The 15 best things to do in Christchurch (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

   Outty Ranking89

   Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.8/5 from 497 traveler reviews, 10h from $220, free cancellation.

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2. 

   2. Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

   Outty Ranking89

   Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine vi. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.8/5 from 386 traveler reviews, 13h from $145, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

   Outty Ranking88

   Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your guide and soak up breathtaking views from the peak of Edoras. Look ove. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.8/5 from 379 traveler reviews, 9h from $194, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)

   Outty Ranking88

   Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier as key highlights. Led by our famou. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.8/5 from 241 traveler reviews, 13h from $173, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Full-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic Lunch

   Outty Ranking86

   Enjoy a stunning guided walk along the Godley Head Loop Track, one of the most breathtaking hikes in Christchurch. Your guide picks you up from your accommodation and transports you to Taylors Mistake Beach, where the ad. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 166 traveler reviews, 6h from $340, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch

   Outty Ranking85

   This is the best wine tour in Christchurch/Canterbury. You will visit some of the best wineries in North Canterbury on the all-inclusive Waipara Wine Experience wine tour with Giles Tours. This tour includes tutored tast. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 163 traveler reviews, 5.5h from $199, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Christchurch Land Sailing Adventure Velocity Karts

   Outty Ranking85

   Feel the wind in your face as you race your friends and family around our cusom-built track in a blokart. Fun, safe, accessible, sustainable, and much easier than riding a bike, our team of experienced instructors will h. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 107 traveler reviews, 2h from $57, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Discover Christchurch Tour

   Outty Ranking84

   This is a wonderful way to see Christchurch City. We showcase the best of the city to you and include some of the best local attractions. We enjoy a fabulous lunch together (food included, drinks additional) in a beautif. Exceptional at 84/100, 5.0/5 from 140 traveler reviews, 6h from $231, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. ZIPCHCH - Signature Zipline Tour: NZ's Highest & Longest

   Outty Ranking84

   Fly high above Christchurch on New Zealand's longest & highest Zipline. Set on 358 private hectares in Christchurch’s stunning Port Hills, the Christchurch Adventure Park Zipline Tour is approx 2.5 hours and has series. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 291 traveler reviews, 3h from $128, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

    Outty Ranking82

    Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on our newly extended track & enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. Drivers provide a live and entertaining commentary. A full circuit takes 50 minutes, i. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.5/5 from 974 traveler reviews, 24h from $24, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

    Outty Ranking81

    See the city of Christchurch from above by taking a trip aboard the Christchurch Gondola. The cable car takes you on a scenic journey to the Port Hills crater rim and Mt Cavendish summit, giving you fabulous views of Chr. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.5/5 from 331 traveler reviews, 2h from $26, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings

    Outty Ranking80

    Enjoy an afternoon Wine Trail tour through North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley, visiting three boutique vineyards such as Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Pegasus Bay, or Georges Road. Each winery offers a fine selection of both. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.5/5 from 511 traveler reviews, 5.5h from $110, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

    Outty Ranking80

    This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown and in. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.7/5 from 114 traveler reviews, 14h from $231, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

    Outty Ranking80

    The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.5/5 from 553 traveler reviews, 2h from $43, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Day Trip Sheep Farm, Lunch, Winery & Christchurch sightseeing.

    Outty Ranking80

    Discover authentic Kiwi country life with exclusive access to Glenafric farmstead, set against sweeping South Pacific Ocean views. Farm Experience Highlights: Interactive Farming: Meet three generations of the Hoban fa. Strongly Recommended at 80/100, 5.0/5 from 63 traveler reviews, 6h from $200, free cancellation.

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