Canterbury Day Tours

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

Tours are available from one day to one week – or longer, commencing from Christchurch, Queenstown or just about anywhere.      

Below is a sample of day tours available in the Canterbury region, but essentially it is up to you, after all it is, Your Tour...

Early bookings are essential to secure your tour, especially during the peak seasons summer, (December-March) and winter (June-September).

Hiroshi Nameda

Christchurch's extensive parks and gardens as well as the very English heritage make it attractive to spend a day exploring New Zealand's "Garden City." Talk to us about some of the attractions. 

Kieran Scott

Jason Hosking

 Kaikoura Coast Tour 

Whale Watch and Dolphin Swimming at Kaikoura

Take in the rugged scenery and ocean swell while watching for seals, sea lions and penguins on the dramatic coastal drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura.

Stop at Cheviot on the way, a quaint town with great cafes and a growing art scene.

Rob Suisted

Kaikoura literally means “Crayfish” in New Zealand’s native Maori and is the perfect place to sample some of “New Zealand’s Rock Lobster” or take part in a whale-watching cruise – Kaikoura’s biggest tourism attraction.

Return via the inland route and experience Canterbury’s rural community. The historic  Hurunui Hotel is the oldest licensed pub in New Zealand and a great spot for afternoon tea (or a beer).

TranzAlpine Tourism NZ

Greymouth 

THE WILD WEST COAST REGION 

Travel to Greymouth, the largest town on the west coast region, on the Trans-Alpine Express, returning by road via the Arthurs' Pass mountain road and the world acclaimed Otira Gorge Viaduct. 

The West Coast refers to the narrow strip of land between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. It is memorable for its raging rivers, lush rainforest and unique limestone landscapes. 

 

Hanmer Springs 

HANMER SPRINGS THERMAL HOT POOLS

Hanmer Springs is New Zealand’s premier alpine spa destination, an ideal day or overnight trip from Christchurch. 

Relax in the soothing rock and sulphur pools, a popular family activity.

Hanmer is a perfect destination for adventurists with many mountain biking and hiking trails as well as jet boating down the Waiau Gorge.

 

 

Peter Morath

Canterbury Plains Tour 

a patchwork quilt of iconic CANTERBURY landscape

The Canterbury Plains, on the South Island's central east coast is the largest area of flat land in New Zealand. The landscape is a beautiful patchwork of green decorated with tussock and alluvial rivers.

 

 

 

David Wall

Make stops at iconic townships including Oxford, Coalgate and the Rakaia Gorge. Enjoy lunch at Methven, a winter centre made famous for the excellent skiing on nearby Mt Hutt and then return to Christchurch via Ashburton.

 

 

 

 

 

Banks Peninsula Tour 

THE HISTORIC FRENCH COLONIAL VILLAGE OF AKAROA

Akaroa in the Banks Peninsula is an incredibly charming historic French and British settlement only 75km from Christchurch. 

 

 

 

Driving to Akaroa via Tai Tapu and Little River and returning via Lyttleton Harbour is an ideal day-trip.