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Christchurch City Tour
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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.

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

Itinerary

9:00AM

Depart Christchurch

Begin your tour from Christchurch City Centre, starting with a scenic drive up the Port Hills for panoramic views.

10:30AM

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.

11:30AM

Christchurch Botanical and Historical Sites

Explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Arts Centre, and visit the innovative Cardboard Cathedral and remaining Anglican Cathedral.

12:00PM

Optional Meal Break

Take a break for lunch at a location of your choice, or continue exploring with optional extras.

12:30PM

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.

POA
extra

Riccarton 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.

POA
extra

Canterbury 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.'

POA
extra

The Tannery

Visit this unique boutique shopping emporium set in a restored factory area, free of chain stores, perfect for ending your tour.

POA
extra

Brighton Beach Pier

Walk along the Pier at Brighton Beach and enjoy the view towards Banks Peninsula.

POA
extra

Punting on the Avon River

Experience punting on the Avon River, a relaxing activity that can conclude your tour depending on your hotel location.

POA
extra

Christchurch Botanical Gardens Guided Walk

Take a stroll through the Christchurch Botanical Gardens with a knowledgeable gardener as your guide.

POA
extra

Private Prize-Winning Garden

Visit a private prize-winning garden and meet the gardener behind the masterpiece.

POA
extra

Coastal Hiking Tracks

Enjoy a leisurely hike along one of the many coastal tracks on the edge of Banks Peninsula.

POA
extra

Willowbank Wildlife Park

Meet New Zealand's famous wildlife up close with an animal encounter at Willowbank Wildlife Park and Nature Reserve.

POA
extra

Orana 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.

POA
extra

International Antarctic Centre

Experience an Antarctic blizzard, see little blue penguins, pet husky dogs, and ride the Haggelunds.

POA
extra
Adult
$280
per person
Child
$140
per person
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
4
Distance
40 km

Have questions?

Contact Craig

Private tour - just you and Craig

Tour Details

Activity LevelLow

This tour can be customised to suit your interests. Get in touch and Craig will tailor it to your preferences.

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