Check out all the best activities and tours in and around Christchurch. From thrill seeking adventure to relaxing sightseeing, there's a Christchurch activity for everyone. For families, International Antarctic Centre & Jet boating are fantastic for keeping the kids entertained. For a little more luxury, experience Christchurch's spectacular scenery from above on a scenic helicopter flight.

Just a short drive away from Christchurch, you can embark on the world famous Whale Watch Kaikoura cruise in Kaikoura, or swim with the world's smallest & rarest dolphins in Akaroa.

Things to do in Christchurch New Zealand - Tours Activities

Set on the coastal edge of lush plains interlaced with braided rivers beneath the majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps, Christchurch is located in one of the more beautiful settings you could imagine. Tragically the South Island’s largest city was devastated by a series of earthquakes from 2010-2012, with 185 lives lost on the 22nd February 2011. Christchurch was damaged almost beyond recognition from this disaster and the other quakes, with heritage architecture through the city damaged or lost and entire streets and neighbourhoods now being essentially abandoned. However the close-knit community of residents here and throughout New Zealand are continuing to rally together to deal with their grief and in their efforts to rebuild their city and their lives.

With the rebuilding and revitalizing of Christchurch now well under way the city is at the forefront of some of the most innovative and creative projects in the world. Focusing on sustainable and environmental issues, Christchurch is embracing it's future of modern buildings and bright urban events. Take the opportunity to visit the city as it is re-established with world class technology and innovation alongside history and heritage. There is still plenty to see and do!

Known as the Garden City with good reason, one of the best ways to experience Christchurch has always been, and still is, to go punting down the Avon River through Hagley Park. Locals have long been picnicking, hiking and mountain biking through the Port Hills on the southern edge of town, however many of the trails were closed due to instability after the quakes, so it’s vital to check online at www.ccc.govt.nz for the latest updates. To the south is the volcanically formed, spectacularly beautiful Banks Peninsula and the French influenced Akaroa. On your way here Lyttleton is worth a visit despite being heavily damaged in the quakes, with the local boho community creating a lively scene.

And there’s plenty to do around Christchurch too. If you liked Port Hills, step it up a notch with a visit to Arthur’s Pass. There’s no better way of getting there than by train on the scenic TranzAlpine as you climb up into the Southern Alps. There’s jetboating and rafting on nearby rivers, plenty of ski fields within a few hours, and to the north you can soak your cares away in hot springs near Hanmer. To the south you can view some ancient Maori rock paintings near Timaru. And if you want to take in all this natural beauty around Christchurch from above, there’s no better way than cruising in a hot air balloon.

So there’s no reason to stay away, in fact just the opposite, come and help Christchurch gets back on its feet and have an amazing time doing it!

Christchurch Activities

Christchurch Activities

Top experiences

Family Friendly Pools at Opuke Hot Pools

Christchurch 3 Attractions Combo Pass

4 Zipline Adventure

Christchurch Tram All Day Pass

TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey

Dolphin Swim Akaroa

International Antarctic Centre

Punting on the Avon River

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Boat Tours

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Under $100

Wet Weather Activities

Explore Christchurch experiences

Christchurch Tram All Day Pass

TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey

Dolphin Swim Akaroa

Christchurch 3 Attractions Combo Pass

4 Zipline Adventure

Family Friendly Pools at Opuke Hot Pools

International Antarctic Centre

Punting on the Avon River

Hanmer Springs Laser Clay Shooting

Hanmer Springs Paintball Adventures

Jet Boat Ride & Gourmet BBQ on the Hurunui River

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Punting with Gondola Combo

Sea Blast Hurunui River Jet Boat

30 minute Hurunui Jet Boat Ride

Jet Boat Ride on the Hurunui River

Alpine Jet Thrills

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

Admission to Orana Wildlife Park

Admission to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Christchurch Gondola Tickets

Helicopter Flight, Wine Tasting & Lunch in North Canterbury

Guided Waka Tour on the Avon River

Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Flights

You Fly Helicopter Trial Flight in Christchurch

Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour

Serenity Experience & Tranquility Pools at Opuke Hot Pools

38.5 degree Tranquility Pools at Opuke Hot Pools

Wanaka Scenic Balloon Flight

Methven-Mt Hutt Scenic Balloon Flight

Other things to do in Christchurch

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Christchurch Adventures: Exploring New Zealands South Island