New Zealand Tours from Christchurch
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10 best New Zealand tour packages from Christchurch
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound)
- New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure (9 destinations)
- Southern Loop
- Ski Voyager
- Premium - South Island Escape
- South Island Youth Adventure - 9 days
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (26 destinations)
- 5 Day Southern Experience Tour
- Budget Christchurch Loop - 7 days
- Trains, Fiords and Glaciers
A 9-day South Island expedition from Christchurch connects 14 remarkable destinations. The path winds from Lake Tekapo's milky blue waters through Queenstown's adventure hub to Franz Josef Glacier, concluding in Christchurch via historic Hokitika and Arthur's Pass.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Manapouri, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $2,630
19% Off- NZ$2,135You save $495
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Wellington, Taupo, Murupara, Rotorua, Coromandel, Auckland Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,505
5% Off- NZ$3,330You save $175
Southern Loop
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island.”
Anna, traveled in May
The 7-day, 800km South Island circuit from Christchurch crosses the Southern Alps via Lewis Pass to Punakaiki. The route heads north to Abel Tasman National Park, then east through Marlborough wine region and Kaikoura, returning to Christchurch.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
5% Off- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
This 7-day South Island circuit highlights premier destinations from Christchurch. The 750km route showcases Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters, Queenstown's Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski fields, and Franz Josef Glacier, concluding via Arthur's Pass.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
5% Off- NZ$2,164+$325 upfront costs
Premium - South Island Escape
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time.”
Helen, traveled in February
A 7-day, 850km South Island loop starts and ends in Christchurch. The route passes through Rakaia Gorge to Lake Tekapo, south to Te Anau and Milford Sound, then to Queenstown, returning via Franz Josef Glacier and Arthur's Pass, featuring Hokitika's jade galleries.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 100 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
5% Off- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $5,155
10% Off- NZ$4,640You save $516
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$6,990
The 483km luxury coach tour from Christchurch leads through Mount Cook National Park to Queenstown, with stops at Lake Tekapo and the Tasman Glacier. The TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass completes this South Island circuit.
Duration 5 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,600
A 7-day, 400km South Island circuit from Christchurch winds through Lewis Pass's beech forests, showcases Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, includes Abel Tasman National Park, and returns via Kaikoura's coastal route in a luxury Wi-Fi equipped vehicle.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Lewis Pass, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$3,345
Trains, Fiords and Glaciers
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“South Island, in August is a treasure! An unforeseen 3rd party accident meant a reshuffle which was catered for, without a drama.”
ANDREW, traveled in August
The route from Christchurch crosses Canterbury Plains to Dunedin, continues to Queenstown via the Southern Scenic Route, and reaches Franz Josef Glacier before taking the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch.
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- NZ$3,545
What people love about New Zealand Tours from Christchurch
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
Such a great tour! The tour guide (Damo) and bus driver (Ollie) were such an amazing team and together they provided such an amazing experience of NZ. Highly recommend!
I had the best 7 days on my Southern Loop tour with Wild Kiwi. This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island. My favorite spots were Kaikoura, where I went swimming with dolphins and also the Abel Tasman National Park. The vehicle was so comfortable and there was plenty of space to stretch out and being able to connect to the wifi was a bonus! The pace of the tour was great as there were plenty of opportunities to do lots of walks, activities and really explore the different locations along the way. Overall, I couldn't recommend Wild Kiwi enough.
Southern Loop
- New Zealand South Island Express
Our guide James took great care of us..Seen great sights!
What our customers ask about New Zealand Tours from Christchurch
What is the typical duration of tours starting in Christchurch?
Tours from Christchurch span from 6 to 18 days with most travelers choosing 9-14 day trips. The Southern Spotlight tour takes 9 days through South Island highlights while the Spirit of New Zealand extends to a 16-day adventure. A recent TourRadar traveler shared: "The 14-day Big South tour was the perfect length to really experience everything the South Island has to offer with Ben and Daisy as fantastic tour guides."
What's the best season to start a tour from Christchurch?
Summer months from December to February draw the most visitors with pleasant 72°F temperatures and extended daylight. Spring between September and November brings flowering gardens to Christchurch with smaller crowds at spots like Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We started our tour in October and got perfect weather for experiencing Christchurch's famous gardens plus amazing snow-capped mountain views."
What are the most common next destinations after Christchurch?
Most tours head to the Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook area (3 hours by road) or take the scenic TranzAlpine railway to Franz Josef Glacier (5 hours). Some routes pass through quieter towns like Omarama or Twizel on the way to Queenstown. According to a TourRadar review: "The drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo was stunning with stops at beautiful viewpoints and the Church of the Good Shepherd - it was the perfect way to start our South Island adventure."
What are the common departure points for tours starting in Christchurch?
Tours typically leave from the Central Railway Station for TranzAlpine train journeys the Distinction Christchurch Hotel in Cathedral Square or the Crowne Plaza on Armagh Street. Morning pickups run from 7:00-9:00 AM at these central spots. Some tours offer 4:00 PM airport departures to match incoming flights.
What accommodation options are available for tours starting in Christchurch?
Lodging ranges from 3-star motels to 4-star hotels including popular choices like the Novotel Christchurch Rydges Latimer and Heritage Hotel Christchurch. In Queenstown properties such as Blue Peaks Lodge are common stops. A TourRadar guest mentioned: "Our accommodations were very clean and comfortable. The blue peaks had been freshly renovated and was very close to Queenstown shopping."
What happens if weather affects the planned route when departing from Christchurch?
Tour companies maintain backup routes and activities for weather-related changes. A TourRadar traveler shared their experience: "We were diverted from seeing the Franz Josef glacier and going on the TranzAlpine train due to weather and road conditions. We were rerouted to Dunedin and we had an enjoyable time there visiting the Botanic garden and museums."
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