Canterbury, New Zealand

Our most recommended things to do in Canterbury, New Zealand

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  1. Mount Cook Ultimate Alpine Helicopter & Ski Plane Experience

  Explore the Mount Cook area from the ground and the air on this thrilling helicopter and ski plane tour. Start off by driving through the Kawarau Gorge for stunning views, enter the fruit and wine region of Cromwell as you pass huge fields of vines, cross Lake Dunstan and follow this beautiful lake towards Lindis Pass, which offers stunning views of the valleys below. See several of the famous Merino sheep on the drive before arriving in Omarama and continuing to Lake Pukaki, a brilliant blue lake framed by Aoraki and Mount Cook. Next, get ready for an unforgettable ski plane experience and helicopter ride which includes a glacier snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. Spend two and a half hours of free time in the national park before making your way back to High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand.

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  2. Christchurch Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Tour

  Climb aboard a vintage tram for a unique dinner tour of Christchurch. Admire the city’s sights illuminated for the night as you dine on a 4-course, chef prepared menu. The colonial-style Christchurch Tram has been fully refurbished inside and out to create a cozy, intimate experience. It’s fully air-conditioned for comfortable dining at any time of year. Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival. Glide past city highlights, such as the Avon River and Botanic Gardens on a 2.5-hour journey through the city center. See how the city has been rebuilt since the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Popular with locals and out-of-towners, the dinner tour features chef-prepared menus in a dining car for up to 36 people. Enjoy seasonal fare served from the tram’s tiny kitchen, including a first course, main course and dessert. As well as a creative selection of innovative meals, the chefs can also cater ...

  Definitely a must do. Even if you only do it once make a booking you wont regret it. It is a unique experience.

  Reviewed by Russell, 8/2/2021
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  3. Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Nature Cruise

  Experience an award-winning nature cruise of Akaroa Habor. Discover wildlife like dolphins, seals, penguins, and other seabirds. Gaze upon giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past.  Travel on a modern catamaran, which is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. There's lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating for shade and shelter. Inside, for your convenience you'll find a bar and washrooms. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and the history of the harbour. As Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago, there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. There is also the incredib...

  Everything was good, but as a disabled person, it was difficult to get on/off the boat. When I did get on, the only real option for me to sit was at the stern (outside) and I didn't see as much of the sea life as others. It was a bit chilly at times and it would've been very difficult to get inside. However, the other people in my group (7 of them) really enjoyed the trip and probably would've given you 5 stars.

  Reviewed by Glenn, New Zealand, 5/18/2021
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  4. Christchurch: Vintage Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo

  Experience Christchurch from different perspectives with a combined city tour by vintage tram, punt along the River Avon and cable car ride aboard the Christchurch Gondola. Climb aboard a classic, flat-bottomed boat for a delightful punt along the River Avon. Venture through the city center propelled by a boatman dressed in Edwardian costume. Set off from Worcester Street Bridge and listen to the live commentary about how the city was rebuilt after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and remains fast-growing. See the beautiful alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch and its suburbs on board the Christchurch Gondola cable car. Explore the history of the region in the unique Time Tunnel experience, and pause for refreshments at the Red Rock Café. Marvel at the Southern Alps and Kaikoura Mountains, and get 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city and harbor from the glass-enclosed cabin....

  Buying this combination made life easier and loved that we could chop and change.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, New Zealand, 8/8/2021
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  5. Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins 3-Hour Experience

  Swim with the endangered Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin. On New Zealand’s ultimate dolphin experience, you’ll have the chance to see and swim with Hector's dolphins close up, in the wild.  Check-in at Akaroa’s main wharf and meet the friendly crew who will provide you with a warm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves, and a hood if necessary. Climb aboard the jet-powered catamaran and cruise out into the sheltered harbor. The highly trained crew will give you a safety briefing and explain how to interact responsibly with the dolphins.  With only 12 swimmers permitted per vessel, you’ll have a greater chance of seeing the dolphins up close. Gear up and slip into the tranquil harbor waters to join the dolphins their natural habitat. The covered vessel has no propellers, making it safer for you and the dolphins. Warm up in the heated cabin or take a ho...

