Christchurch City Tour
Explore Christchurch's most iconic landmarks, beautiful gardens, and hidden gems on a fully customisable tour tailored to your interests. Experience the Garden City post-earthquake and see why Christchurch remains a must-visit destination.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Group size
- Up to 4 guests
- Price
- From $280 per person
- Distance
- 40 km
About this tour
Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand's Garden City! If you're visiting Christchurch for the first time, this tour is a must-do to immerse yourself in the city's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This personalized tour is designed to showcase the best of Christchurch, with the flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests. Whether you want to explore the city's main attractions or add a few unique stops from my "Top 10 Places to Visit," this tour can be customised to suit your preferences.
Base Christchurch City Tour:
The tour begins with a scenic drive up the Port Hills, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views over Christchurch, stretching across the Canterbury Plains to the majestic Southern Alps. Our first stop is at the 'Sign of the Takahe,' a New Zealand Heritage site with significant architectural and historical importance. Here, you'll step back in time to 1918 when the first stone of this remarkable building was laid.
Next, we'll visit the beautiful Mona Vale Gardens, one of Christchurch's most cherished parks. The crystal-clear waters of the Avon River wind through this serene garden, featuring rolling green lawns, meticulously tended rose beds dating back to 1948, mature trees, and historic buildings. Mona Vale Gardens is a popular venue for weddings and special occasions, and you'll have the opportunity to soak in its tranquil atmosphere, perhaps even indulging in a magnificent High Tea.
Our journey continues to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where you'll discover a lush oasis in the heart of the city. We'll also visit the Canterbury Museum and the Arts Centre, both of which offer a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage. The tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to the new Cardboard Cathedral, an innovative structure that symbolises Christchurch's resilience and creativity. You'll also have the chance to see the remaining Anglican Cathedral, a poignant reminder of the 2011 earthquake.
Customise Your Experience:
While the base tour provides a comprehensive overview of Christchurch's key attractions, you have the option to customise your experience by adding stops from the Optional Extras section below. Whether you're interested in exploring more of the city's natural beauty, delving deeper into its history, or enjoying a unique local experience, there's something for everyone. Choose from a variety of activities, including a visit to the Sumner Beach and Scarborough Hill viewpoint, a stroll through a private prize-winning garden, or an encounter with New Zealand's famous wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Park.
What's included
- Experienced and knowledgeable local tour guide
- Transport to and from Christchurch City Centre to key attractions
- Flexibility to customise your itinerary based on your interests
A typical day
- 9:00 AM
Depart Christchurch
Begin your tour from Christchurch City Centre, starting with a scenic drive up the Port Hills for panoramic views.
- 10:30 AM
Mona Vale Gardens
Visit the beautiful Mona Vale Gardens, featuring the crystal-clear Avon River, rolling green lawns, historic rose beds from 1948, and the opportunity to enjoy High Tea.
- 11:30 AM
Christchurch Botanical and Historical Sites
Explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Arts Centre, and visit the innovative Cardboard Cathedral and remaining Anglican Cathedral.
- 12:00 PM
Optional Meal Break
Take a break for lunch at a location of your choice, or continue exploring with optional extras.
- 12:30 PM
Return Home
Conclude your tour and return to your accommodation or preferred drop-off location in Christchurch.
Optional extras
Sumner Beach
Take a drive to Sumner Beach, enjoy the Scarborough Hill view from Cave Rock, and explore Lyttelton with its restored Timeball Station and old buildings.
POAextraRiccarton House
View the historical Riccarton House and homestead of the Deans family, the first Scottish settlers, and take a walk through the last remaining native bush in Christchurch.
POAextraCanterbury University and Ilam Homestead
Drive through Canterbury University and walk through Ilam Homestead to view the beautiful Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and spring creek, the setting for the movie 'Heavenly Creatures.'
POAextraThe Tannery
Visit this unique boutique shopping emporium set in a restored factory area, free of chain stores, perfect for ending your tour.
POAextraBrighton Beach Pier
Walk along the Pier at Brighton Beach and enjoy the view towards Banks Peninsula.
POAextraPunting on the Avon River
Experience punting on the Avon River, a relaxing activity that can conclude your tour depending on your hotel location.
POAextraChristchurch Botanical Gardens Guided Walk
Take a stroll through the Christchurch Botanical Gardens with a knowledgeable gardener as your guide.
POAextraPrivate Prize-Winning Garden
Visit a private prize-winning garden and meet the gardener behind the masterpiece.
POAextraCoastal Hiking Tracks
Enjoy a leisurely hike along one of the many coastal tracks on the edge of Banks Peninsula.
POAextraWillowbank Wildlife Park
Meet New Zealand's famous wildlife up close with an animal encounter at Willowbank Wildlife Park and Nature Reserve.
POAextraOrana Park Zoo
Visit New Zealand's only open range zoo set on an 80-hectare piece of land. Feed the giraffes and get to see lions up close.
POAextraInternational Antarctic Centre
Experience an Antarctic blizzard, see little blue penguins, pet husky dogs, and ride the Haggelunds.
POAextra
Good to know
- What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for changeable weather, sunscreen, a camera, and an open mind.
- Weather and changes
- South Island weather changes fast. Craig adjusts stops and timings for weather and road conditions on the day, and will suggest another date if conditions are unsafe.
- Cancellation
- Cancel more than 7 days before the tour for a full refund, less a 10% administration fee. Cancellations within 7 days are not refunded. If Craig has to cancel, for example for unsafe weather, you choose a new date or a full refund.
What happens after you enquire
- Send your dates, group size, and interests. Craig replies within 24 hours.
- Craig confirms availability and the price, and adjusts the itinerary with you.
- Your booking is confirmed in writing. Craig picks you up on the day.
More private tours from Christchurch
Akaroa Tour
~8 hours, from $490
Experience the picturesque beauty of Akaroa on a guided tour from Christchurch. Enjoy magnificent views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Southern Alps, and Akaroa Harbour. Delight in a cheese tasting, a scenic picnic, and a nature cruise to see Hectors Dolphins, Little Blue Penguins, and NZ Fur Seals.
Aoraki Mount Cook Tour
~12 hours, from $630
Discover the stunning landscapes of Aoraki Mount Cook. This tour includes guided hikes, visits to scenic viewpoints, and educational talks about the area's rich history and geology. Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Christchurch Garden Tour
~4 hours, from $300
Christchurch is often called "The Garden City" and has Spring and Summer garden competitions twice a year in late October and January. These times of year are absolutely the best time to view however from mid August when the daffodils start to appear till mid April with Autumn colours there is always something to enjoy. I am a keen vegetable gardener and have been guiding guests on Garden tours for over 30 years now. My basic tour is 4 hours and usually visits 2 private gardens and gives you a chance to meet the people who create these amazing gardens as well as visit the most attractive local park depending on the season. I can prepare lunch in my home for you or if you would prefer can cook together and enjoy in my garden or sunroom. There are also some very grand country gardens within an hour s drive of the city and can incorporate those in to the tour if you wish.
- Plan a custom tour
Combine stops from several tours, or go somewhere else on the South Island.
- Stay with Craig
Homestay accommodation in Craig's Christchurch home.
- Meet your guide
Craig plans, drives, and guides every tour himself.
Tell me what you'd like to see
Send me your dates, your group size, and any places you have in mind.
- Phone
- +64 21 1811 570 (also on WhatsApp)
- info@cannztours.com