Christchurch Travel Guide

Day Trips

Arthur’s Pass National Park is a must see, with its beautiful scenery, great wildlife spotting and hiking potential while Hanmer Springs lie just one hour north of Christchurch where you can relax in the thermal pools.

Kaikoura: the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura, on the east coast, is a couple of hours drive from Christchurch and is well worth a visit. The marine life here is one of the big attractions, with whales, dolphins, fur seals and many different sea birds all possible to spot. Kaikoura is a small town with a population of just 3,000, but is a bustling place in the high tourist season.

Arthur's Pass National Park: is the third oldest national park in New Zealand sits at the heart of the Southern Alps and is renowned for its contrasting natural habitats, with dry beech forest in the east and the rainforest on the western slopes. There is bird life to be seen throughout the park, with the Kea parrot particularly popular.

It is also possible to spot Kiwi, but they are generally nocturnal. There is some great hiking in the park, from leisurely 30-minute scenic walks to full two-day hikes. Arthur’s Pass is easily reached from Christchurch, while the State Highway 73, which links Christchurch with Greymouth, travels through the park and is a very scenic drive.

Akaroa: is located approximately 80kms from Christchurch, Akaroa, in the heart of an ancient volcano is well worth a visit. The town was originally established by French whalers in the 19th century and is today a curious blend of French, Maori and British culture.

There are some lovely secluded beaches in the area, interesting architecture, art galleries and some excellent cafes and restaurants. There is a good variety of bird and sea life, including the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin. It’s a lovely place to relax, but like much of New Zealand, there are also plenty of activities for those looking for an adrenalin rush.