Great commentary from all the different drivers we had along the way. A beautiful city indeed.
8. 7-Day North to South Island Grand Tour from Auckland
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
A seven day independent tour exploring some of the best locations in New Zealand. This tour departs Auckland daily with six nights 4 - 4.5 star accommodation including two nights in Rotorua, one night in Wellington, one night in Kaikoura and two nights in Christchurch before concluding in Queenstown. Activities include city sights in Christchurch, whale watching in Kaikoura, travel on the Coastal Pacific Train (October - April) and Interislander Ferry, plus admission and guided tours of Te Puia, Rainbow Springs, Agrodome and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick-up and drop-off for all destinations listed in itinerary, Commentary by local guides, Four star accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura & Christchurch, Admission fees and all transport/tour fees listed in itinerary, All transport listed (Note that the train is not available from May through to September)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities (optional)
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.
9. 5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Tour
Overall Ratings
3.3 based on 8 reviews
Journey through the North Island of New Zealand and explore Waitomo, Rotorua and Lake Taupo, and discover the natural beauty of Kaikoura and Christchurch on this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa. See the glow worms at Waitomo Caves, relax at Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, see Giant Sperm Whales where mountains meet sea and be mesmerized by the natural beauty of New Zealand. This 5-day tour will have you travelling by coach, train and ferry with plenty of time at leisure to make this holiday truly magical.
Inclusions: Driver/Guides, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, 4 nights accommodation, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves tour, Rotorua Activities, Ferry between Wellington and Picton, TranzCoastal train journey between Picton and Kaikoura (only from 01 October to 30 April), Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities (Optional)
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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