Sightseeing Tours from Christchurch

What our customers ask about Sightseeing Tours from Christchurch

• Which natural landmarks will I typically see first when departing Christchurch?

  When you leave Christchurch, you'll first drive through the wide-open Canterbury Plains. About 146 miles out, you'll come to Lake Tekapo with its bright blue waters. One TourRadar traveler mentioned that "the transition from city to Southern Alps scenery is breathtaking." In your first couple of days, you'll stop at lookout points to see the snow-topped Southern Alps, the Banks Peninsula, and Lake Pukaki. From there, you'll get great views of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

• What's the best season for sightseeing tours starting from Christchurch?

  Summer (December to February) is peak season, with temperatures between 72-77°F (22-25°C). But here's a local tip from TourRadar travelers: "the shoulder seasons of October-November and March-April offer excellent sightseeing conditions with fewer crowds." If you visit in spring (September-November), when temperatures are 59-68°F (15-20°C), you'll see wildflowers blooming below snow-capped mountains in the Mackenzie Basin and Mount Cook areas. During these prime viewing months, tours often stay at places like the Distinction Christchurch Hotel or Scenic Hotel Cotswold.

• How much driving time should I expect between major sightseeing stops from Christchurch?

  From Christchurch, you'll spend about 4 hours (250km/155mi) getting to Lake Tekapo, 6 hours (360km/223mi) to Dunedin, and 7 hours (480km/298mi) to Queenstown. Don't worry though - as TourRadar travelers point out, "the drives are part of the experience, with stunning scenery and plenty of photo stops along the way." To break up these longer drives, tours usually stop overnight at places like the Heartland Hotel Queenstown or Scenic Hotel Southern Cross in Dunedin.

• What wildlife encounters can I expect on sightseeing tours departing from Christchurch?

  Your wildlife adventure starts at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve near Christchurch, where you can spot New Zealand's Big 5: the Kiwi, Kea, Tuatara, Kaka, and Takahe. One TourRadar traveler shared that "the wildlife viewing opportunities were incredible, especially in Kaikoura where we saw whales and seals." You'll also visit penguin colonies near Dunedin, watch seals in Kaikoura, and look for dolphins in the Bay of Islands. Tours often stay at the Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, both well-placed for wildlife watching.

• What alternative transport options besides driving are included in sightseeing tours from Christchurch?

  Your tour will mix up the travel methods to keep things interesting. As one TourRadar traveler noted, "the TranzAlpine train journey through the Southern Alps was a highlight of the trip." You'll also get out on the water with boat trips on Milford Sound, rides on the TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown, and a journey across Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Tours usually stay at hotels like the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier and Copthorne Hotel Wellington, which are perfectly located for these different transport options.

• What is the typical duration of sightseeing tours starting from Christchurch?

  Most tours run between 10 and 21 days, with the sweet spot being around 16-17 days. The Southern Spirit tour takes 13 days to explore places like Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier and Wellington. If you want to see more, the Natural Wonders of New Zealand tour spends 19 days visiting extra spots like Rotorua and the Coromandel Peninsula. TourRadar travelers say these longer trips give you time to really enjoy each place without feeling rushed.