6 best day trips from Christchurch

Day trips compared

The day trips

80 km · About 1 hour 30 minutes by car

1.Akaroa

On Banks Peninsula, the harbour village of Akaroa was settled by French colonists in 1840 and keeps French street names and colonial cottages. Harbour cruises often see Hector's dolphins, one of the world's smallest dolphins, and the drive along the Summit Road has superb views.

Getting there

Car, shuttle bus or tour

Best for

Couples, Families, First-timers

135 km · About 1 hour 45 minutes by car

2.Hanmer Springs

An alpine village known for its thermal pools and spa, surrounded by forest walks, mountain-bike trails, jet-boating and bungy at the nearby Waiau Ferry Bridge.

Getting there

Car or shuttle bus

Best for

Families, Couples, Quiet stays

180 km · About 2 hours 30 minutes by car

3.Kaikōura

Between snow-capped mountains and a deep offshore canyon, Kaikōura is famous for whale-watching trips that see sperm whales year-round, plus fur seal colonies on the peninsula walkway and crayfish from roadside stands.

Getting there

Car or coach

Best for

Families, First-timers

150 km · About 2 hours by car or 2 hours 30 minutes by TranzAlpine

4.Arthur's Pass

The highest pass across the Southern Alps has short walks to waterfalls such as the Devil's Punchbowl, cheeky kea parrots and alpine scenery. The TranzAlpine route across braided rivers and gorges is one of New Zealand's classic rail journeys.

Getting there

Car or TranzAlpine train

Best for

First-timers, Couples, Solo travellers

100 km · About 1 hour 20 minutes by car

5.Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti)

On the road to Arthur's Pass, giant limestone boulders scattered across tussock hills form a surreal landscape that is a site of significance to Ngāi Tahu and a popular spot for walking and bouldering.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Families, Quiet stays

60 km · About 50 minutes by car

6.Waipara Valley

North Canterbury's main wine region has cellar doors and vineyard restaurants known for Riesling and Pinot Noir, and is easy to combine with the road to Hanmer Springs or Kaikōura.

Getting there

Car or wine tour

Best for

Couples, Food lovers

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• A Metrocard gives lower fares than cash and caps what you pay per day and week.
• Book in advance in summer; many travellers ride to Arthur's Pass and return by road or train.
• For trips over about 180 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask