What to do and see in Christchurch, South Island: The Best Bus Tours

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)

This day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and into the Southern Alps. Mountain lakes and wide braided rivers pass through ancient glacial valleys. After about 2.5 hours we reach Arthurs Pass National Park and its beech forests. We drive to the top of the pass and divide looking over into the rainforests of the West Coast, then stop in AP village here for lunch.Time permitting we have a quick tour of Christchurch on the return trip.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea

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

Travel in a small group from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel and enjoy a scenic walk in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the Alpine Lavender farm in a pristine environment of crystal clear skies; snow capped mountains, and turquoise colored lakes of glacial melt.

Inclusions: Approximately 3 hrs of free time in Mount Cook National park., Bottled water., Buffet Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook., Complimentary light refreshments., National Park fees., Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel / apartment in Christchurch included., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz Minivan.

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

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:

On this stunning journey to Packhorse Hut, we visit all four of the historic “rest houses” that were once part of a grand walking experience over the Port Hills. The hut is situated on a saddle above Lyttelton Harbour with unforgettable views of the Harbour and Banks Penninsula. This scenic drive and walking tour start in Christchurch by driving up the Port Hills following the historical track up Dyer’s Pass road before heading south along Summit Road to Gebbies Pass. Our walk starts and finishes at Gebbie’s pass, is approximately 11km (6.8 Mi) and takes most groups 3-4 hrs of walking to reach the hut and return to Gebbie’s Pass. The track follows a gravel road before heading into pine forests. After 45mins we break out of the trees into open tussock grasslands. Reaching Packhorse Hut, you will time to explore the area while your guide prepares lunch. On the return journey, we return to Gebbies Pass then follow the scenic coastal road back to Christchurch.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Private transportation, Snacks

Exclusions:

Visit four boutique wineries of North Canterbury on a wine-tasting tour with a delicious lunch. Departing Christchurch, you’ll taste a quality selection of wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region, including stops at Pegasus Bay, Torlesse, Greystone and Terrace Edge or Waipara Springs. Learn from your knowledgeable guide about Waipara’s unique micro-climate as you taste a range of world class red and white wines. Booking essential - we need a minimum of 4 people to run and you should be prepared to share your tour with others (Maximum of 6 per tour)

Inclusions: Lunch, Wine tasting

Exclusions:

Benefit from bespoke customised itineraries (fully inclusive - accommodation, transport, activities, attractions) - we are Travel experts who know what the guidebooks don't. We specialise only in New Zealand touring. This sample itinerary below shows you the very best of our North and South Islands. Please note we have deliberately included some two and three night stays - in some premier locations so that you can immerse yourself into, and enjoy, some real Kiwi culture - with the locals! We can help with International flights and comprehensive Travel Insurance. We are proud to be accredited by Tourism New Zealand as a 100% Pure New Zealand Travel Specialist. We are also Qualmark accredited, Tourism New Zealand’s official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. Also, we have many highly satisfied visitors who have traveled with us - you can see our very positive 5 - Star Trip reviews on our website - Try us - you'll like us!

Inclusions: Luxury accommodations, land transport, airport meet & greet service, 24/7 Freephone helpline

Exclusions: WiFi, food, drinks, laundry, any airfares (unless specified in itinerary).

Take time out to connect with nature and delight in a nature safari encompassing the wild penguins at Flea Bay. How peaceful is that! To complete your day, enjoy an end-of-day wine tasting (or non-alcoholic beverage) and afternoon platter at the very special French Peak vineyard.. Your journey to Akaroa takes in the stunning scenery of the rugged Banks Peninsula coastline and farmlands. Stopovers include the award winning Barrys Bay Cheese factory at Duvauchelle, and the quaint Little River Café & Gallery. You can also enjoy wandering around the French-inspired township of Akaroa (during the day, you will have a little over 3 hours spare time to wander in and around at your own pace).

Inclusions: Nature safari by local conservationists looking after a wild penguin colony near Akaroa, wine-tasting and afternoon platter, Air-conditioned vehicle, Coffee and/or Tea, Soda/Pop, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

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