What Are the Best Places for Day Tours From Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch is the gateway city to the beautiful South Island of New Zealand.
Known as the garden city it really is like one big park.
What are the places to visit in one day from Christchurch, either on a tour or independently? Here are our ideas: Day tour from Christchurch option 1, Arthur's Pass: Combined with the TranzAlpine this makes a great day trip destination.
Right here I have to make a disclaimer: We operate a day tour to Arthurs Pass from Christchurch (Arthur's Pass Hiking and TranzAlpine one day tour) and of course we think this is the best for folks looking to spend some time in the great New Zealand outdoors with a local tour guide.
But we realize our tour may not be for everyone, there are also tours which include the TranzAlpine, jetboat and a farm show on the way back to Christchurch.
You could also travel out and back by TranzAlpine which gives you around 5 hours in Arthurs Pass, perfect for some walking or hiking.
Day tour from Christchurch option 2, Kaikoura: Famous for marine life, this is where you can do whalewatching, a dolphin or seal swim or even an albatross encounter.
This is an amazing place with mountains nearly 3000m just inland from the coast.
The scenic drive from Christchurch is stunning and there is also the TranzCoastal train which runs daily as well.
Recommened is a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants, crayfish (rock lobster) is the local speciality.
Day tour from Christchurch option 3, Akaora: The closest of the day tour destinations from Christchurch, an hour and a half or so by road.
No rail connection.
Akaroa is famed for its french history, but in my honest opinion, more is made of this than is worthy.
Short of a few French street names and a French flag there is little which looks like France (I only worked for 5 summers as a walking guide in France so I wouldn't really know though).
Saying that, it is a beautiful little seaside town which feels far away from the troubles of the world.
The seafood and wine is excellent and many people enjoy the harbour cruise and dolphin swimming (the rare Hector's dolphin).
Popular stops along the road are Barry's Bay cheese factory and French farm winery.
Day tour from Christchurch option 4, Hanmer Springs: Well known hot springs in the little alpine village of Hanmer Springs under 2 hours from Christchurch, a popular day or overnight destination for locals.
Tip: Be aware of local school holidays or weekends as the pools can get busy.
You will always get in but it's a bit of a different experience to having the pools almost to yourself.
Lots to do in Hanmer, walking, horse trekking, jetboat, rafting, golf.
Kind of like a smaller version of Queenstown.
Beautiful autumn colours in season.
Whichever of these you chose for your day tour from Christchurch, we are sure you will have a great day!
Known as the garden city it really is like one big park.
What are the places to visit in one day from Christchurch, either on a tour or independently? Here are our ideas: Day tour from Christchurch option 1, Arthur's Pass: Combined with the TranzAlpine this makes a great day trip destination.
Right here I have to make a disclaimer: We operate a day tour to Arthurs Pass from Christchurch (Arthur's Pass Hiking and TranzAlpine one day tour) and of course we think this is the best for folks looking to spend some time in the great New Zealand outdoors with a local tour guide.
But we realize our tour may not be for everyone, there are also tours which include the TranzAlpine, jetboat and a farm show on the way back to Christchurch.
You could also travel out and back by TranzAlpine which gives you around 5 hours in Arthurs Pass, perfect for some walking or hiking.
Day tour from Christchurch option 2, Kaikoura: Famous for marine life, this is where you can do whalewatching, a dolphin or seal swim or even an albatross encounter.
This is an amazing place with mountains nearly 3000m just inland from the coast.
The scenic drive from Christchurch is stunning and there is also the TranzCoastal train which runs daily as well.
Recommened is a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants, crayfish (rock lobster) is the local speciality.
Day tour from Christchurch option 3, Akaora: The closest of the day tour destinations from Christchurch, an hour and a half or so by road.
No rail connection.
Akaroa is famed for its french history, but in my honest opinion, more is made of this than is worthy.
Short of a few French street names and a French flag there is little which looks like France (I only worked for 5 summers as a walking guide in France so I wouldn't really know though).
Saying that, it is a beautiful little seaside town which feels far away from the troubles of the world.
The seafood and wine is excellent and many people enjoy the harbour cruise and dolphin swimming (the rare Hector's dolphin).
Popular stops along the road are Barry's Bay cheese factory and French farm winery.
Day tour from Christchurch option 4, Hanmer Springs: Well known hot springs in the little alpine village of Hanmer Springs under 2 hours from Christchurch, a popular day or overnight destination for locals.
Tip: Be aware of local school holidays or weekends as the pools can get busy.
You will always get in but it's a bit of a different experience to having the pools almost to yourself.
Lots to do in Hanmer, walking, horse trekking, jetboat, rafting, golf.
Kind of like a smaller version of Queenstown.
Beautiful autumn colours in season.
Whichever of these you chose for your day tour from Christchurch, we are sure you will have a great day!
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