Christchurch City Tour by Tram – Hop On & Hop Off
Updated: 18 May 2026
Christchurch City Tour by Tram - Hop On & Hop Off
Discover Christchurch at your own pace aboard the city’s iconic heritage tram. This hop-on hop-off sightseeing experience combines historic charm with modern city exploration, making it one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to experience Christchurch’s key attractions, shopping precincts, gardens and riverside areas.
Travel through the heart of the city on beautifully restored vintage trams while enjoying live commentary about Christchurch’s history, landmarks and ongoing transformation. With an all-day pass, visitors can hop on and off throughout the day to explore destinations including New Regent Street, Cathedral Square, the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market and the Arts Centre.
The Christchurch Tram is ideal for first-time visitors, couples, families and cruise passengers wanting a flexible way to explore the Garden City. It also combines perfectly with other Christchurch attractions including punting on the Avon River and the Christchurch Gondola for a complete city sightseeing experience.
Explore Christchurch’s Top Attractions with a Flexible Hop-On Hop-Off Tram Pass
Step aboard one of Christchurch’s beautifully restored heritage trams and explore the city in a fun, flexible and uniquely local way. The Christchurch Tram offers a hop-on hop-off sightseeing experience through the heart of the Garden City, combining historic charm with easy access to many of Christchurch’s top attractions, shopping areas and riverside precincts.
Discover Christchurch at Your Own Pace
With an all-day tram pass, you can hop on and off throughout the day while exploring key city landmarks including Cathedral Square, New Regent Street, Riverside Market, the Arts Centre and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The circular tram route makes it easy to experience Christchurch without worrying about parking or navigating the city centre on foot.
Live Commentary & Historic Charm
As you travel through the city aboard carefully restored vintage trams, friendly conductors provide live commentary sharing stories about Christchurch’s history, rebuilding journey and most famous attractions. The heritage tram experience is both relaxing and informative, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of the city.
Scenic Views & Great Photo Opportunities
Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch’s changing cityscape, historic architecture, green spaces and glimpses of the Avon River from the tram’s open-air viewing areas. It’s one of the best ways to take in the atmosphere of Christchurch while capturing memorable photos along the route.
Ideal for Families, Couples & Sightseeing
The Christchurch Tram is perfect for families, couples, cruise visitors and travellers wanting a flexible sightseeing experience. It also pairs perfectly with other Christchurch attractions including punting on the Avon River, the Christchurch Gondola and the Botanic Gardens.
Book Your Christchurch Tram Experience
Advance bookings are recommended during weekends, cruise ship days, school holidays and peak summer travel periods.
Christchurch City Tour by Christchurch Tram
Price: $42.00 per person. Children 5 to 15 $10 pp Faily $99
Experience Christchurch aboard one of the city’s beautifully restored heritage trams with a flexible hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass valid all day. The full tram journey takes approximately 50 minutes and includes 17 stops throughout the central city, allowing visitors to explore Christchurch’s most popular attractions at their own pace.
Travel past iconic landmarks including New Regent Street, Cathedral Junction, the Christchurch Art Gallery, the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens while enjoying live commentary from knowledgeable tram drivers sharing stories about the city’s history and ongoing transformation.
Christchurch City Tram Tour & Gondola combo
Price: $82.00 per person. Child $27 pp Family $204
Combine Christchurch’s famous heritage tram with spectacular panoramic views from the Christchurch Gondola. Enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off tram access throughout the day before heading to the Gondola for breathtaking views across Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps.
At the summit, visit the Time Tunnel experience, relax at the Red Rock Café or explore scenic walking and biking trails accessible from the Gondola station.
Botanic Gardens Tour
Price: $30.00 per person. Child $15 pp
Pair Christchurch’s heritage tram experience with a relaxing guided tour through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens aboard environmentally friendly electric and solar-powered vehicles.
Alongside your tram sightseeing journey, discover one of New Zealand’s finest collections of exotic and native plants while learning about the history and significance of this beautiful central city oasis.
City Tram Tour + Punting on the Avon
Price: $82.00 per person. Child $35 pp – Family pass $216 ( 2 adults + 3 children)
Experience two of Christchurch’s most iconic attractions in one easy sightseeing package. Enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off access aboard the Christchurch Tram before relaxing on a peaceful 30-minute punt ride along the Avon River.
Departing from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds, your Edwardian-dressed punter will guide you quietly past trailing willow trees, leafy riverbanks and beautiful riverside scenery while sharing informative commentary along the way.
City Tram Tour, Punting on the Avon & Gondola combo
Price: $122.00 per person. Child $52 pp
See Christchurch from the streets, the river and above the city skyline with this ultimate Christchurch sightseeing combo.
Begin with a relaxing punt ride on the Avon River before exploring the city aboard the Christchurch Tram’s hop-on hop-off route. Then complete your experience with a scenic Gondola ride offering panoramic views across Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps.
This popular combo is perfect for first-time Christchurch visitors wanting to experience the city’s top attractions in one memorable day.
Christchurch Tram City Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
The tram makes 17 stops around the city centre. Key highlights include New Regent Street, Cathedral Junction, the Arts Centre, Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, and the Botanic Gardens.
Yes! Your ticket is valid for unlimited travel all day, so you can hop on and off as many times as you like.
Trams typically run every 15–25 minutes, depending on the time of day and season. Timetables are available at each stop.
A complete circuit of the Christchurch tram route takes approximately 50 minutes.
Yes, tram drivers provide entertaining and informative live commentary throughout the ride.
There’s no fixed start or end — you can board at any of the 17 designated stops. Popular boarding points include Cathedral Junction and New Regent Street.
Yes, some trams are wheelchair accessible. It’s recommended to contact the operator in advance to confirm availability on the day of your visit.
Absolutely! Children under 15 ride for free with a paying adult, and the experience is both fun and educational for families.
Combo tickets may include other attractions such as the Christchurch Gondola, Botanic Gardens tour, or punting on the Avon River. Each combo offers savings compared to separate tickets.
While same-day tickets are available, booking in advance is recommended during weekends, holidays, or when purchasing combo passes.