Handpicked by a Christchurch Local Expert, we bring you our guide to 'Best Christchurch Boat Trips'.
A boat trip in Christchurch is a great way to see the best that the city and wider Canterbury region has to offer. Boat trips vary from slow paced river tours, to larger scale ocean, bound whale and dolphin spotting experiences. We've picked out our favourite Christchurch Boat Trips which include boat trips throughout the Canterbury region.
Punting on the Avon is an iconic experience in Christchurch. From the comfort of cushioned seats in your punt, enjoy a relaxing and peaceful tour along the River Avon to see Christchurch from a different perspective. Admire the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens or the changing face of the city centre as you are gently guided along the Avon River from one of two sites on the Edwardian...More info
Award-winning whale tourism company in Kaikōura with 30 years’ experience, offering comprehensive marine excursions all year round. Visitors will be taken out in a modern catamaran, in search of not just whales, but many of the dozens of amazing creatures which inhabit these waters. The star of the show is the Giant Sperm Whale. Although this is the highlight of the trip, a numbe...More info
Tick your ultimate New Zealand bucket list activity off and swim in the wild with the endangered Hector’s dolphins with Black Cat Cruises or alternatively enjoy the stunning volcanic scenery around Akaroa harbour and its abundance of wildlife including dolphins, seals, penguins and more on an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. Black Cat Cruises were the first daily cruise operators in Akaroa and a...More info
Discover the adorable and playful Hector’s dolphins which are only found in New Zealand waters. The boat cruise takes you past rugged cliff faces and dramatic panoramic views that will take your breathe away. We will show you highlights including the highest cliff in Banks Peninsula, the famous ‘Elephant Head’ and Cathedral Cave. You’ll enjoy comfortable seating both insi...More info
Incredible boat journeys beside the mighty Tasman Glacier. One of only three tours of its kind in the world, you'll sail across the terminal lake and capture some amazing photographs. Glacier Explorers departs from the Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Village. The Tasman Glacier is one of the few in the world to terminate in a lake, so visitors can actually cruise alongside it in the cu...More info
Christchurch and Canterbury's premier Jet Boat operator also offers the only commercial passenger Airboat ride in New Zealand. A thrilling adventure the whole family can share. Strap in and zip along the shallow, twisting streams, turquoise water of the mighty Waimakariri River. Although river jet boating is an exciting activity, ample time is allowed for you to simply relax an...More info
A short 20-minute drive from Methven and Mt Hutt, and just 60 minutes from Christchurch, the crystal clear waters of the Rakaia River is your destination for some high octane action. Go wet and wild with a thrill-filled ride on a powerful jet boat, or turn things up a notch with a jet boat combo experience Jet Boat Tours: Discovery Jet offers visitors the chance to go hurtling through gorges...More info
Offering 360-degree views over Christchurch, the gondola provides visitors with a spectacular vista and fantastic photo opportunities. The journey to 500 metres above sea level takes about 10 minutes in a fully enclosed cable car. At the top visitors can stretch their legs with a walk on one of the many Port Hills tracks or simply sit and take in the view stretches to the Southern Alps in...More info
