The 10 Best Day Trips from in Canterbury Region, South Island

Embark on an action-packed off-road adventure to the rugged Kaikoura coastline on this quad bike tour from Christchurch. Enjoy eastern New Zealand's beautiful scenery as you drive your own all-terrain vehicle through the countryside characterized by gentle grassy slopes, winding trails and majestic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Use of quad bike and helmet, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Light refreshments

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

This tour provides an alternative to large coach transfers between Christchurch and Queenstown ( or in reverse ) and is a more intimate journey than flying. The trip takes you across the Canterbury farming plains and eventually through the foothills to the Southern Alps. Further south the route takes you through the iconic MacKenzie Country, named after an infamous sheep rustler and past the glacially formed lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Tekapo boasts a famous lakeside chapel while beyond the headwaters of Pukaki is New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. Photographic opportunities abound though weather permitting. From here the trip passes through the world renowned gliding area of Omarama and into the dramatic landscape of the Lindis Pass. The drive continues past Lake Dunstan and into the Kawarau Gorge, site of the world's first bungy and home to award winning wineries.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water, Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase, Gratuities

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that provide exquisite views. Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd & Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo. Admire Lake Pukaki & the stunning views of Mount Cook from a distance. Soak up & unwind in Tekapo Springs offering Hot Pools, Spa, waterslide & aqua play area for kids. Tour Highlights: • Sample award-winning cheese at a local cheese factory in Geraldine • Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and Bronze Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo • Admire Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in Mackenzie region, and stunning alpine scenery • Visit to a Salmon Farm. • Drive to the summit at Mt. John Observatory. • Soak in the renowned Tekapo Springs with alpine scenery.

Inclusions: Private tour (i.e. only for one party), Professional guide., Transport in luxurious van (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz), Hotel Pick up and Drop Off., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI., Complimentary light refreshments., Hotel pickup and drop-off., Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Meals.

Here is your opportunity for a personally guided experience taking in Christchurch and the world renowned Waipara wine valley. You'll be picked up in a luxury mini van and shown the highlights of this wonderful city. Though badly damaged in earthquakes earlier in the decade, the progress of the rebuild is an exciting testimony of what's to come. A trip onto the Port Hills overlooking Lyttelton port and beyond to the Canterbury farming plains is also included. North of the city lie a number of boutique vineyards and all are within easy reach. The area produces a range of varietals especially aromatic whites and Pinot Noir. We'll visit a selection of these vineyards as well as enjoying some of Canterbury's finest fare over a bistro lunch. A visit to " She Chocolate " is also possible.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Afternoon tea, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Travel in a small group from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel and enjoy a scenic walk in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the Alpine Lavender farm in a pristine environment of crystal clear skies; snow capped mountains, and turquoise colored lakes of glacial melt.

Inclusions: Approximately 3 hrs of free time in Mount Cook National park., Bottled water., Buffet Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook., Complimentary light refreshments., National Park fees., Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel / apartment in Christchurch included., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz Minivan.

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

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

You'll depart Christchurch and travel through the beautiful rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea.  From there a Whale Watch cruise  (or if cruise cancelled due to weather, a flight with Wings over Whales * ), will take you to look for the majestic Sperm Whales and Dusky Dolphin.  Sightings may also include the Southern Right Whale, Humpback and Pilot Whales. ( Or you may consider a trip with the Dolphin Swim Encounter * ). After your cruise or flight, you'll enjoy a cafe lunch followed by a drive to a lookout with spectacular views of the peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.  Here sightings can be made of the NZ Fur Seals.  If time permits a stop at an award winning Waipara winery will be made where you can experience some local wines  before returning to Christchurch. * Check for price variations.

Inclusions: All activities, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Whale Watch Cruise (or scenic flight if cruise cancelled - price may vary), Lunch, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Discover the historic town of Akaroa and the magnificent natural beauty of the Banks Peninsula on this small group tour from Christchurch. Be amazed by the spectacular views of Akaroa Harbour and the Canterbury Plains on the high scenic drive from Christchurch, visit a cheese factory to taste locally made cheese and explore Akoroa's French influenced streets. You'll have the choice to join a nature and harbor cruise to see the rich variety of marine and bird life or to swim with Hector's Dolphins, the world smallest and rarest dolphins only found in New Zealand waters.

Inclusions: Cheese factory visit, Cafe lunch, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local guide, Light refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop off from all centrally located Christchurch hotels, An Eco-marine harbor cruise - if option selected, An Eco-marine adventure swimming with the Hector's Dolphins - if option selected

Exclusions: Gratuities

Enjoy a private day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, admire stunning alpine views from Lake Pukaki, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel.   Tours Highlights: • Enjoy a day trip from Christchurch to discover incredible glaciers, lakes and rivers • Sample award-winning cheese at a local cheese factory in Geraldine • Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and Bronze Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo • Admire Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in Mackenzie region, and stunning alpine scenery • Savor a delicious buffet lunch with spectacular views at the Hermitage Hotel • Explore one of the many alpine walks in Mount Cook National Park

Inclusions: Private tour (i.e. only for one party), Professional guide., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz vans., Buffet lunch (Temporarily closed due to Covid19, so a À la carte lunch will be served until then), Hotel Pick up and Drop Off., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI provided., Complimentary light refreshments provided.

Exclusions:

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