Punting on the Avon River Christchurch – Scenic Boat Tours
Enjoy a relaxing Avon River punting tour in Christchurch. Glide past the Botanic Gardens and explore the city centre from a unique perspective.
Things To Do in Christchurch, Sightseeing Tours & Activities
Home / Things To Do in Christchurch, Sightseeing Tours & Activities
Updated 13 th May 2026
Things To Do In Christchurch, Sightseeing Tours & Activities
Discover some of the best things to do in Christchurch, from scenic sightseeing tours and outdoor adventures to gardens, wildlife experiences and day trips across the South Island.
Known as the Garden City, Christchurch combines historic landmarks, modern attractions and easy access to mountains, coastlines and alpine landscapes. Visitors can explore the city by tram, punt along the Avon River, visit local markets and enjoy popular Christchurch activities including whale watching, jet boating, gondola rides and day tours to destinations like Akaroa and Arthur’s Pass.
Whether you are planning a Christchurch holiday, weekend getaway or South Island road trip, this guide highlights top Christchurch attractions, sightseeing experiences and activities for all types of travellers.
Discover Christchurch Attractions, Day Trips & Local Experiences
Welcome to Christchurch — the vibrant gateway to New Zealand’s South Island, where historic landmarks, modern attractions and outdoor adventures combine to create one of the country’s most diverse travel destinations.
Known as the Garden City, Christchurch offers a mix of scenic experiences, cultural attractions and family-friendly activities. Ride the iconic Christchurch Gondola for panoramic views across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, explore the city aboard the historic Christchurch Tram or discover colourful street art, riverside precincts and local markets throughout the city centre.
For outdoor adventure, visitors can experience jet boating, rafting and wildlife encounters, while the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens and nearby coastal areas offer relaxing escapes close to the city.
Christchurch is also the perfect base for exploring Canterbury and the South Island, with popular day trips to destinations including Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass and Kaikōura. From sightseeing tours and scenic experiences to family attractions and outdoor adventures, Christchurch offers memorable experiences for every type of traveller.
Browse our recommended Christchurch tours, attractions and activities below to help plan your visit.
Things to do in Christchurch Sightseeing Tours & Trips
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant – Dinner Tour
Enjoy a fine dining experience aboard a luxurious, 36-seater vintage tram. A unique way to view the inner city of Christchurch.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour – Christchurch Attractions
Experience the natural beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens on board our electric powered vehicles. Hop On & Hop Off at leisure Garden Tour
Things To Do In Christchuch On A Rainy Day
Discover indoor things to do in Christchurch on a rainy day, from museums and galleries to cinemas, food halls, and family attractions for all-weather fun.
Best Scenic Flights in New Zealand – See Aotearoa from Above
Discover New Zealand’s best scenic flights – from Bay of Islands to Fiordland. Helicopter, floatplane & fixed-wing adventures over mountains, lakes & coastlines
Yaldhurst Vintage Car & Transport Museum
An interest in vintage classic cars and other forms of road transport and technology from the last 100+ years of New Zealand history,
Riccarton House & Bush Guided Heritage Tours
A unique New Zealand heritage site with two historic buildings, set in beautiful open parkland & ornate gardens, bordered by the River Avon
International Antarctic Centre Christchurch
At the International Antarctic Centre, our visitor experiences have been carefully developed to offer adrenalin and inspiration.
Free Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand
Discover free things to do in Christchurch, including parks, gardens, city walks, museums, viewpoints and budget-friendly attractions.
Experience 360° Views on the Christchurch Gondola
Ride the Christchurch Gondola to the Port Hills summit. Enjoy 360° views of the Alps, Lyttelton Harbour & Plains. Includes café, shop & Time Tunnel ride.
Alpine Jet Thrills Jetboat & Airboat Trips
Alpine Jet Boat Tours and Airboat Trips – Waimakariri River Christchurch NZ’s first AirBoat has arrived on Cantertbury’s Waimakariri River
Velocity Karts Christchurch – Fun For All Ages
The exhilarating, wind-driven blokarts to our electric driftkarts and the hilarious Human Foosball we have something for everyone.
Christchurch City Tour by Tram – Hop On & Hop Off
Explore Christchurch aboard a heritage tram with a flexible hop-on hop-off pass. Visit 17 stops, enjoy live commentary and discover the city at your own pace.
Christchurch Day Tours – Adventures Beyond the Garden City
Sheep Farm Tours + Winery & Lunch – Christchurch City Sightseeing
Experience an exclusive coastal farm and wine tour from Christchurch. Enjoy sheep shearing, stunning ocean views, a local picnic and Waipara Valley wine tasting
Crater Rim Guided Day Walks on Banks Peninsula
Crater Rim walks provide guided day walks on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular scenic extinct volcano just 30 minutes from Christchurch.
