Christchurch City Tours - Private Guided Experience
Discover "The Garden City' rebuilt - a perfect balance of heritage charm and innovative modern architecture Christchurch -
Where Heritage Meets Innovation
Tour Overview
Christchurch, which for decades has been tagged "The Garden City" (botanic gardens & the wonderful Hagley Park) has a new story following the amazing City rebuild due to the 2011 Earthquakes, which describes Christchurch as a location that balances nature, play, innovation, community and space.
So Christchurch can now offer a fantastic mix of heritage & contemporary features for visiting tourists. From the beautiful Botanic Gardens that run alongside the Avon river to the Innovation Precinct displaying glass, steel, tech company hubs & coworking spaces.
All these places & locations can fill either a 1/2 day (4 hours) or full day (8 hours) of heritage, gardens, new architecture, arts and access to nature showing off what’s old & what’s new.
Quick Facts
- 4 or 8 hours duration
- Private Guided Tour
- Luxury Vehicle Transport
- Door-to-door Service
- Refreshments Included
- Available Year-Round
Tour Pricing
Half Day City Tour
4 hours of heritage & innovation
NZD $600.00 per person
- 4 hours private guided tour
- Door-to-door luxury transport
- Heritage quarter & gardens
- Coffee break included
Full Day City Tour
8 hours complete experience
NZD $900.00 per person
- 8 hours comprehensive tour
- Sumner Beach & Lyttelton Harbour
- Lunch at local restaurant
- All refreshments included
- Coastal scenic drives
- Heritage sites & innovation hubs
Typical Full Day Itinerary
( Please be aware your hotel pick up is a fixed time )
9:00 AM
Hotel Pickup
Door to door hotel/place of residence pick up. Begin your personalized sightseeing tour of Christchurch.
9:30 AM
Heritage Quarter & Arts Centre
Explore on foot the heritage quarter of the City, Arts Centre & from the front gates, Christ’s College with Gothic Revival architecture.
10:30 AM
Botanic Gardens & Hagley Park
Wander through the gorgeous Botanical Gardens which overlap Hagley Park. Great for a walk & light exercise along the Avon River.
11:30 AM
New City Precincts
Explore the new precincts of the Central Business District including Riverside Market, The Terrace, and contemporary food culture spaces.
12:30 PM
Coffee Break
Catch a coffee or refreshment at one of Christchurch’s excellent local cafés while taking in the city atmosphere.
1:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch at a highly regarded local eatery showcasing Canterbury’s fresh produce and culinary excellence.
2:30 PM
Sumner Beach
View the Canterbury coastline from the best vantage point. Travel through the Sumner seaside village and maybe dip a toe into the Pacific Ocean then enjoy the Ocean vistas.
3:30 PM
Lyttelton Harbour
Take in the breathtaking view of Lyttelton Harbour and its surroundings from the best scenic spot overlooking both sea & landscapes.
4:30 PM
Afternoon Tea
Idyllic setting, picnic style afternoon tea &/or coffee with scenic views before returning to the city.
5:00 PM
Return to Hotel
Drive back to your hotel/place of residence closing out your impressive day exploring Christchurch’s heritage and innovation.
Full Day Additional Highlights
Sumner Seaside Village
Beach suburb nestled in a coastal valley with cliffs, rock outcrops & Pacific Ocean vistas. Perfect for a seaside stroll and coastal views.
Lyttelton Harbour
The port of Christchurch sited on the steep sides of an extinct volcano, one of the first European landing areas for Christchurch with breathtaking harbour views.
Mona Vale Historic Homestead
Outstanding quiet gardens in the blue chip suburb of Fendalton with historic homestead and beautifully maintained heritage gardens.
Te Pae Convention Centre
World class, sleek, modern facility showcasing Christchurch’s commitment to contemporary architecture and international standard facilities.
Key Destinations
Botanic Gardens & Hagley Park
The beautiful Botanic Gardens that run alongside the Avon river. Hagley Park (approx 164 hectares) – the large urban park bordering the CBD.
Arts Centre
Heritage architecture, galleries, boutique stores & cafes. A mix of culture & old world charm in beautifully restored Gothic Revival buildings.
Transitional Cathedral
Known as the “Cardboard Cathedral” reflecting the city’s recent history & resilience following the 2011 earthquakes.
Street Art Trail
Christchurch Street Art around the inner City, many murals & public art installations. A lot of creativity on display throughout the rebuild areas.
Te Kaha Stadium
Christchurch's soon to be opened indoor sporting & arts world class facility.
Riverside Market
Set in a prime location in the heart of the city, Riverside Market offers a unique inner-city market and dining experience that champions local produce.
What's Included
Door-to-Door Service
Luxury pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Expert Guide
Personalized commentary on history and future of Christchurch
Walking Tours
On-foot exploration of heritage quarter and gardens
Refreshments
Coffee breaks and picnic-style afternoon tea
Lunch (Full Day)
Highly regarded local eatery featuring Canterbury cuisine
Coastal Views
Sumner Beach and Lyttelton Harbour scenic stops
Photo Opportunities
Street art, architecture, and scenic viewpoints
Flexible Itinerary
Customized to your interests and preferences
The New Christchurch
Innovation & Technology
Glass, steel, tech company hubs & coworking spaces showcasing the city’s innovative future
Contemporary Food Culture
New laneways and precincts like Riverside Market, The Terrace in realigned city spaces
World-Class Facilities
"Te Kaha" indoor sports centre, Tūranga Library, and Te Pae Convention Centre
Street Art & Creativity
Vibrant murals and public art installations throughout the inner city rebuild areas
Resilience & Community
The Transitional Cathederal symbolizing the city's remarkable recovery and community spirits
Christchurch Gallery



















Discover Christchurch's Amazing Transformation
Experience the perfect balance of heritage charm and innovative modern architecture
Other Canterbury Adventures
Akaroa Nature Cruise
Experience French-inspired Akaroa with harbour cruise and rare Hector’s dolphins.
Arthur’s Pass
Journey through the Southern Alps with breathtaking mountain scenery and alpine adventures.
Kaikoura Whale Watch
Magnificent marine wildlife on the Kaikoura coast with luxury whale watching experience.