15 Day trips from Christchurch in South Island, New Zealand that you shouldn't miss!
Raring to go on a New Zealand South Island road trip? Kickstart your adventure from Christchurch, which is New Zealand’s second-biggest city and the South Island’s largest city.
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You can explore the South Island on a multi-day road trip, but we totally get it if you wish to just set up camp in one spot. Let’s admit it: the changing of multiple hotels, not to mention the daily packing and unpacking of your luggage can add up to be quite a chore!
Why not make Christchurch your base, and take multiple day trips from there? You’ll also have more time to explore Christchurch: photograph New Regent Street’s pastel houses, feel the vibes at Riverside Market, learn more about Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre, take a tour of Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or delve deep into the 2011 earthquake at Quake City.
Go punting on the Avon River, feast your eyes on 360-degree views from Christchurch Gondola, or even embark on a Lord of the Rings tour. Or, how about taking to the skies on a helicopter flight, and even learning how to fly a helicopter?
Get around easily via the hop-on-hop-off tram, and snag even more savings with the handy Christchurch Pass. Accommodation-wise, check out these great hotels, and get there easily with an airport transfer! If you’d like, you can even hop onto the TranzAlpine train — known as New Zealand’s most scenic rail journey — that’ll take you from Christchurch to Greymouth in 4.5 hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. From Greymouth, it’s a three-hour drive back to Christchurch.
#KlookTip: If you’re planning on combining the South Island and North Island in one trip, how about taking the five-hour Coastal Pacific sightseeing train from Christchurch to Picton? From Picton, you can take a beautiful 3.5-hour ferry ride to Wellington on the North Island.
But first, once you’ve settled in, grab your Klook rental car, and set your GPS for these 14 best day trips from Christchurch — which, even better, can all be reached in under three hours!
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1. Castle Hill Conservation Area
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 95.1 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 26 minutes
Doesn’t this scene look like it came straight out of an alien movie? Marvel at Castle Hill Conservation Area’s otherworldly landscape, which is filled with limestone boulders of all shapes and sizes. Together, the boulders look like the shape of an old castle, giving rise to its name. Holding special spiritual significance for the local Maori tribes, the area is also an especially popular bouldering spot.
It’s also a short seven-minute drive to the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, where you can either tackle an easy loop walk, or go caving (at your own risk!).
#KlookTip: Stop by the ‘World Famous Sheffield Pies’ (56 minutes from Christchurch, and 30 minutes to the Castle Hill Conservation Area) on the way for a hearty breakfast.
2. Arthur’s Pass
Distance: 135 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
The highest pass in the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is scenic beyond belief. The pass itself is just 45 kilometres long, but be sure to cater lots of time for multiple stops and hikes! Climbing up to 900 metres, it features gorgeous viaducts, bridges, and waterfalls.
Check out the Bridal Veil Falls, which you can reach in just 10 minutes on foot. The even more stunning Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall can be reached via a 30-minute walking trail from the carpark. Don’t miss the Otira Viaduct, a 400-metre-long bridge (input “Otira Viaduct lookout” in your GPS). If you’re feeling peckish, make a pitstop at the Arthur’s Pass Village for some grub.
#KlookTip: Up for a longer hike? The easy 3.5-hour Arthur’s Pass Walking Track starts from the same Devil Punchbowl Waterfall’s carpark, and brings you to the Arthur’s Pass summit. Alternatively, the more challenging Avalanche Peak hike will take you six to eight hours return, and starts from the Arthur’s Pass Village.
3. Kaikoura
Distance: 180 kilometres
Drive duration: 2 hours 27 minutes
Say hello to a wildlife paradise in the coastal town of Kaikoura. This is where you can get really up close and personal with wildlife: go seal spotting at the Marine Resting Area or Peninsula Walkway; and see them from a different perspective on this pedal kayak tour. In fact, legend has it that there are more fur seals than people at Kaikoura!
Whales can also be spotted from Kaikoura all year round. Try your luck at seeing these majestic giants on a whale-watching cruise, or from an airplane or helicopter tour. Otherwise, go on an amazing wildlife kayaking adventure, where you’ll have the chance to come across dolphins, seals, or penguins. Did you know that you can also swim with playful dusky dolphins?
#KlookTip: Refuel at Kaikoura Seafood BBQ or Nin’s Bin, two roadside seafood stalls that are known for delicious and affordable seafood (the crayfish is a must-try!).
