Top Tours & Activities in Canterbury

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the underwater Kaikōura Canyon, a marine hotspot rich with wildlife due to nutrient-filled upwellings. Spot a variety of whales, including Humpback whales, Blue whales, Southern Right whales, and the resident Sperm whales—the largest toothed whale in the world. Along the way, watch for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals along the coastline. The experience concludes with a breathtaking alpine landing atop the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, where you'll enjoy panoramic mountain and ocean views. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, this Kaikōura helicopter tour offers the ultimate New Zealand nature experience.

Embark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species. The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore. Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you and your group around the rugged coastline encountering seals, penguins and seabirds with the jaw-dropping mountains as a backdrop. With expert local commentary along the way on indigenous local history, post colonial sealing and whaling and everything in between This immersive experience can be tailored to suit any traveller. Whether your special private tour is for a honeymooning couple, avid wildlife group or just a special family adventure, the team at Seal Kayak Kaikoura will make sure you create memories that last a lifetime

Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours have come to Christchurch - Wiapara. Welcome aboard the Hop On Hop Off Wine, Beer, Food & Wonders Tours in North Canterbury! We're thrilled to introduce you to a personalized touring experience like no other. With our diverse selection of over 20 venues, you have the freedom to craft your ideal itinerary, tailored to your interests and schedule. Explore the scenic wineries, indulge in the finest local brews at breweries, and uncover the wonders of Wairapa your own pace. Our flexible timetable allows you to choose where you want to go and how long you'd like to stay at each stop, ensuring a truly bespoke adventure. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply curious about the city's attractions, there's something here for everyone. Join us on board and create memories as you explore North Canterbury your way with Hop On Hop Off Tours.

Ridgeway Play isn’t just another activity spot; it’s an interactive playground for all ages, combining fun, competition, and outdoor adventure in a stunning rural setting. Unleash Your Inner Warrior – Try your hand at axe throwing, robot target shooting, and disc golf, all in one place! Whether you're a first-timer or a pro, our experiences are designed for thrills, laughs, and friendly competition. Perfect for Groups & Events – From team-building retreats to birthday bashes, stag/hen parties, and family getaways, Ridgeway Play is fully customizable to make your event truly special. Ready to Play? – Book now and experience epic fun in the great outdoors at Ridgeway Play!

This day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and into the Southern Alps. Mountain lakes and wide braided rivers pass through ancient glacial valleys. After about 2.5 hours we reach Arthurs Pass National Park and its beech forests. We drive to the top of the pass and divide looking over into the rainforests of the West Coast, then stop in AP village here for lunch.Time permitting we have a quick tour of Christchurch on the return trip and a short stroll at Castle Hill.

A ride on our 'magic carpet' will see you whisked away to a scenic hilltop landing with panoramic views. Escape to peace and quiet and take a moment to reset in the fresh mountain air. Our spots overlooking the Canterbury plains and coastline provide the perfect setting for a special celebration, proposal, romantic getaway, or just a few drinks with friends. An optional picnic can be included. Talk to our team about organizing this or you are welcome to bring you own!

PRIVATE TOUR – Price is for up to 5 passengers, not per person. This exclusive helicopter experience is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, developed in collaboration with a local Marine Mammal Biologist from the Kaikōura Marine Mammal Foundation. You'll journey over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where whales reside close to the Kaikōura coast. Throughout the flight, your onboard marine biologist will share expert insights into the region’s marine life and ecosystem, offering a deeply educational and engaging experience. Next, we land to pick up a fresh crayfish lunch from the famous Karaka Lobster Café, which you'll enjoy at a remote mountain location with panoramic views of the ocean and the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. To conclude the tour, your pilot will guide you over dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake, highlighting fault lines, diverted rivers, and massive landslides—bringing both natural beauty and geological history to life.

Now's the time to wine and dine in the stunning North Canterbury wine region of Waipara. Enjoy a guided tour from your pilot en route, showcasing the best of the region. A four-course lunch with wine pairing is included, and weather permitting, let's stop off on the way home with a hilltop landing! This can be customized to suit your needs, so if you need to stop off at another winery for some tasting or mix things up a bit, let's talk!

Rangiora airfield is the most efficient place in canterbury for learning to fly. There are no delays dealing with air traffic or controlled airspace and the mountains and other training areas are right on our doorstep. This means you can get straight into the fun stuff and maximize your time in the aircraft. Safety is our number one priority and you will be flying with a highly qualified and experienced instructor who has taught dozens of people how to fly helicopters. If you would like to do something a bit different we can easily customize this flight to include a mountain landing or a specific point of interest.

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on the property since 1884. See the sheep and sometimes our cattle roaming the fields. Visit our woolshed and learn more about how we shear our sheep, Touch the super fine wool and see what the product gets made into. Travel to the top of the farm for panoramic views of the southern alps and rivers. Visit our house gardens, both Flowers and vegetables. Meet our working dogs and pet sheep. Feed our friendly sheep, touch their wool and grab a selfie! Private tours can be arranged by request.

