Christchurch City Tours
An absolute 'must' stop over!
Christchurch is a city steeped in history and brimming with contemporary attractions.
From its origins as a colonial settlement to its vibrant present, Christchurch boasts a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. For those with a specific vision, we can also incorporate these city highlights into our bespoke South Island itineraries
Explore historic sites such as the Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, while marveling at the iconic Christchurch Cathedral. Immerse yourself in the city's thriving arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters, and street art adorning every corner.
Enjoy a leisurely punt along the Avon River or savour culinary delights at bustling markets and artisan eateries. With its picturesque landscapes and dynamic urban atmosphere, Christchurch invites visitors to uncover the timeless allure of this captivating city
Christchurch City Full Day Tour
Explore the charm of Christchurch on this guided heritage trail. Discover iconic landmarks, historic sites, and hidden gems, revealing the city's rich blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy
Christchurch City Half Day Tour
For those with limited time Discover iconic landmarks, historic sites, and hidden gems.
City Garden Tour
Explore Christchurch's revitalized cityscape before ascending the Port Hills for panoramic views. Descend to Lyttleton Harbour for a private garden tour, then to the Botanic Gardens for exotic flora and a leisurely lunch. After lunch we will visit a hidden treasure and learn how this property has been interpreted to celebrate the life of Kate Sheppard. Your guide will then drop you off at your accommodation and bid you farewell.
Port Hills walk and city tour
Embark on an exhilarating full-day journey that beautifully blends breathtaking natural beauty, invigorating activity, and the vibrant culture of Christchurch.
With its picturesque landscapes and dynamic urban atmosphere, Christchurch invites visitors to uncover the timeless allure of this captivating city, which also serves as the gateway to the world-class Waipara wine region
For those looking to swap the 'Garden City' for the Southern Alps, a day trip to Arthur's Pass and the TranzAlpine offers some of New Zealand’s most dramatic mountain scenery. For a more coastal experience, we offer a range of options around Akaroa, or of course the spectacular nature experiences available in Kaikoura
A local's guide to Christchurch, the Garden City
Christchurch rewards a guide. The Garden City wears its history in layers: grand heritage architecture, the celebrated Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, and a city centre reborn after the earthquakes with bold new buildings, laneways and street art beside the carefully restored past. Knowing what you are looking at changes everything.
Then there are the surrounds. The Port Hills rise straight behind the city, and the Summit Road serves up views across Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps that surprise even locals. Add gardens that have won international acclaim and you have far more than a stopover city.
Take the full day city tour for the complete story, the half day tour when time is short, the garden tour for the city at its blooming best, or stretch the legs on the Port Hills guided walk. Every tour runs with a maximum of 8 guests, includes hotel pickup and lunch, and all are available privately.
Frequently asked questions
The questions our guests ask most when planning a Christchurch day. Anything else, just ask.
Is Christchurch worth a guided tour?
Is Christchurch worth a guided tour?
More than most cities. The rebuild story since the earthquakes is remarkable, and it is best told by a local who lived it. A guide turns streets and buildings into a story.
What is the difference between the full day and half day tours?
What is the difference between the full day and half day tours?
The full day covers the city and its surrounds with lunch and more time at each stop. The half day concentrates on the city highlights when your time is short.
What does the garden tour include?
What does the garden tour include?
The gardens that earned Christchurch its name, from the Botanic Gardens to celebrated private gardens, matched to the season by your guide.
How much walking is involved?
How much walking is involved?
As much or as little as you like. City tours move at a relaxed pace with short strolls; the Port Hills walk is for guests who want to stretch their legs properly.
Is hotel pickup included?
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Every tour includes pick up and drop off at your Christchurch accommodation.
Can I book a private city tour?
Can I book a private city tour?
Yes. Every city itinerary is available privately, shaped entirely around your interests and pace.
Customer Reviews
Door-to-Door Service
Fiona picked us up at 9:30 and gave us a one-hour driving tour of the city. We saw the earthquake memorial (white chairs) and the cardboard cathedral, among other sites. We drove north for about an hour and visited several very nice wineries. One included lunch which was an antipasto plate. Tasty! Then back to town for a hot chocolate at The Tannery. All in all, it was a very pleasant day and our driver was excellent.City Tour Highlights
We only had one full day in Christchurch and this was a great way to see the highlights of the city and combine it with a really nice tour out to wine country. Our guide was very knowledgeable and could speak about personal experiences from the big earthquakes that made for a fascinating history lesson and gave great perspective on the current state of a city in transition. Our tours to the wineries was wonderful as we visited a few very different wineries which had great wines and wonderful scenery. We finished the day visiting a local chocolate shop. Fun day
