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.

Sightseeing Tours from Christchurch

See the best Sightseeing trips from Christchurch, New Zealand. We have 60 adventures that range from 6 days up to 29 days in length. The most popular time for tours leaving Christchurch is February.

10 best Sightseeing tour packages from Christchurch

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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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Active
Big South
4.8 (12 traveler reviews)
"The tour lets you be as social or as independent as you'd like. If you've got Julian as a guide, you've got a free source of honest opinions on every area and activity in NZ."
Jason, traveled in January
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$2,205per 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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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$3,639per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Hokitika,Franz Josef,Lake Wanaka,Arrowtown,Queenstown,The Remarkables,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Fiordland National Park,Cromwell,Lake Ohau,Lake Tekapo+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18-32
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Topdeck
10% Off
From
US$2,199per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Budget South Island Explorer - 14 days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Wanaka,Franz Josef,Punakaiki,Abel Tasman National Park,Marlborough,Kaikoura+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandMilford Sound+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$3,710per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
South Island Discovery - 10 days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown,Twizel+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$5,465per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
The Southern Drift (from Christchurch to Hokitika)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki,Mount Cook,Queenstown,Cromwell,Arrowtown,Walter Peak,Milford Sound,Te Anau,Fiordland National Park,Wanaka,Franz Josef,Lake Hawea,Makarora,Haast,Hokitika+14 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Inspiring Journeys
10% Off
From $6,590
US$5,931per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Premium New Zealand South Island (9 destinations)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef,Makarora,Wanaka,Milford Sound,Queenstown+4 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
10% Off
From
US$6,090per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand Amplified (Northbound)
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka,Franz Josef,Kaikoura,Marlborough,Wellington,Taupo,Rotorua,Coromandel,Auckland+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $4,360
US$3,488per person
Price based on Shared Room
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$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)
"Meeting with local wariers and dining with them. All nature is beautiful."
Bozena, traveled in May
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
10% Off
From $2,495
US$2,246per 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)
"It was a great way to experience the South Island! I would always do it again!"
Nele, traveled in December
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
10% Off
From
US$1,130per 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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Explorer
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience."
Agata, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika,Okarito,Fox Glacier,Franz Josef,Wanaka,Queenstown+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
New Zealand South IslandSouthern Alps+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
From
US$2,590per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Southern Spectacular
3.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Wonderful trip, Hope and Rick were amazing hosts."
Carilyn, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Twizel, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound,Queenstown,Franz Josef,Punakaiki+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
New Zealand South Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $4,660
US$4,194per person
Price based on Shared Room
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