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."

New Zealand Tours from Christchurch

Find your perfect adventure! We have 122 tours of New Zealand that start in Christchurch, New Zealand. The most popular month is February, and tour lengths range between 4 and 90 days.

10 best New Zealand tour packages from Christchurch

$9 Day \'Kaka\' South Island Select Tour Tour$
$9 Day \'Kaka\' South Island Select Tour - 8 destinations$
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Explorer
9 Day 'Kaka' South Island Select Tour
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The whole trip had such a good balance of included activities and optional extras, so you could make the experience your own."
Lauren, traveled in November
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau,Milford Sound,Mount Cook+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Stray Travel
10% Off
From $2,419
US$2,177per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Premium - South Island Escape
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time."
Helen, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound,Queenstown,Franz Josef+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
10% Off
From
US$2,685per person
+$402 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Food & Culinary
Signature | Epicurean Alpine Odyssey
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Okarito, Queenstown, Arrowtown
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Great Journeys New Zealand
10% Off
From
US$3,632per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand – South Island Multisport
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was fast paced, included great hikes, a fun kayak trip and a half day of biking."
Elizabeth, traveled in February
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson,Marahau,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown,Twizel+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $4,499
US$3,374per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand Magic (2025/2026)
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Queenstown, Haast,Lake Hawea,Arrowtown,Walter Peak,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Fiordland National Park,Dunedin,Omarama,Oamaru,Lake Tekapo,Picton,Kaikoura,Wellington,Queen Charlotte Sound,Rotorua,Te Puia,Auckland,Waikato,Waitomo,Bay of Islands,Waitangi,Cape Reinga,Russell,Whangarei+24 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
10% Off
From $6,955
US$6,260per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound) (34 destinations)
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Outstanding overview of the entire country. Provided numerous activities at all locations."
Tim, traveled in March
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka,Franz Josef,Hokitika,Greymouth,Kaikoura,Wellington,Taupo,Rotorua,Waitomo,Raglan,Coromandel,Auckland+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$8,445per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Active
Big South
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"An amazing two weeks! Great tour!"
Shimona, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Franz Josef,Punakaiki,Abel Tasman National Park,Marlborough,Kaikoura+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
10% Off
From
US$2,200per person
+$330 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Southern Wonders (2025/2026)
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Queenstown, Haast,Lake Hawea,Arrowtown,Walter Peak,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Fiordland National Park,Dunedin,Omarama,Oamaru,Lake Tekapo+10 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
10% Off
From $3,925
US$3,533per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand South Island Adventure
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika,Fox Glacier,Wanaka,Queenstown,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Stewart Island+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$5,120per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Active
Southern Loop
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island."
Anna, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park,Blenheim,Kaikoura+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
10% Off
From
US$1,102per person
+$165 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand South Island Express
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"Loved the whole trip. Our guide Duli was amazing he read our wishes from our lips and made them happen."
Maximilian, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Kawarau Gorge,Milford Sound,Arrowtown,Wanaka,Lake Wanaka,Franz Josef,Lake Hawea,Haast+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
From $1,860
US$1,302per person
Price based on Shared Room
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$New Zealand\'s South to North Island Adventure Tour$
$New Zealand\'s South to North Island Adventure - 9 destinations$
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Explorer
New Zealand's South to North Island Adventure
4.1 (7 traveler reviews)
"I really enjoyed learning more about Maori culture, the great selection of activities on tour and seeing all of the unique landscapes like volcanoes and geysers."
Adrienn, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Wellington, Taupo,Murupara,Rotorua,Coromandel,Auckland+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
From
US$2,250per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Southern Voyager
4.7 (109 traveler reviews)
"Awesome trip, great guide and plenty of activities to do."
Sunday/anyieth, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Franz Josef+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Physical Rating
Active
Regions
New Zealand South IslandMilford Sound+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
30% Off
From
US$1,128per person
+$169 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Premium New Zealand South Island (8 destinations)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef,Wanaka,Milford Sound,Queenstown+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
5% Off
From $7,665
US$7,282per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Southern Spectacular (2025/2026)
4.9 (12 traveler reviews)
"What an educational and exciting tour."
Janet, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Twizel, Lake Tekapo, Dunedin, Oamaru, Te Anau,Fiordland National Park,Manapouri,Queenstown,Milford Sound,Walter Peak,Franz Josef,Arrowtown,Punakaiki,Hokitika+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
15% Off
From $5,330
US$4,531per person
Price based on Shared Room
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