The 10 Best Tours in Canterbury Region, South Island

Take a leisurely canoe journey down the Waiau River in Hanmer Springs. You'll paddle down gentle Grade II rapids in an inflatable yet durable vessel. This 6-hour experience offers a guided tour suitable for all skill levels. Stop by the riverbank for a picnic lunch and ride a high-powered jet boat back to base.

Inclusions: Wetsuit, booties, helmet, and life jacket, Professional guide, Picnic lunch, Return transfer by jet boat

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

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)

Visit four boutique wineries of North Canterbury on a wine-tasting tour with a delicious lunch. Departing Christchurch, you’ll taste a quality selection of wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region, including stops at Pegasus Bay, Torlesse, Greystone and Terrace Edge or Waipara Springs. Learn from your knowledgeable guide about Waipara’s unique micro-climate as you taste a range of world class red and white wines. Booking essential - we need a minimum of 4 people to run and you should be prepared to share your tour with others (Maximum of 6 per tour)

Inclusions: Lunch, Wine tasting

Exclusions:

Akaroa French Connection is a convenient service giving you the opportunity to take in the sights while our highly trained drivers safely take you to Akaroa and also tell you about the area. Our driver enjoy showing customers Akaroa and each has their own unique talking points about the area that they have learnt over many years of showing Akaroa off. Our bus leaves the bus Exchange at 8:50am and leaves the Museum at 9am. In the afternoon the bus leaves Akaroa at 4pm

Inclusions: Highly trained drivers

Exclusions:

On this full-day 12-hour tour you’ll experience the unique alpine landscapes of the Southern Alps as you travel with us from Queenstown through Mackenzie Country and into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to snow-capped mountains, impressive glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (‘Cloud Piercer’). Upon arrival, enjoy approx 3.5 hours in Mt Cook Village to explore some of the incredible walks and activities available (at your own expense), or extend your stay and opt for an overnight stay at the Hermitage Hotel. Altitude Mt Cook tours are limited to a maximum of 16 passengers, ensuring small groups so everyone can enjoy the best New Zealand hospitality that we have to offer as well as enjoying lots of fun and informative commentary from your local guide and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Bottled water, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Complimentary Queenstown hotel transfers, On board Kiwi music (download our Spotify playlist!)

Exclusions: Lunch, Activities are an additional cost

Sail in the crater of an extinct volcano with the rarest dolphins in the world. Long encounters and beautiful scenery. 3 hour trip on a quiet sailboat in nature. You can also see penguins, seals and albatross. The Fox II is a vintage sailboat, almost 100 years old! Made from wood, 2 masts and 6 sails. It is the oldes ketch in New Zealand. Has been in movies, TV shows and is famous all over the world. Visit amazing sea caves, cliffs, waterfalls and venture out into the pacific on this safe, quiet, truely memorable experience. Eco friendly, with minimal carbon footprint. Make the choice for a better future.

Inclusions: Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Biscuits, Local wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase

Exclusions:

At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 5th & 6th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife! When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew. We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business. Please note, boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure, with check-in 30 minutes before this time.

Inclusions: A complimentary glass of New Zealand wine, beer or non-alcoholic option, One of our famous home-baked cookies

Exclusions: We do not swim with the dolphins on our tours.

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales. Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins and Seals. New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing. Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering. Qualified New Zealand guides. 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months.

Exclusions:

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests and stunning landscapes. Explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers & adventure seekers.

Inclusions: TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass., Hotel Pick up & Drop off., Transport in luxurious minivan (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz), Light Refreshments., Hotspot WIFI., Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch

Fly high above Christchurch on New Zealand's longest & highest Zipline. Set on 358 private hectares in Christchurch’s stunning Port Hills, the Christchurch Adventure Park Zipline Tour is approx 2.5 hours and has series of four thrilling dual ­ziplines, including one that is over 1.1 kilometres long (NZ’s longest!), and another that is over 150 metres above the valley floor (NZ’s highest!).

Inclusions: Zipline Tour, Two Professional Guides, All Safety Equipment, Chairlift access

Exclusions: Food and drinks