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Trips Starting from Christchurch
4.75 (7 reviews)
40 Tours
14 - 32 Max Group Size
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Explore New Zealand trips visiting Christchurch
City sights, scenic rail and South Island landscapes, all linked through Christchurch
Christchurch is a well established starting point for a New Zealand trip, combining a relaxed city base with wide open landscapes just beyond the suburbs. It suits guided tours and small group travel, and it also fits longer routes that cross the South Island before looping back or finishing in another centre. You can expect scenic drives, straightforward walks and standout rail journeys, with time for the moments that make travel here feel distinctive, from glacial lakes and mountain passes to rugged coastal scenery. Trip styles range from comfort led tours to budget focused options, so it’s usually straightforward to match the itinerary to your pace and the level of support you prefer.
New Zealand trips starting from Christchurch
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£420From
pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£148From
£1,480pp
New
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£309From
pp
Budget Tours
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip. Our Budget tours offer incredible experiences at a great price. As well as guided sightseeing (depending on the Tour Inclusions), there's free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£171From
pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£467From
pp
Budget Tours
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip. Our Budget tours offer incredible experiences at a great price. As well as guided sightseeing (depending on the Tour Inclusions), there's free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£168From
pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£410From
pp
Budget Tours
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip. Our Budget tours offer incredible experiences at a great price. As well as guided sightseeing (depending on the Tour Inclusions), there's free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£170From
pp
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 daysThis 7-day group tour of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch takes in the best of the region, including Milford Sound and Franz Josef. Enjoy free time in the adventure capital of Queenstown for adrenaline-pumping activities and join an included cruise at Milford Sound. Sample regional wines with an included tasting, stargaze under the clear skies of Lake Tekapo and see Te Anau, the largest lake of the South Island. Opt for a glacier hike at Franz Josef and end your adventure back in Christchurch.Worldwide Touring7The day trip to Milford Sound as it was my wife’s birthday and Ben provided a cake!! the tour guide as superb and made the whole trip. Although the weather was unpredictable Ben was always positive and had work rounds.
New Zealand Expedition - 23 daysTravelling from top to toe of New Zealand, this epic 23 day adventure takes in the very best of what the Land of the Long White Cloud has to offer. Discover the blissful Bay of Islands in the country's far north, explore Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, and learn about New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Maori heritage in the North Island. Then head to the stunning national parks, mountains and lakes of the South Island. Cruise picturesque Milford Sound, explore Queenstown and Wanaka, then end in beautiful Christchurch. Worldwide Touring23On the whole the trip was good. But, I feel that there we were very rushed to fit things in. 1 night in Wellington when it rained and we did the Cable Car whole 5 minutes was disappointing. 1 night in Napier where we stayed 2 nights in Nelson very poor hotel and service in Nelson.
Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 daysThis 7-day group tour of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch takes in the best of the region, including Milford Sound and Franz Josef. Enjoy free time in the adventure capital of Queenstown for adrenaline-pumping activities and join an included cruise at Milford Sound. Sample regional wines with an included tasting, stargaze under the clear skies of Lake Tekapo and see Te Anau, the largest lake of the South Island. Opt for a glacier hike at Franz Josef and end your adventure back in Christchurch.Worldwide Touring7Really enjoyable tour enhanced by the driver/guide Telli who was great at making sure everyone’s needs were met as well as being a lot of fun. We were fortunate with mostly excellent weather so Milford Sound and the glacier were at their best. Such a good group too and 12 was a good number.
Remarkable New Zealand - 20 daysJourney from Auckland to Christchurch on this 20-day New Zealand tour, taking in the best of the North and South islands. Discover Maori heritage in Rotorua and opt to explore Hobbiton or the Waimangu Volcano Valley. Ride a cable car over Wellington, cross the Cook Strait by ferry and hike amongst the lush scenery of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore beautiful Wanaka and the surrounding area, see pretty Te Anau lake and sail on Milford Sound. Admire towering Mount Cook, explore Queenstown independently and end your journey in Christchurch. Worldwide Touring20It was magical and the tour guides put a great deal of thought into providing us with the best experience. Most of the accomodation 90% was great - one venue with rude staff and one where oven didn’t work and I couldn’t cook my dinner.
