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

January 19, 2022 Cedrick Jardin

Christchurch abounds with arts, adventure, and optimism. It's the gateway to the beautiful Canterbury region, featuring dramatic vistas and adventure sports set against a backdrop of lofty peaks. In the central city, more and more attractions and businesses reopen to the public each day.
Restaurants in Christchurch

1. 1-Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic on Banks Peninsula

Crater Rim Walks
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Guided walking tour on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano within 30 minutes of Christchurch. Experience world class views and see some of New Zealand's most stunning coastlines with our experienced local guides.  Transport and catering included, magnificent photo opportunities and a day to remember forever.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local guide, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Bottled water, Walking poles

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By FrancesEast

My husband and I took a guided walk with Nicole at the Crater Rim. It was such a great start to the day, which began by Nicole picking us up at our accommodation at 8am and gave us some commentary on the drive to our destination of the history of Christchurch. This 2.5 hour walking tour was an excellent way to get some great information about the area, meet a lovely person and enjoy a great walk with beautiful scenery. With only 3 days in Christchurch it was time well spent.

2. Godley Head Guided Walking Tour & Senic Drive - Adventure By Nature

Princess Margaret Hospital, Canterbury 8024, New Zealand Adventure by Nature
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Godley Head is an exciting and wild place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the east coast of the South Island. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides.

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

Exclusions:

Reviewed By 576sebastiaank

We did the 1 day sea kayaking tour around the Littleton area. Sarah was a great guide and we had a beautiful day, with great lunch and a lot of nice coastline & waves

3. Packhorse Hut guided day walk & senic drive

Princess Margaret Hospital, Canterbury 8024, New Zealand Adventure by Nature
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

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:

Reviewed By 576sebastiaank

We did the 1 day sea kayaking tour around the Littleton area. Sarah was a great guide and we had a beautiful day, with great lunch and a lot of nice coastline & waves

4. Christchurch Zipline Tour

Christchurch Adventure Park, 225 Worsleys Road Canterbury, Cracroft, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand Christchurch Adventure Park
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 46 reviews

Fly high above Christchurch on New Zealand's longest & highest Zipline. Set on 358 private hectares in Christchurch’s stunning Port Hills, the Christchurch Adventure Park Zipline Tour is approx 2.5 hours and has series of four thrilling dual ­ziplines, including one that is over 1.1 kilometres long (NZ’s longest!), and another that is over 150 metres above the valley floor (NZ’s highest!).

Inclusions: Zipline Tour, Two Professional Guides, All Safety Equipment, Chairlift access

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By FushNChips

Only got to do the chair lift as we didn’t realise you needed to book for the zip lines. Views were stunning (especially coming down) and my kids enjoyed walking the little loop at the top. Was expecting maybe a cafe or something at the top as it’s not cheap ($60 for a family of 4), but still worth doing especially if it’s a nice sunny day

5. Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

Leisure Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Akaroa through the spectacular scenery surrounding Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes.  The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbor and Akaroa village. Experience a Nature Cruise with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. The Tour also includes a delightful lunch at Bully Hayes Restaurant.

Inclusions: Lunch - (if option chosen), Driver/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.

6. Christchurch Sheep Farm Visit

Leisure Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.1 based on 9 reviews

Visit a working sheep farms set in a tranquil and picturesque location in the heart of Canterbury's sheep farm land on this tour. On your return from the sheep farm visit , you can also choose to either upgrade to include a visit to one of North Canterbury / Waipara vineyard, where you can enjoy tasting various vintages. Or, take thrilling jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Sheep farm tour, with either morning or afternoon tea, Winery visit and tasting (If option selected at time of booking), Jet Boat Ride (if option selected at time of booking)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

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. Willowbank Kiwi Tour and Maori Concert Including Hangi Dinner from Christchurch

Leisure Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

3.6 based on 12 reviews

Immerse yourself in the fascinating life of New Zealand and enjoy two of the most popular attractions in Christchurch! After a guided tour of the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll see a great variety of birds and animals, both native to and introduced to New Zealand, continue your evening with an exciting Maori cultural experience at Ko Tane.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Local guide, Buffet dinner, Willowbank nature reserve tour, Maori concert, Christchurch city highlights night tour, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

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.

8. Christchurch Half-Day Gardens Tour

Leisure Tours

See why Christchurch is truly the Garden City. You will visit a mixture of public and private gardens. The public gardens may include Mona Vale, the Sanitarium Gardens, or the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, Visit two public and two private gardens

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.

9. Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sights with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Leisure Tours

Combine a half day city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild currently taking place, but also the remaining historic landmarks and the existing beauty of this picturesque city together with admission to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve with a fully guided tour of the reserve including Kiwi viewing.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

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. Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

Leisure Tours

Combine the International Antarctic Centre with its little Blue Penguins, Antarctic Storm in the Ice and Snow room, 4-D Movie and Hagglund ride over a purpose made course, together with a half day city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild currently taking place but also the remaining historic landmarks and the existing beauty of this picturesque city.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

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.

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.