Christchurch Cultural Activities & Tours

Christchurch cultural and heritage tours
Christchurch's culture runs through its rivers, hills and rebuilt city centre. The Ōtākaro Avon River carried Ngāi Tahu waka long before European settlers arrived, and it still winds past the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the rebuilt Christchurch Cathedral today. Three ways into that history stand out: the heritage tram loop through the city, the gondola ride up Mount Cavendish, and a guided waka tour on the Avon.

Christchurch Tram All Day Pass
The Christchurch Tram All Day Pass covers 18 stops on a 50-minute hop-on hop-off circuit through the city centre. The route passes the Christchurch Cathedral, the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum and the Avon River, with driver commentary filling in the history at each stop. Hop off at any stop and rejoin later; the pass covers the whole day.

Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola climbs Mount Cavendish from Heathcote Valley in a ten-minute ride each way. At the top, the Christchurch Discovery Ride, a converted time tunnel, covers the region's history, and the summit deck looks out over the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour. Walking tracks from the summit station run from 15 minutes up to several hours for those staying longer.

Guided Waka Tour on the Avon River
The Guided Waka Tour on the Avon River is a 45-minute paddle in a traditional Māori waka, departing from Colombo Street. A guide covers the history of Ngāi Tahu, Canterbury's Māori people, and how both waka and the river shaped trade and transport for Māori and early settlers alike. It suits families and groups, and no paddling experience is needed.

More ways to see Christchurch
For a quieter view of the same river, Punting on the Avon River covers similar ground from a flat-bottomed boat poled by a punter in Edwardian dress, and the Punting with Gondola Combo pairs the two in one booking. Visitors wanting several sights in one trip can also compare the Christchurch 3 Attractions Combo Pass, or browse the full Christchurch region for more tours and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Christchurch tram loop take?
The full circuit runs about 50 minutes across 18 stops, and the all-day pass lets you hop off and back on as many times as you like.
What will I see on the Christchurch Gondola?
The gondola climbs Mount Cavendish from Heathcote Valley for views over the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour, plus the Christchurch Discovery Ride time tunnel and walking tracks at the summit.
What is a waka?
A waka is a traditional Māori canoe. The guided tour on the Ōtākaro Avon River covers the waka's role in Ngāi Tahu history alongside the river's part in early Christchurch's development.
Do I need experience to join the waka tour?
No. The tour is guided, runs for 45 minutes and suits families, first-time paddlers and groups of friends.
Is the Christchurch Gondola wheelchair friendly?
Yes, the gondola and its summit facilities are wheelchair friendly.