Discover the charm of Oasis Cottage, a private 5-acre country garden nestled near the foothills of the Southern Alps. This exclusive tour offers an intimate glimpse into a historic property, complete with seasonal blooms, formal gardens, and lush natural landscapes. Wander through the enchanting Blue Garden, explore the vegetable allée and orchard, and enjoy the tranquil duck pond with rural views and abundant birdlife. What sets this tour apart is the unique opportunity to visit the Oasis Cottage floral studio and greenhouse. Learn about the art of growing and arranging cut flowers for stunning European-inspired bouquets. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a lover of floral artistry, this personalised experience is designed to delight and inspire. With breathtaking vistas of Mount Oxford as your backdrop and peaceful pathways to explore, this private tour provides an unforgettable retreat into nature. Book now to experience the beauty and creativity of Oasis Cottage.

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, Southern Right, Orca, or even Blue whales, depending on the season. This extended scenic flight gives you more time to enjoy whale sightings and coastal views. Spot Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals as you cruise along the shoreline. Land at a remote site only accessible by South Pacific Helicopters, where you'll take in breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean. This unforgettable whale watching and wildlife experience is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Escape the crowds and enjoy an incredible day in the great outdoors, on this stunning guided Crater Rim Walk. Lyttelton Harbour is nestled inside an extinct volcano crater. You will be met at Lyttleton Port by your guide, and transported in a 12-seater van to Sumner Beach for hot drinks at a cafe overlooking the ocean. Godley Head Loop Track is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Christchurch, an undulating track with breathtaking coastal views, historic WW2 landmarks, and quaint little beaches. The distance is approximately 8 km / 5 miles, taking around 3 hours to walk, with lots of time to stop and enjoy the scenery. Morning tea is served at Godley Head, followed by a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, a secluded beach looking out over Pegasus Bay, and the majestic Southern Alps. Seals, dolphins, and birds are often spotted. After the walk, your guide will return you to Lyttleton Port, or if time allows you will also have the option of being dropped into Christchurch City to explore.

Our Pilots will take you up to 9500 ft above the patchwork Canterbury Plains with spectacular Panoramic views west to the Mountains and east to the Pacific Ocean. Launching from the famous foothills of Mt Hutt. The flight can only be described as exhilarating, gliding above the treetops and rising up to watch as the Canterbury Plains roll out in front of you. Then looking west you will see the majestic snow caped Southern Alps.

Check out the interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies when they're around. The owner shares entertaining stories and answers all your questions, making it a fun and informative experience. After the tour, check out the fibre shed, trophy room, and shop, or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and hang out with the alpacas again. Perfect for family outings and a hit with air crew. - One-hour interactive tour with alpacas, perfect for all ages - Feed, cuddle, and hold baby alpacas (seasonal) - Enjoy informative commentary from the owner - Explore the fibre shed, trophy room, and lovely gardens after the tour

Experience a seasonal two-hour guided tour of our property from mid-February to mid-November. The story of our conservation journey is shared as you walk amongst our regenerating forest of some 35,000 plus native plants. This is your chance to get up close and personal with some of our native plants, birds and our ongoing battles with introduced pests. The opportunity to purchase lavender products is available, as is the chance to enjoy our famous bush coffee/tea and a "kiwi as" snack. At the end of the tour, you are free to wander through the lavender fields or relax and soak in the sounds, silence and sensations. Facilities include an outdoor composting toilet. The income from our farm tours goes directly back into our conservation and regeneration programme. Booking is essential, no walk-ins. Contact us for a group tour bookings or for tours outside advertised hours. .

Explore the Canterbury High Country with spectacular panoramic views of the Southern alps. Your pilot will personally guide your journey along the iconic braided rivers and patchwork tapestry of the Canterbury plains to a mountain landing which gives a chance to pause for a while, breath the fresh mountain air and take it all in. You may even sight wild deer and chamois in the region. *When seasons allow this will include a snow landing and can be customized should you want more time or to add activities.

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New Zealands most beautiful road. Then the fun begins, trekking along the Hooker Valley Track at the base of Mount Cook, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, swing bridges and the flowing Hooker River. Hopefully you spot the native Kea bird too! Relax and enjoy the sights on your way back to Timaru, stopping at Lake Tekapo for the last look at the Southern Alps. Finish your day with a legendary Fairlie Bakehouse pie, fueling you up for a day in the mountains.

Experience a seasonal one-hour guided tour of the lavender fields from late November to mid-February. The story of our lavender farm is shared as you walk amongst 5,000 plus lavender plants. The opportunity to purchase lavender products is available, as is the chance to try our famous Lavenade. At the end of the tour, you are free to wander through the lavender fields and on a short track to a picnic area amongst the forest. Facilities include an outdoor composting toilet. The income from our farm tours goes directly back into our conservation and regeneration programme. Booking is essential, no walk-ins. Contact us for a group tour bookings or for tours outside advertised hours.