After 25 years of guiding, here is our honest ranking of the day trips from Christchurch, and how to choose the right one for your group.
Christchurch is the best-placed city in New Zealand for day trips. Within a few hours' drive you can stand among alpine peaks, cruise with rare dolphins, watch giant whales or taste some of the country's best riesling. After more than 25 years of guiding here, this is our honest ranking.
1. The TranzAlpine and Arthur's Pass
The signature Canterbury day. Ride one of the world's great rail journeys into the Southern Alps, then return by road with stops the train cannot make, including the limestone formations at Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill. Our TranzAlpine and Arthur's Pass tour combines both, with gentle nature walks along the way. NZ$940 per person, fully inclusive.
2. Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
A French-flavoured village inside an ancient volcanic harbour, 90 minutes away, home to the rare Hector's dolphin. The harbour nature cruise day tour is the classic at NZ$770 per person, and in the warmer months you can swim with the dolphins. The gentlest, most romantic day on this list.
3. Kaikoura
The big wildlife day. Two and a half hours up a spectacular coast, where a deep ocean canyon brings giant sperm whales close to shore year round. The whale watch day tour is NZ$960 per person, with seal colonies and a dramatic coastal drive included in the journey.
4. The Waipara Valley wine country
An hour north, Christchurch's own wine region: boutique, family-run cellar doors making outstanding riesling and pinot noir. The full day wine tour includes three tastings, a vineyard lunch and a city tour for NZ$655 per person.
5. Christchurch itself, properly
Underrated because visitors assume they can do it alone. The Garden City's rebirth since the earthquakes is one of New Zealand's great stories, and it is best told by a local. The full day city tour is NZ$605; the Port Hills walk adds the best views in Canterbury.
How to choose
Want mountains? TranzAlpine. Wildlife on calm water? Akaroa. Whales? Kaikoura. Wine and a long lunch? Waipara. Only here for a day or two? Do Akaroa or the TranzAlpine first. Every tour runs with a maximum of 8 guests, includes hotel pickup, lunch and an expert local driver-guide, and every itinerary is also available privately. Still torn? Ask us, we will match the day to your group honestly.