4. Lake Tekapo
Distance: 226 kilometres
Drive duration: 2 hours 53 minutes
Lake Tekapo is probably one of the longest day trips from Christchurch, but it’s well worth the drive. The lake waters are sparkling turquoise and, come mid-November each year, are framed with striking purple lupin flowers. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, try your hand at a guided fishing experience, relax in hot pools at Tekapo Springs, see cute animals on a farm tour, and even go on a guided hiking tour up Mt. Hay.
Lake Tekapo is also part of a Dark Sky Reserve, where the night skies are kept as dark as possible without any city lights or light pollution. Check out the Dark Sky Project’s multimedia indoor astronomy experience; or, if you don’t mind a late drive back to Christchurch, watch the sky light up with a million stars during this magical stargazing experience.
5. Burkes Pass
Photo credit: Mackenzie Region
Distance: 204 kilometres
Drive duration: 2 hours 38 minutes
On your way to, or back from, Lake Tekapo to Christchurch, be sure to stop at Burkes Pass (15 minutes from Lake Tekapo, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Christchurch). Travel back in time in this quirky yet nostalgic historic village, which has tons of fantastic photo spots! Decked out in vibrant signs of yesteryear, old-school gas pumps, and vintage cars, there’s just so much detail to take in every direction. Drop by the Three Creeks store, which is a museum, coffee stand, ice cream cart, furniture shop, and vintage store all in one.
#KlookTip: Break up the drive even further with a stop at Fairlie (15 minutes from Burkes Pass, and 2 hours 20 minutes to Christchurch), where you can try a famous pie at Fairlie Bakehouse.
6. Akaroa
Distance: 81.1 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 29 minutes
Nestled along the beautiful Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is a seaside town with a significant French influence. Akaroa Harbour is located in the caldera of a sunken volcano, creating optimum conditions for kayaking or sailing. It’s also famous as a wildlife haven, especially for Hector’s dolphins (which are the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species!). Spot them on a dolphin cruise, or even swim with them. Search for penguins during a wildlife kayaking session, or learn about them on this tour that’s all about penguins.
In Akaroa itself, get lost among the colonial buildings, visit the unique Giant’s House, or take a 40-minute walk along the Akaroa Head Scenic Reserve Walk to the Akaroa Lighthouse. Can’t get enough? Soak in the natural beauty of this Scenic Nature 4WD Tour, or even go stargazing when night falls.
7. Shamarra Alpaca Farm
Photo credit: Shamarra Alpacas on Facebook
Distance: 73.1 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 22 minutes
Found just 20 minutes from Akaroa, Shamarra Alpaca Farm screams cute from the get-go. With ethical sustainability at its core, the farm isn’t open to the public. The only way you can visit is by booking a one-hour farm tour, where you’ll learn all about the alpacas, interact with the flock, and feed the mother alpacas with their young by their side. The farm is home to more than 170 alpacas, so you’ll literally be surrounded by them!
Curious about the creatures? Simply ask any of the staff at the farm, and they’ll be more than happy to share their knowledge. The farm is located on the slopes of an extinct volcano too, serving up maximum doses of cuteness with a splendid view to boot.
8. Lyttelton
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 12.3 kilometres
Drive duration: 20 minutes
Located at the Northernmost tip of the Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton is a sleepy port-side town oozing with bohemian charm. The harbour town has particular historic significance: besides being early settlers’ first point of entry to Canterbury, it was also the launching point for various Antarctic expeditions. Now, it’s lined with cosy cafes and an eclectic range of boutique shops, rounded off with a farmers market on Sundays.
Definitely make time for a short 15-minute ferry ride to Quail Island, which is named after the now-extinct native Quail bird. The island entices with crowd-free beaches, lush flora and fauna, as well as plenty of birds. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a penguin!
9. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Distance: 11.4 kilometres
Drive duration: 24 minutes
Looking to entertain the kids? Have a fun family day out at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, which is full of adorable animals. The reserve is split into three different categories: New Zealand animals, zoo/exotic animals, and farmyard animals.
Get up close and personal with llamas, possums, kea, iguanas, gibbons, and more. And besides, what’s a trip to New Zealand without seeing the iconic kiwi? The wildlife reserve is the first place in the world to have a glass-free nocturnal kiwi house, where you’re guaranteed to see one of these rare birds in the flesh.
