Avon River

Avon River

Avon River: 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, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

Experience Christchurch from different perspectives with a combined city tour by vintage Tram, Punt along the Avon River, and cable car ride aboard the Christchurch Gondola. (please note transport to the Gondola is an additional cost) Climb aboard a classic, flat-bottomed boat for a delightful 30-minute Punt ride along the Avon River. Before your tour, reserve a timeslot prior to arrival to venture through the city center propelled by a boatman dressed in Edwardian costume. See the beautiful alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch and its suburbs on board the Christchurch Gondola cable car. Explore the history of the region in the unique Discovery ride experience, and pause for refreshments at the Red Rock Café. Marvel at the Southern Alps and Kaikoura Mountains, and get 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city, and harbor from the glass-enclosed cabin. Once at the summit, browse the "Shop at the Top" or hike one of the many walking trails, such as the trek to volcanic-formed Crater Rim. Please note the Christchurch Gondola is located 15 minutes from the city centre and a 10 minute drive from Lyttelton port and transport is not included in the cost of the ticket. Journey by vintage tram and see the “Garden City” at your own pace with a full-day hop-on and hop-off ticket. Explore the regenerated city center to see innovative architecture. 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 strategic stops. Discover the vast urban space of Hagley Park, explore the boutique stores of New Regent Street 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 at the Tram & Gondola entry due to increased demand • Transport to and from the Gondola is not included in the ticket and is an extra cost. Please ask for further information on arrival.

Christchurch: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River

Christchurch: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River

See Christchurch from a different perspective with a combined Punt along the Avon River aboard a classic flat-bottomed boat, and a ticket for the Christchurch Gondola cable car.  Travel with a guide dressed in Edwardian costume, who will provide live commentary as they punt you along the river for a 30-minute ride. Blankets & umbrellas are provided in the winter months so don't let the weather put you off. Take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola cable car, and see the beautiful Alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch city center and its suburbs. Explore the history of the region in the unique Discovery ride, and pause for reflection at the Red Rock Café. Marvel at the Southern Alps to the west, and the Kaikoura Mountains to the north. To the south lies the beautiful harbor of Christchurch, and to the east is the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city, and harbor from the glass-enclosed cabin. Purchase souvenirs in the "Shop at the Top" once you reach the summit, or go to the Red Rock Café for some refreshments. If you are feeling more energetic, take one of the many walking trails, such as the hike to Crater Rim, formed by the volcanic activity that created Port Hills. Travel back in time at the unique Discovery Ride, and learn about the development of the region. 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 to and from the summit station at the Gondola. Transport to the Gondola is not included in the ticket cost and is an additional cost on the day.

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

From Christchurch: Sheep Farm Day Trip with Lunch & Winery

From Christchurch: Sheep Farm Day Trip with Lunch & Winery

Discover the highlights of Christchurch and the Waipara Valley on a small-group bus tour. Explore the city, visit a working sheep farm, and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Head north to the Waipara Valley and discover Glenafric Farm, a 770-hectare coastal sheep and beef farm. With South Suffolk stud sheep flocks as well as commercial Corriedales and Hereford cattle. Enjoy real New Zealand, this is an authentic true working farm supporting 2 families, 3 generations. Marvel at the skill of a sheep shearer - have a go yourself. Admire the enthusiasm of highly trained, highly-valued farm dogs. Enjoy a safe and comfortable guided farm tour seated in comfort. Admire the collection of vintage tractors. Learn about the fascinating geological formation of Glenafric. Enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from “Louise’s Lookout.” Lunch is a delicious Grazing Platter sourced locally. Visit to an award winning Winery in the Waipara Valley. Savor Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir while taking in the stunning views of the Three Deans mountain range. End the day by exploring the charming Botanic Gardens, admire the tranquil Avon River and Hagley Park, and see the city’s impressive Gothic architecture and the new stadium set to open in 2026. Marvel at the unique cardboard Cathedral and visit the lively New Regent Street.

Christchurch: 20-Minutes City Helicopter Flight

Christchurch: 20-Minutes City Helicopter Flight

Discover the city of Christchurch from above on a scenic helicopter flight. The city is known for its English heritage and fondly referred to as the Garden City due to its abundance of parks and trees. Observe the lush banks of the serpentine Avon River and the beautiful botanical gardens, which are a delight to see from above. Your expert pilots will inform and entertain you with all the latest facts and points of interest such as the Cathedral, new landmarks including the library, and the vision for the future of this thriving city. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Banks Peninsula which is formed from three now dormant volcanoes, where you will also see the busy Port of Lyttelton. On the return leg enjoy a bird’s eye view of the estuary and coastline before you return via the seaside suburbs of Sumner and Redcliffs.

Christchurch: Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River

Christchurch: Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River

Step back in time to the era of the great Māori explorers with a guided waka paddling experience. Learn the history and tradition of the waka, an important part of Māori culture, and engage with the city’s history. Meet your guide in downtown Christchurch, on the sacred Ōtākaro Awa (Avon River). Be officially greeted with a mihi (Māori greeting) and provided with an overview of your visit. Once onboard the waka, your Kaitahutū and Kaiārahi (guide and skipper) will share the scenery of the area and the history of the city’s 170-year journey.

7 activities found

Traveling now? See what’s available for your dates

Top activities in Christchurch

91 activities found
Sort by:
Recommended

Top sights near Avon River

Other Sightseeing Options in Avon River

Want to discover all there is to do in Avon River? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Avon River

Overall rating

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars
(340 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

We came off a cruise ship to do this excursion. It is completely doable if you get your timing right. We were on the ship shuttle to Christchurch around 8:30 am and arrived in Christchurch just before 9 am. There were lots of volunteers on the streets to get you going in the right direction. We were able to exchange our voucher to get the three tickets, one for the tram, one for the gondola and one for the punting, before 9:30 am even though the voucher ticket said meet at 10:00 am. We also purchased a shuttle ticket from the ticket seller. They were very helpful! This was an extra cost but made our getting from the tram to the Gondola easier. We hopped on the tram at stop 4 and enjoyed the live commentary until stop 2 when we hopped off to take the shuttle to the gondola. We enjoyed the gondola ride. and the views at the top. We spent about an hour at the top of the gondola and headed down to take the shuttle back to Christchurch. Hopped on the tram again. Got off and had lunch then

5 out of 5 stars

We had a great day in ChCh, the tram was fun, and the driver pointed out interesting landmarks and had a lot of knowledge about the city. The gondola was great, you got to see breathtaking views of the city. The punt ride was fun the guide was a laugh. We enjoyed our day in ChCh.

5 out of 5 stars

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.

5 out of 5 stars

I had an amazing day and great time with all tree activities included in this combo

5 out of 5 stars

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