Christchurch
Christchurch blends beautiful gardens, heritage buildings and a creative city atmosphere with easy access to some of the South Island's most spectacular landscapes.
View tripsA gateway to your South Island tour
For many travellers, Christchurch is where the adventure begins. As the South Island's largest city, it's one of the most popular starting and finishing points for New Zealand tours, offering the perfect balance of city life, green spaces and easy access to unforgettable scenery.
Spend the morning wandering through the Botanic Gardens, browse local food stalls at Riverside Market or take a relaxing punt along the Avon River before setting off towards Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Kaikōura, Dunedin, Queenstown or Milford Sound.
Travelling by guided coach, small group tour, rail and coach, or self-guided coach means you can enjoy the journey without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads, organising accommodation or planning every stop yourself. Everything is arranged before you arrive, leaving you free to soak up the scenery and make the most of your holiday.
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Contact usPopular tours including Christchurch
The gateway to the South Island
Sitting on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a natural gateway to many of New Zealand's most iconic destinations. From here, tours head west through Arthur's Pass, south to the turquoise lakes of Mackenzie Country and the peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook, or north to Kaikōura's marine wildlife, the Marlborough wine region and Nelson.
Things to do in Christchurch
Punting on the Avon River
Swim with Dolphins
Waipara Wine Tour, Lunch & Tastings
City Tram
TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Orana Park
Port Hills Walk
Bridge of Remembrance
Why book with New Zealand Coach Tours?
Our Wānaka-based team helps travellers choose and book guided coach, small group, train and coach, and self-guided coach journeys across New Zealand. We work with a wide range of established operators and provide local advice throughout the planning and booking process, backed by our Best Price Guarantee.
Tell us your dates, budget, pace and must-see places, and we’ll recommend suitable tours or create a tailor-made self-guided itinerary. We can also arrange extra accommodation, transfers and activities before or after your guided tour.
Get a tailor-made self-guided coach itinerary
Key info about Christchurch
Best time to visit Christchurch
Spring fills the city's parks and gardens with colour, while summer brings long evenings, outdoor dining and festivals along the Avon River. Autumn paints the streets and gardens in rich shades of gold and red, making it one of the most picturesque times to visit. In winter, Christchurch becomes a convenient gateway to the Southern Alps, with snowy mountain scenery just a few hours away.
Average temperature by season
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 7 - 17 ℃ / 45 - 63 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 21 - 26 ℃ / 70 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 10 - 20 ℃ / 50 - 68 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 3 - 12 ℃ / 37 - 54 ℉
Getting to Christchurch
Christchurch is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island and is home to the island's largest international airport. Many South Island and countrywide tours begin or end here, making it one of the easiest places to join a New Zealand itinerary.
Drive times
Queenstown to Christchurch
6 hours
Dunedin to Christchurch
5 hours
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
3 hours
Flight times from major cities
Auckland to Christchurch
1 hour 25 minutes
Wellington to Christchurch
1 hour 5 minutes
Queenstown to Christchurch
1 hour 5 minutes
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Christchurch features on many South Island and countrywide New Zealand itineraries. It's one of the country's main touring hubs, making it easy to continue your journey to destinations such as Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Kaikōura.
Yes. Guided tours follow fixed itineraries, but we can arrange additional accommodation, transfers or sightseeing before or after your tour.
Absolutely. Christchurch is one of the easiest places to include in a New Zealand holiday without hiring a car. Guided coach tours, small group tours and self-guided coach holidays take care of the travel logistics, so you can relax and enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Christchurch is best known for its beautiful gardens, the Avon River, heritage architecture and creative spirit. It's also recognised for its impressive rebuild following the 2011 earthquake, where innovative new spaces sit alongside historic landmarks, creating a city that's constantly evolving.
That depends on how you like to travel. Guided coach tours are ideal if you'd like a fully organised itinerary with a tour director leading the way. Self-guided coach tours are perfect if you want more flexibility, extra nights or the freedom to personalise your holiday. Small group tours offer a more intimate experience with fewer travellers while still taking care of all the planning.
Travel specialists
Speak to a coach tour specialist
Planning a trip to New Zealand?
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