New Zealand Tours from Christchurch
4.5 stars on(7,827 reviews)- Choose from 100+ New Zealand tours
- 450+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best New Zealand tour packages from Christchurch
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- South Island Explorer: Nature and Adventure
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound, 9 Days)
- New Zealand – South Island Multisport
- Southern Wonders (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 9 Days)
- New Zealand Marvel (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 14 Days)
- New Zealand Magic (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 17 Days)
- Southern Spirit (Base, 2025/2026, Best Buys, 13 Days)
- Southern Wonders (Base, 2026/2027, Best Buys, 9 Days)
- Southern Spotlight (Base, 2024/2025, Best Buys, 9 Days)
South Island Explorer: Nature and Adventure
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I really enjoyed the trip!”
This 10-day South Island circuit from Christchurch visits 14 destinations by comfortable mini-bus. The 2,000km route takes in Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, and Milford Sound before returning through Arthur's Pass.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Lake Hawea, HaastSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Backyard Roadies From
- US$1,716
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way.”
Nigel, traveled in February
The 9-day, 580km South Island adventure takes you from Christchurch through Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef Glacier. The route continues to Queenstown via Haast Pass, ventures to Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo, before returning to Christchurch after visiting Lake Ōhau.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Haast, Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $1,635
20% Off- US$1,308You save $327
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 $1,635
20% Off- US$1,308You save $327
New Zealand – South Island Multisport
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was fast paced, included great hikes, a fun kayak trip and a half day of biking.”
Elizabeth, traveled in February
A 15-day, 480km South Island adventure from Christchurch heads north to Kaikoura, through Marlborough wine region to Abel Tasman, west to Franz Josef Glacier, and south via Queenstown before returning through Mount Cook.
Duration 15 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, Marahau, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Twizel Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,149
15% Off- US$3,527You save $622
A 9-day, 540km odyssey across New Zealand's South Island departs Christchurch via TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass. The itinerary links six major cities including Franz Josef, Queenstown, and Te Anau, circling back to Christchurch via Dunedin and Omarama.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $3,845
10% Off- US$3,461You save $384
This 14-day passage from Christchurch's 'Garden City' to Auckland spans 1,500km across both islands. The TranzAlpine train crosses the Southern Alps, followed by a Queen Charlotte Sound cruise, with key visits to Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, and Wellington.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama, Oamaru, Picton, Wellington, RotoruaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $5,785
10% Off- US$5,207You save $578
This 17-day adventure starts in Christchurch with a city tram tour showcasing innovative post-earthquake architecture. The TranzAlpine train crosses Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef, followed by Haast Pass to Queenstown. Auckland marks the finale after visiting Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Bay of Islands' turquoise waters.
Duration 17 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama, Picton, Wellington, Rotorua, AucklandSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $6,795
10% Off- US$6,116You save $679
A 13-day South Island expedition visits 10 key locations before crossing Cook Strait to Wellington. The Interislander ferry glides through Queen Charlotte Sound, while the mainland route features Canterbury Plains, Lake Tekapo, and Fiordland National Park.
Duration 13 days Destinations Christchurch, Omarama, Dunedin, Invercargill, Stewart Island, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Nelson, Wellington Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $5,285
10% Off- US$4,757You save $528
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From
10% Off- US$4,040
This 9-day route covers 6 major South Island cities from Christchurch, including Queenstown and Franz Josef. The 1,500km journey crosses Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, continues south to Dunedin and Te Anau, before the TranzAlpine train returns through alpine vistas.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Omarama, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From
10% Off- US$3,775
What people love about New Zealand Tours from Christchurch
- South Island Explorer: Nature and Adventure
This has been an amazing experience! Meeting all the different people and experiencing NZ as a family style road trip. Ben was an outstanding tour guide who made the trip 10x better than I could have imagined. He helped push ourselves to complete activities we wouldn’t usually try. If you keep an open mind, this trip can be so fulfilling. Thank you backyard roadies!
- New Zealand – South Island Multisport
Overall is good. The issue is that it was advertised for ages between 12+ to 99. This age group is definitely too broad. My husband and I are in our 70's, but the rest of the group (14) were between 30-50. Although we are outdoor individuals who can hike and cycle for several hours, we were definitely slower than our younger companions. Our interests during these activities re. history/fauna etc... were also not that of the other travelers. Our guide was caught between the needs to ensure safety of 2 separate groups which we felt was unfair to him. Otherwise, itinerary, guide's knowledge and organization were very good.
- Southern Spectacular (10 Days)
Tour was excellent, great guild and coach driver, great knowledge of area, very hospitable and family like.
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."
More about New Zealand
Christchurch to Christchurch toursChristchurch to Auckland toursChristchurch to Queenstown toursExplorer from ChristchurchFamily from ChristchurchIn-depth Cultural from ChristchurchPrivate from ChristchurchCoach / Bus from ChristchurchSelf-Guided from ChristchurchActive from ChristchurchSelf Drive from ChristchurchBicycle from Christchurch