Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Cathedral Square, Christchurch: Our most recommended tours and activities

Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

Take a unique sightseeing tour of the inner city aboard an antique trams as the driver provides a live and entertaining commentary. A full circuit takes 50 minutes and includes 18 stops, where you can hop on and off as often as you wish. Visit Riverside Market, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Junction, Canterbury Museum, and much more. • Please note our attractions do get very busy over the summer months (Nov-March) especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time for entry due to increased demand  

Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo

Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo

Climb aboard a classic flat-bottomed boat for a delightful punt along the River Avon in Christchurch. Reserve a timeslot after booking, then meet a punter dressed in Edwardian costume on the day. Punt down the river and listen to your guide's live commentary along the way. Take off from the Antigua Boat Sheds to journey through Hagley Park. Punt alongside the Botanic Gardens, and admire some of the native flora of New Zealand. Blankets and hot water bottles are provided on cold days, so don't let the weather put you off! Climb aboard a vintage tram for a unique tour of Christchurch, and see the “Garden City” at your own pace with a full-day hop-on and hop-off tram ticket. Travel through the regenerated city center to see innovative architecture, see how the city center has been rebuilt after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Listen to a fascinating commentary from your driver as you take a full circuit in just 50 minutes, or jump on and off at leisure at 18 stops. The tram currently starts at Cathedral Junction which is Stop 1 and travels through Cathedral Square, before passing the River Avon. Jump off at Oxford Terrace and Riverside Market, or Canterbury Museum, just a short stroll from the Botanic Garden and Arts Center. Discover the city’s largest urban space at Hagley Park, or explore the boutique stores of New Regent Street, New Zealand’s “Most Beautiful Street.” Please note our attractions do get very busy over the summer months (Nov-March) especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time due to increased demand

Christchurch: Cave Stream & Castle Hill Tour

Christchurch: Cave Stream & Castle Hill Tour

Your tour starts by following the "Great Alpine Highway" west of Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains. After 45 minutes, it will be time for a short break in the small rural town of Darfield. The Darfield Bakery is an excellent example of New Zealand cuisine. We will pick up some freshly made food for a picnic lunch. Leaving Darfield and continuing west towards the Southern Alps, we will make a short stop for morning tea next to Lake Lyndon and then make our way to Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. Once arriving at Cave Stream, your guide will kit you out with caving gear and provide you with a safety briefing before you head down to the cave entrance. The 600-meter limestone cave follows an underground river and takes most groups 45-60 minutes to complete. Inside the limestone cave, the crystal clear water flows through large chambers and over small waterfall steps. The cave gets as narrow as a standard hallway, and you can always stand up inside. Back at the car park, hot drinks and a picnic lunch will be provided while you enjoy the mountain views. From here it's a short drive to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural wonders. While there, your guide will show you around and explain why the area holds so much spiritual, recreational, and geological significance. If time allows, you will have some free time to explore the boulders, meeting your guide back at the car park. On the way back, a short break in Springfield allows for a photo with the giant doughnut, the history of which your guide will explain. Back in Christchurch, you will be dropped off at either your hotel or the meeting point at the Citizens' War Memorial in Cathedral Square in the city centre.

Christchurch: Rock Climbing with Guide, Lunch, and Transport

Christchurch: Rock Climbing with Guide, Lunch, and Transport

The tour starts with a short scenic drive on the way up to the climbing area, known locally as a “crag.” Only 15 minutes from Christchurch, the road passes through the second longest road tunnel in New Zealand and into the historic port town of Lyttelton. You’ll have some time here to explore the quirky little town that has been the launching port for many Antarctic exploration voyages. Leaving Lyttelton, the road ascends steeply up Evans Pass affording views of Lyttelton Harbour and the busy port below. Just 15 minutes from Lyttelton, near the top of the Port Hills, is Cattlestop Crag and other pop-up climbing areas. Your guide will set up some suitable rock climbs for the group and, before anyone starts climbing, you'll have a safety briefing and learn you how to use the equipment. Once everyone has got the hang of the system, your guide will continue to set up appropriately challenging climbs. With over 2,000 climbing routes in Christchurch, there are plenty of options no matter what your level of experience. Take a break to enjoy picnic-style lunch overlooking Christchurch or Lyttelton depending on the climbing area used. After lunch, your guide will set up an abseil for you to try lowing yourself down from the top of a cliff. After the abseil, your guide will take you to another crag in the local area for another abseil or more climbing. Leaving the crag at around 4 PM, you’ll get back into Christchurch around 4:45 PM where your guide will drop you back at your hotel or at the meeting point by the Citizens' War Memorial in Cathedral Square.

6 activities found

Traveling now? See what’s available for your dates

Top activities in Christchurch

79 activities found
Sort by:
Recommended

Top sights near Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Other Sightseeing Options in Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Want to discover all there is to do in Cathedral Square, Christchurch? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Overall rating

4.7
(113 reviews)

Activity was good. Crew members were so helpful and knowledgeable. Waited for us as could see us running for tram. Trams very often. Really good way to see beautiful Christchurch.

This activity was run by Christchurch city and was extremely well organised. You could have bought tickets on the day for both the tram and punting for the same price.

The most unexpected adventure for us in our 60s and 70s. Sophie our guide was fabulous and always helpful. Keep on the good job! 👏👏👏

Great way to see centre of Christchurch and hop off for more interesting locations

Very flexible and informative way of getting around Christchurch city centre.