Christchurch Helicopter Tours — Scenic Flights
Looking for an adventure? Soar above Christchurch, visit Akaroa, or spot whales in Kaikoura—scenic helicopter flights across city, coast and Alps. Book ahead.
Arthur’s Pass Day Trips from Christchurch – Train & Coach Tours
Experience Arthur’s Pass on a guided day trip from Christchurch. Choose the TranzAlpine train or mini-coach. Includes hikes, Castle Hill & Otira Gorge.
Queenstown, Franz Josef & Christchurch – Any Direction
Discover the best of New Zealand’s South Island with Cheeky Kiwi Tours from Queenstown to Franz Josef and Christchurch including TranzAlpine rail options.
Hot Air Balloon Flights Methven, South Island
Adventure Balloons NZ operates hot air balloon flights from Methven, Mt Hutt Village, Just an hour and a half from Christchurch and Timaru. (Stay in Methven night before)
Discover Christchurch: City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tours
Christchurch City Tours & Waipara Wine Tours offer small-group guided experiences, showcasing Christchurch highlights and Waipara Valley’s boutique wineries.
Akaroa Pohatu Penguins: Farm Stays, Nature & Penguin Tours
Discover Akaroa’s Pohatu Penguins. Guided walks, kayaking, and wildlife tours let you witness Little Penguins in their natural habitat on Banks Peninsula.
EcoSEAker Dolphin Swim & Wildlife Tours Akaroa.
Swim with Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour, one of the few places in the world for this unique experience. Book your wildlife adventure today!
Christchurch Day Trips To Akaroa: Kayaking, Dolphin & Farm Tours
Explore Christchurch day trips to Akaroa. Kayak stunning waters, swim with & View dolphins, or enjoy scenic tours and farm visits. Book your adventure today!
Discovery Jet – 45 Minute Jet Boat Ride in Rakaia Gorge
Blast through braided river channels at high speed with Discovery Jet. Hold on tight for 360° spins, epic scenery, and pure adrenaline in Rakaia Gorge!
Christchurch to Kaikoura Day Trips – Marine Life & Scenic Adventures
Kaikoura day trips from Christchurch: whale watching, dolphin swims, kayaking, breathtaking coastal views, cafe lunch, and optional Waipara wine tasting.
Christchurch Tours & Attractions
Explore More Christchurch Travel Guides
Christchurch offers far more than sightseeing tours and city attractions. From free activities and family-friendly experiences to scenic day trips and seasonal adventures, there are plenty of ways to explore New Zealand’s Garden City and the wider Canterbury region.
Whether you are planning a short city break, South Island road trip or family holiday, these Christchurch travel guides can help you discover even more places to visit, local experiences and hidden gems.
Free & Cheap Things To Do In Christchurch
Exploring Christchurch doesn’t have to be expensive. Visitors can enjoy riverside walks, beaches, gardens, street art, scenic lookouts and family-friendly attractions across the city without stretching the budget.
Popular low-cost attractions include the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, New Brighton Beach, Hagley Park, the Christchurch Art Gallery and scenic viewpoints in the Port Hills.
Things To Do In Christchurch On A Rainy Day
Wet weather is the perfect excuse to discover Christchurch’s indoor attractions, museums, galleries and food experiences. From interactive family attractions and shopping precincts to cafés, markets and cultural experiences, Christchurch has plenty to enjoy year-round.
Visitors can explore the International Antarctic Centre, browse local art galleries or enjoy indoor dining and shopping experiences around the city centre and Riverside precinct.
👉 Discover Christchurch rainy day activities and attractions.
Family Activities In Christchurch
Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most family-friendly cities, offering a wide range of attractions for children and adults alike. Families can enjoy wildlife parks, interactive museums, playgrounds, gardens and outdoor adventures throughout the city.
Popular family attractions include the Margaret Mahy Playground, Orana Wildlife Park and punting experiences along the Avon River.
The Four Seasons of Christchurch – When to Visit & What to Expect
Christchurch is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique scenery, activities and experiences across the city and Canterbury region.
Summer brings long sunny days ideal for beaches, outdoor dining, festivals and sightseeing. Visitors can enjoy the Avon River, New Brighton Beach, Hagley Park and outdoor markets throughout the city.
Autumn transforms Christchurch with colourful foliage and cooler temperatures, making it one of the best seasons for scenic walks, photography and exploring the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Winter offers crisp clear days, snowy alpine scenery and easy access to ski fields and mountain landscapes. The TranzAlpine scenic train journey and nearby Hanmer Springs are especially popular during the colder months.
Spring brings blooming gardens, cherry blossoms and fresh colour throughout the city. It is an ideal season for outdoor walks, sightseeing and exploring Christchurch’s parks and riverside areas.