  Very well organsied, great safety briefing and clear instructions. We swam with about 8 dolpins and a Royal Albatros landed in the water near our group which was an extra bonus to see such a large majestic bird so close.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 2/5/2020
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  6. Kaikoura: 30-Minute Whale Watching Flight

  Receive an informative briefing of the Sperm Whales and other wildlife of Kaikoura, ready for your 30-minute flight experience. Learn about its unique geology, and what you can expect to see during the flight. Spend a special half hour viewing these majestic creatures from a unique vantage point.  Head directly out over the Kaikoura Whale Sanctuary to start looking for Kaikoura's wildlife. This whale watching flight showcases the year-round whales and dolphins, as well as the stunning coastline and peninsula. Focusing on the mighty Sperm Whale, this is a once-in-a-lifetime flight to view these animals, as well as other whale and dolphin species that migrate through Kaikoura's waters.  All aircraft are high-winged, which allows each person their own window seat and optimal, unobstructed viewing and photography opportunities. Your tour finishes back at the terminal where there is a gift ...

  Absolutely wonderful. Didn't see whales though not thru lack of trying! Amazing pod of dolphins! Such lovely people, loved every minute!

  Reviewed by Sandra, 3/11/2020
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  7. Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike Combo

  Take in the magnificent scenery, then hold on while you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin. This beautiful alpine river features narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids. Travel over 30 kilometres of exciting jetboating and spectacular scenery. Your journey on the water lasts at least 30 minutes and you should allow 1 hour for the whole experience including the safety briefing. The focus above all else is safety, customer service, and value for money. Fun and thrills in the beautiful natural environment of Hanmer Springs. Put yourself in control of a four-wheel quad bike. Challenge the terrain, with river crossings, mud, dust, dirt and excitement. This guided Quad Bike tour will show you some of the real back country New Zealand as you pass through farmland, sheep trails, rivers, sand and bush. You can choose to ride your own bike or ride tandem with another person (...

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  8. Kaikoura: 2.5-hour Albatross Encounter and Wildlife Cruise

  Enjoy this once in a lifetime bird watching experience just 15 minutes of the coast of Kaikoura. Within just a small area, meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic bird life you'll find anywhere in the world. Up to 12 species of albatross alone can be viewed at various times of the year. Equip yourself with your bird identification list, your expert local guide and driver will take you on a journey from the Port out into the open ocean. Enjoy the opportunity to watch the birds come in close to the boat for a unique feeding experience. Throughout the tour, your guide will take you to various different spots to ensure you see as many species as possible. As you make your way back to Kaikoura, come in close to the shore and marvel at the picturesque New Zealand coastline. If you’re lucky, you will have an opportunity to see beautiful fur seals basking in the sunshine.

  This experience was everything we hoped it would be and more. We saw lots of birds, many really close up. Our guide, Gary, was very knowledgeable and amazed us with immediate identification of all the birds we saw. The bonus was seeing lots of young seals on a rock and a very large pod of dolphins..We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would highly recommend it.

  Reviewed by Margaret, New Zealand, 3/21/2021
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  9. Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

  Experience Mount Cook National Park from the sky. Enjoy a 25-minute scenic adventure that includes an alpine landing amongst the mountains. Have exceptional views of Aoraki (Mt Cook) and the surrounding snow-capped mountain ranges right from take off.  Be captivated throughout the entire flight. Explore the valleys and peaks of the national park. Journey through the Tasman Valley and over a breathtaking blue glacier lake. Experience an alpine landing on the stunning upper snowfields in the Southern Alps.  Disembark the aircraft and enjoy the elevated alpine landscape before returning to the helicopter to fly back to Mount Cook Airport. Your expert pilot will offer informative and interesting commentary throughout the flight to ensure you receive the best possible experience.

  Once in a lifetime experience with my wife and two children. The flight was very stable and visually amazing.

  Reviewed by Carl, 1/2/2020
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  10. Christchurch: Orana Wildlife Park Admission

  Experience the ultimate animal adventure at Orana Wildlife Park. Set in 80 hectares, within 15 minutes drive of Christchurch airport, Orana is New Zealand’s only open-range zoo. Discover over 400 animals, representing more than 70 species. Arrive at the park from 10 AM in the morning. Regular animal feed presentations occur daily, commencing at 10:45 AM, and are accompanied by a presentation from a wildlife guide. It is recommended to arrive at the park early and follow the presentation schedule which will lead you around the entire zoo. As you explore the grounds, enjoy a range of amazing wildlife experiences including hand-feeding the giraffes and meeting rhino up close. Stroll through the aviaries to observe kiwi, and other stunning native birds including kakariki, whio, tui, and mischievous kea. See a range of native reptiles and meet friendly domestic animals in the Farmyard area....

  Very informative and interesting, my grandson loved all the animals and so did I

  Reviewed by Jennifer, 4/30/2021