Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
Things to do in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Walking Tours
Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the countrys third largest urban area.
Restaurants in Canterbury Region
1. 1-Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic on Banks Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
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
Reviewed By FrancesEast
My husband and I took a guided walk with Nicole at the Crater Rim. It was such a great start to the day, which began by Nicole picking us up at our accommodation at 8am and gave us some commentary on the drive to our destination of the history of Christchurch. This 2.5 hour walking tour was an excellent way to get some great information about the area, meet a lovely person and enjoy a great walk with beautiful scenery. With only 3 days in Christchurch it was time well spent.
2. Godley Head Guided Walking Tour & Senic Drive - Adventure By Nature
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Godley Head is an exciting and wild place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the east coast of the South Island. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 576sebastiaank
We did the 1 day sea kayaking tour around the Littleton area. Sarah was a great guide and we had a beautiful day, with great lunch and a lot of nice coastline & waves
3. Packhorse Hut guided day walk & senic drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
On this stunning journey to Packhorse Hut, we visit all four of the historic “rest houses” that were once part of a grand walking experience over the Port Hills. The hut is situated on a saddle above Lyttelton Harbour with unforgettable views of the Harbour and Banks Penninsula. This scenic drive and walking tour start in Christchurch by driving up the Port Hills following the historical track up Dyer’s Pass road before heading south along Summit Road to Gebbies Pass. Our walk starts and finishes at Gebbie’s pass, is approximately 11km (6.8 Mi) and takes most groups 3-4 hrs of walking to reach the hut and return to Gebbie’s Pass. The track follows a gravel road before heading into pine forests. After 45mins we break out of the trees into open tussock grasslands. Reaching Packhorse Hut, you will time to explore the area while your guide prepares lunch. On the return journey, we return to Gebbies Pass then follow the scenic coastal road back to Christchurch.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Private transportation, Snacks
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 576sebastiaank
We did the 1 day sea kayaking tour around the Littleton area. Sarah was a great guide and we had a beautiful day, with great lunch and a lot of nice coastline & waves
4. Christchurch Zipline Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 46 reviews
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
Reviewed By FushNChips
Only got to do the chair lift as we didn’t realise you needed to book for the zip lines. Views were stunning (especially coming down) and my kids enjoyed walking the little loop at the top. Was expecting maybe a cafe or something at the top as it’s not cheap ($60 for a family of 4), but still worth doing especially if it’s a nice sunny day
5. Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Optional Activities
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 121 reviews
Explore the Mt Cook area on this one day, fully guided small group tour from Queenstown with free time to participate in the best activities. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon • Free time for activities & walks While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. You also have time to enjoy extra activities of your choice, unlike many other tours. On tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Snacks, Bottled water, Transport to Hooker Valley Track
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Food and drinks (unless otherwise specified), Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By pcol2017
Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars
6. Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
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
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
7. Dark Sky Experience
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 22 reviews
Get ready to embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making. A treat for the senses, the Dark Sky Experience brings science, tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and fascinating multi-media installations together in a ‘Big Bang’ of awe and inspiration. Thought-provoking, educational and entertaining, this journey is sure to change your outlook in the best possible way. A world first – this indoor experience is a must on all itineraries whether you’re staying in Takapō (Tekapo) or just stopping by.
Inclusions: 45 minutes guided tour
Exclusions:
Reviewed By JamesGOamaru
The weather for our visit was just about perfect--viewing conditions were pristine and while it was reported that it'd be chilly up on the mountain, with the coats we were given (and the layers we wore underneath, as instructed) I hardly felt the cold. Plus, the information provided by Adrian and Dan was so interesting, and extremely well presented, that you had no time to feel the cold. We got to look through three telescopes (the largest one, in the dome, was being used and was not available for the tour, so a discount was given to us) and we saw some amazing things, from the binary star of Alpha Centauri, to the Sombrero Galaxy, the Jewel Box Cluster, and a globular cluster (NGC 3951?). Truly fascinating!
8. Christchurch Sheep Farm Visit
Overall Ratings
4.1 based on 9 reviews
Visit a working sheep farms set in a tranquil and picturesque location in the heart of Canterbury's sheep farm land on this tour. On your return from the sheep farm visit , you can also choose to either upgrade to include a visit to one of North Canterbury / Waipara vineyard, where you can enjoy tasting various vintages. Or, take thrilling jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Sheep farm tour, with either morning or afternoon tea, Winery visit and tasting (If option selected at time of booking), Jet Boat Ride (if option selected at time of booking)
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By ClosesOnTour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries with lunch included. He was friendly, very knowledgeable and pointed out places of interest as he drove us to the Waipara Valley. We were very comfortable in his people mover with plenty of room for us all. Lunch at Waipara Springs Winery was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. The three other wineries had knowledgeable and friendly staff telling us all about their wines. We tasted several varieties and they were delicious. Graham had a good rapport with each winery and took us into each of the tasting rooms. We would certainly recommend this tour. We look forward to visiting Christchurch again and would contact Leisure Tours regarding the other tours they offer.
9. Crater Experience at Cowan's Observatory
Overall Ratings
3.8 based on 31 reviews
The ultimate stargazing experience. Enjoy maximum time under the stars whilst enhancing your knowledge of the Southern skies at our private observatory. Designed specifically with stargazing in mind, Cowan’s Observatory is the perfect introductory stargazing experience. Nestled in a giant purpose-built crater to provide maximum wind protection and minimum light pollution, our expert astronomy guides will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By JamesGOamaru
The weather for our visit was just about perfect--viewing conditions were pristine and while it was reported that it'd be chilly up on the mountain, with the coats we were given (and the layers we wore underneath, as instructed) I hardly felt the cold. Plus, the information provided by Adrian and Dan was so interesting, and extremely well presented, that you had no time to feel the cold. We got to look through three telescopes (the largest one, in the dome, was being used and was not available for the tour, so a discount was given to us) and we saw some amazing things, from the binary star of Alpha Centauri, to the Sombrero Galaxy, the Jewel Box Cluster, and a globular cluster (NGC 3951?). Truly fascinating!
10. Akaroa Self Guided Audio Tour
Overall Ratings
3.8 based on 5 reviews
Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Nestled on the East Coast of the South Island, the quiet seaside town of Akaroa is best known for its volcanic hills and the dolphins that are found in the bay. On this self-guided audio tour, you will enjoy the tranquil setting and the stunning natural views along the harbour. You will also see the old lighthouse and learn about its interesting French history at the Akaroa Museum. Visit the town wharf, whale try pots, war memorial, corner of Lavaud and Balguerie, St Patrick's Catholic Church, the Old French cemetery, the giant's house, French forecourt and Rue Jolie. Known as the Paris of New Zealand this tour will delight and enthral all at your own pace.
Inclusions: Zip folder of audio files and map, Self-Guided Audio Tour, Self-Paced, Downloadable link to download mp3 file and map
Exclusions: Audio Device, Transportation, Food/drinks, Headphones
Reviewed By victoriapQ8059YG
Absolutely stunning scenery if the weather is right - and go to the loo before setting off on the trek! Also remember to download the audio prior to your visit so you don't have any connection issues and because it is far cheaper with no roaming charges. Brilliant commentary I thought and the Maori element was welcomed.
