Christchurch, often called the “Garden City,” is one of New Zealand’s most unique ports. Known for its English heritage, creative spirit and resilience after devastating earthquakes, the city is also a gateway to adventures across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. Here, you can soar above the Port Hills on a gondola, wander through colorful gardens, sample wines in the Waipara Valley or even zip line across rugged landscapes.
Excursions in Christchurch, New Zealand include wildlife encounters, wine tastings, cultural experiences and high-adrenaline adventures in the mountains. Whether you’re here for history, scenery or thrills, Christchurch shore excursions show off the best of this South Island gem.
Christchurch City Sights & Local Flavor
Christchurch has charm in its gardens and vibrancy in its reborn city center. These excursions are ideal if you’d like a relaxed introduction to the city.
Christchurch Sightseeing Tour by Double-Decker Bus
There’s no better vantage point than the top deck of an open-air bus. Roll past landmarks like the Canterbury Museum, stop for a stroll in Mona Vale Gardens and enjoy the city from above before heading to the historic Sign of the Takahe for sweeping views.
Christchurch Gondola
The gondola whisks you high above the Port Hills in minutes. From the summit, you’ll see the city laid out below, the Southern Alps in the distance and Lyttelton Harbour shimmering on the other side — a perfect snapshot of Christchurch’s landscapes.
Christchurch Adventure & the Great Outdoors
Christchurch is also the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most thrilling activities. If you’re looking for adrenaline, the mountains and rivers deliver.
Adventure Park Ziplining
At Christchurch Adventure Park, you’ll find the country’s highest and longest zip lines. A chairlift takes you to the summit. Then, it’s all speed and views as you race side by side across four different cables, soaring over valleys and forest.
High Country Off-Road & Jetboat Adventure
This full-day outing pairs a 4x4 safari in the Southern Alps with a high-speed jet boat ride through the Waimakariri Gorge. Between rugged scenery, heart-pumping turns and a hearty lunch, it’s an all-in-one adventure.
Lower Waimak Jetboat Excursion
Short on time but still want the thrill? A jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River offers the same speed and spray without leaving the city far behind.
Christchurch Culture, Wildlife & Heritage Tours
Few ports balance cultural traditions and wildlife encounters as seamlessly as Christchurch. Here you can meet iconic native species and experience Māori customs all in the same day.
Willowbank Wildlife & Māori Experience
See kiwi birds up close, watch kea parrots and meet rare heritage farm animals at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Then, join a traditional Māori welcome and paddle a waka (canoe) down the Avon River, learning chants and history as you go.
Canterbury Sheep Farm Experience
In the hill country of the Banks Peninsula, you’ll visit a working sheep farm where dogs round up flocks and shearers demonstrate their craft. Homemade refreshments in a historic homestead complete the visit before a sightseeing drive back through the city.
Lyttelton Discovery Cruise
Sail through Lyttelton Harbour on a catamaran, with volcanic cliffs and sandy inlets framing the journey. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of Māori settlement and colonial history while keeping an eye out for dolphins and seabirds.
Christchurch Day Trips Beyond the City
Christchurch is the gateway to Canterbury’s mountains, valleys and wine country — and shore excursions here make it easy to explore further afield.
Waipara Wine Tasting
Just north of Christchurch, the Waipara Valley is home to more than 75 vineyards. Sample varietals like Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Gris at boutique cellar doors, often paired with platters of local cheeses and seasonal produce.
Hanmer Springs
This alpine village is famous for its thermal pools. After a scenic drive, soak in hot mineral water surrounded by mountain views, then explore the village’s charming shops and cafés.
Southern Alps by Coach
For classic South Island drama, a day trip across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps delivers. Rivers, gorges and snow-dusted peaks line the route, giving you a taste of New Zealand’s wild heart.
Journey to Middle Earth
Film fans can walk in the footsteps of fantasy on this tour through Canterbury’s high country, where scenes from a famous movie trilogy were filmed. Scenic backdrops, gourmet picnics and storytelling guides make it as magical as it is cinematic.
Choose Your Christchurch, New Zealand Shore Excursion
Excursions in Christchurch, New Zealand include zip lining, jet boating, gondola rides, wine tastings, wildlife encounters and cultural tours. If you're seeking adventure in the Southern Alps, savoring wine in the Waipara Valley or diving into local history on a city tour, Christchurch shore excursions reveal why this Garden City is one of the most vibrant ports on the South Island.
FAQs: Visiting Christchurch
1. What are the best shore excursions in Christchurch, New Zealand?
The best Christchurch shore excursions include jet boating on the Waimakariri River, zip lining at Christchurch Adventure Park, Waipara Valley wine tours, the Willowbank Wildlife & Māori Experience and gondola rides above the Port Hills.
2. Can you see wildlife in Christchurch?
Yes, excursions like Willowbank Wildlife Reserve let you see kiwi, kea and other native animals, while Lyttelton Harbour cruises often spot dolphins and seabirds.
3. Are there wine tours near Christchurch?
Yes, the Waipara Valley is just north of the city and offers tastings of Pinot Noir, Riesling and other varietals at boutique wineries.
4. What adventure activities are offered in Christchurch?
Adventure excursions include zip lining, 4x4 off-road safaris and jet boating in the Waimakariri Gorge.
5. Is Christchurch worth visiting on a cruise?
Yes. With its mix of gardens, history, cultural experiences and access to the Southern Alps, Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most diverse cruise ports.