Remarkable New Zealand - 20 daysJourney from Auckland to Christchurch on this 20-day New Zealand tour, taking in the best of the North and South islands. Discover Maori heritage in Rotorua and opt to explore Hobbiton or the Waimangu Volcano Valley. Ride a cable car over Wellington, cross the Cook Strait by ferry and hike amongst the lush scenery of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore beautiful Wanaka and the surrounding area, see pretty Te Anau lake and sail on Milford Sound. Admire towering Mount Cook, explore Queenstown independently and end your journey in Christchurch. Worldwide Touring20It was magical and the tour guides put a great deal of thought into providing us with the best experience. Most of the accomodation 90% was great - one venue with rude staff and one where oven didn’t work and I couldn’t cook my dinner.
Christchurch trips at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips that visit Christchurch are commonly run as group tours, and many are fully guided with a tour leader or driver-guide managing the day-to-day plan. Other itineraries are partly guided, with organised visits at key stops plus free time in between, while transport and the overall schedule remain arranged for you.
Accommodation
Accommodation on New Zealand trips may include 3–4 star hotels, 4-star hotels, or hostels with dorm rooms, depending on the itinerary and travel style. Standards and room types vary by trip, and an alternative property of a similar standard may be used when availability is limited.
Trip pacing
The pace is often best described as moderate, letting you cover significant ground without feeling as though every day is tightly packed. Some itineraries include longer driving days to connect Christchurch with other South Island highlights, and earlier starts can help maximise daylight for scenic roads and planned activities.
Popular tours visiting Christchurch
Why start in Christchurch
A smart gateway for South Island scenery and classic New Zealand road routes
Christchurch works well for New Zealand trips because it offers an easy, practical city base while placing major South Island scenery within comfortable reach. That proximity means you can begin exploring quickly, without committing to long transfers on the first day, which is particularly helpful after international flights. Many tours start or finish in Christchurch, which can simplify flights and support a steady overall rhythm across the itinerary. The city itself also lends to a lighter first or last day, with parks, gardens and a calmer pace before you head into more remote regions. If you prefer a clear plan, fully guided group tours from Christchurch give structure and an experienced local leader who coordinates the details. Even with that support, days can feel varied, mixing rail, road and occasional water-based experiences to break up travel time. Budget trips can still cover major South Island highlights and often include useful pockets of free time for optional activities, so you can dial the day up with adventure or slow it down and focus on the scenery.
Frequently asked questions
Are trips visiting Christchurch guided or independent?
Many New Zealand trips that visit Christchurch are fully guided, with a tour leader or driver-guide accompanying the group throughout the itinerary. Others are partly guided, combining guided visits at key locations with more independent time between scheduled activities.
Do trips from Christchurch stay only on the South Island?
Some itineraries focus entirely on the South Island, using Christchurch as a convenient gateway for the first and last nights. Other tours cover both islands and may include a flight or ferry crossing, while still using Christchurch as a key stop, start point or finish.
What is the group size like on Christchurch tours?
Group size varies by trip, although maximum group sizes are often in the range of around 14 to 25 travellers. Smaller groups can feel more flexible and personal, while larger groups may suit travellers who enjoy a more social dynamic.
Is Christchurch a start or end point for New Zealand tours?
Christchurch can be used in several ways, including as a start point, an end point, or both on a round-trip itinerary. This flexibility can make it easier to align flights and plan smoother arrival and departure days.
What sort of pace should be expected on trips visiting Christchurch?
A moderate pace is common on tours that include Christchurch, balancing set activities with time to explore independently. Some days involve longer journeys by road to link major regions, so earlier starts are sometimes used to make the most of daylight and scenic routes.
Is accommodation included on Christchurch itineraries?
Yes, accommodation is included, although the style and level vary by itinerary. Some tours use hotels, while others use hostels and dorm-style rooms, and a comparable alternative may be substituted if the planned property is unavailable.
Are airport transfers included in Christchurch?
It depends on the trip and the day you arrive or depart. Some tours include airport transfers on set start or end days, while others need you to make your own way to the first hotel or meeting point.
Are meals included on tours visiting Christchurch?
Meal inclusions vary by itinerary, although breakfast is commonly included and some tours add a limited number of lunches or dinners. For the most accurate detail, check the trip notes for the specific meal plan.
Are Christchurch trips suitable for less experienced hikers?
Many trips that visit Christchurch are suitable for less experienced hikers, with walks selected to be manageable for a wide range of travellers. Some itineraries offer more active options or add-on hikes, so it’s worth checking what is included and what is optional.
Is there an age requirement for New Zealand group tours?
Age requirements differ by itinerary and operator policy. Some tours have a minimum age of around 8, many start at 15 or 18, and a few are designed for younger travellers with an upper age limit.
