Christchurch's most booked tours split between the compact city centre and day trips north to Kaikoura. In town, that's trams past Cathedral Square and the Botanic Gardens, and a slow punt down the Avon. Out of town, it's whale watching and dolphin encounters on the Kaikoura coast, both worth booking ahead.
Christchurch Tram All Day Pass
The Christchurch Tram All Day Pass covers 18 stops on a 50-minute hop-on, hop-off circuit, with driver commentary throughout. Trams run every 10 to 15 minutes in summer and every 15 to 25 minutes in winter, and the pass stays valid for one full day of riding. Two trams can each carry up to two manual wheelchairs, boarding via a hoist at Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction.
Punting on the Avon River
Punting on the Avon River has run from the Antigua Boat Sheds since 1986, with an Edwardian-dressed punter poling you past the Botanic Gardens' trailing willows for 30 minutes. Blankets, umbrellas and hot water bottles come standard, so winter isn't a reason to skip it. Children under five ride free, and staff help anyone using a walking stick on and off the low-seated punt.
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Whale Watch Kaikoura departs the old railway station in Kaikoura at 7.15am, 10am and 12.45pm year-round, with extra sailings from November to March. Allow three and a half hours on the water tracking the resident sperm whales, with a 95% success rate for a sighting on any given trip. The vessel runs daily except Christmas Day, and a limited-capacity Captain's Cabin adds bigger windows for up to 12 guests.
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura puts you in the water with wild dusky dolphins for up to 45 minutes, the Department of Conservation's maximum, over a four-hour trip with Encounter Kaikoura. Wetsuits and snorkelling gear are provided, though you'll want reasonable swimming confidence. A watch-only ticket covers anyone happier staying on deck.
Dolphins Cruise in Kaikoura
The Dolphins Cruise in Kaikoura is the boat-only alternative with the same operator, a three and a half hour cruise that also turns up fur seals and the odd albatross. Children are welcome from age three, though the captain can raise that minimum if conditions turn rough. The boat has no wheelchair access, a function of limited space rather than the route. For more of the region's marine life, see Christchurch Wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Kaikoura dolphin swim and the dolphin cruise?
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura gets you in the water with dusky dolphins for up to 45 minutes over a four- hour trip, while the Dolphins Cruise is boat-only for three and a half hours with no swimming involved. The cruise suits anyone happier staying dry, and takes children from age three.
Are any of Christchurch's most popular attractions wheelchair accessible?
The Christchurch Tram is the most accessible, with two trams carrying up to two manual wheelchairs each via a hoist at Cathedral Junction. Punting on the Avon can accommodate a walking stick with staff assistance boarding, but the Dolphins Cruise in Kaikoura has no wheelchair access due to limited space.
What happens if the weather turns on a Kaikoura whale or dolphin tour?
Whale Watch Kaikoura runs daily all year, weather permitting, and only stops for Christmas Day, so a forecast change rarely cancels a trip outright. Dolphin tours with Encounter Kaikoura can be changed up to 24 hours before departure if conditions look uncertain closer to the day.
How long is the Christchurch Tram All Day Pass valid for?
The pass is valid for one calendar day of unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel across all 18 stops on the 50-minute circuit. Trams run every 10 to 15 minutes in summer and every 15 to 25 minutes in winter, so waits stay short between stops.
Is Punting on the Avon River suitable for young children?
Yes, children under five travel free and there's no minimum age for the trip. The punts sit low for easy boarding, and blankets and umbrellas are supplied if the weather turns, making it an easy 30-minute add-on for families exploring the Botanic Gardens.
Local tip: book Whale Watch Kaikoura's 7.15am sailing if it's available, since calmer early-morning water tends to make for better sightings before the wind picks up later in the day.
Book any of the above from this page, or browse the full range on the main Christchurch page.