10. Hanmer Springs
Distance: 133 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Relaxation is the name of the game at Hanmer Springs, which is reputed for its mineral-rich thermal pools. A single ticket will get you entry to 22 outdoor thermal pools, a lazy river, a lap pool, and access to an award-winning spa. There are also Aqua Play Pools — complete with exciting waterslides and fountains — to entertain the little ones whilst the adults get some well-deserved pampering.
For an all-rounded experience, how about relaxing at the thermal pools in the morning, taking on some adventure activities in the afternoon, before returning to the pools again in the evening? Get your fill of thrills with jet boating, bungy jumping, quad biking, or whitewater rafting.
#KlookTip: To enjoy multiple entries to the thermal pools, ensure that you select the same-day return pass.
11. Port Hills
Photo credit: TRAILSOURCE.COM on Flickr Creative Commons
Distance: 9.4 kilometres
Drive duration: 20 minutes
If you’re an avid mountain biker, find your slice of heaven at Port Hills. A mere 20-minute drive from Christchurch, the area also packs a punch with a whole line-up of hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty.
Go on the easy 30-minute Mitchels and Gilpins Loop Track, the 1.5-hour Harry Ell Walkway, two-hour Rapaki Track, or the 3-hour Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track. And yes, you’ll be treated to never-ending captivating views along the way!
12. Waipara Wine Valley
Photo credit: Newzealand.com
Distance: 54.7 kilometres
Drive duration: 49 minutes
Calling all self-professed wine aficionados! Say bottoms up at the Waipara wine valley, which is one of New Zealand’s best wine regions. Known worldwide for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Reisling, the region is chock full of vineyards touting tastings, cellar tours, and delectable food.
Due to the ideal wine-growing climate, Waipara is said to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing wine region. Despite this, the wineries here are mostly family-run, and exude a homely vibe that’s untouched by commercialisation. See what we mean at wineries like Waipara Hills, Pegasus Bay, and Mountford Estate, and Muddy Water.
13. Adrenalin Forest
Photo credit: Adrenalin Forest NZ on Facebook
Distance: 15.3 kilometres
Drive duration: 23 minutes
Get your heart pumping at Adrenalin Forest, which is great for both adults and kids! Channel your indoor Tarzan by challenging yourself with more than 100 different obstacles across six levels, with each level being harder than the last. Can you conquer the flying fox, Tarzan jump, and more?
#KlookTip: Trust us, this experience is one for the history books. Capture it all by renting a Gopro camera onsite.
On your way back to Christchurch, drop by the Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park (12 minutes from Adrenalin Forest, and 16 minutes to Christchurch). There, embark on a breezy loop trail to spot lots of birds, eels, and fishes.
14. Timaru
Photo credit: Te Ana Māori Rock Art on Facebook
Distance: 163 kilometres
Drive duration: 2 hours 9 minutes
Be immersed in Maori culture at Timaru, where you can go on a one-hour tour at Te Ana Maori Rock Art. Follow your guide as he/she showcases fascinating Maori art found in caves, as you gain deeper insight into the native Ngau Tahu people (which is the South Island’s largest Maori tribe). The little ones will love the experience as well, as they’ll also get the chance to create some rock art of their own.
In Timaru itself, many buildings are built with volcanic bluestone. How cool is that! At dusk, head to Marine Parade to catch little blue penguins making their way from the ocean to the beach.
15. Methven
Photo credit: Bevanw58 on Wikimedia Commons
Distance: 95.1 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calling all snow sports enthusiasts! Methven is a postcard-perfect town that has lots of surprises up its sleeves all year round. Besides being the gateway to the popular Mt. Hutt skiing area, the town also has the family-friendly Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa. The little ones will love the dedicated kid’s area with a plunge pool and water caves, whilst the adults have an adults-only pool complete with a swim-up bar.
If you’re up for some adventure, head just ten minutes outside of Methven to the Rakaia River. Take on the 10-kilometre Rakaia Gorge walkway, or even go on a thrilling jetboat ride. Another great hike is the 11-kilometre Methven Walkway; you don’t have to do the whole thing, but keep a lookout for the fairy doors painted by the locals at what’s colloquially known as the Enchanted Forest. Round it all off with a relaxing hot air balloon ride, with spectacular views of the Southern Alps to boot.
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