Christchurch Water Activities

Water Activities in Christchurch
Christchurch sits on the edge of the Avon River, and within a couple of hours you can go from punting through the city centre to swimming alongside wild dolphins on the Kaikōura coast. The water activities on this page cover both ends of that range: gentle river trips inside the city, and full day excursions out to one of New Zealand's best-known marine reserves.

Swim With Dolphins in Kaikōura
Kaikōura is roughly a two and a half hour drive north of Christchurch, and it's the reason most visitors add a water activity to their South Island itinerary at all. Swim with Dolphins in Kaikōura puts you in the water with wild pods on their terms, not a schedule, so some trips see more dolphin interaction than others. If you'd rather stay dry and watch from the deck, the Dolphins Cruise in Kaikōura covers the same stretch of coast without the wetsuit. Both run early, since dolphin activity and sea conditions are usually calmer in the morning. Bring a rash vest or thermal layer under the wetsuit if you feel the cold.

Punting and Waka Tours on the Avon River
The Avon River, known as Ōtākaro in te reo Māori, winds through the middle of Christchurch past the Botanic Gardens and the old Provincial Council buildings. Punting on the Avon is the classic version: a punter in period dress poles you along the same stretch of water that's run through the city since colonial times, with commentary on the buildings and gardens as you pass. For something closer to how the river was used before any of that, the Guided Waka Tour on the Avon River puts you in a traditional Māori canoe with a guide who talks through the river's history and significance to local iwi. Neither trip needs prior paddling or boating experience, and both are an easy way to see central Christchurch from a different angle.

Kayaking and Scuba Diving Near Christchurch
Beyond the dolphin trips and river tours, the wider Christchurch and Kaikōura area is also worth exploring by kayak or on a dive. Kaikōura's rocky coastline and kelp forests draw divers and snorkellers hoping to spot fur seals in the water, while sea kayaking gets you close to the coast at a slower pace than a cruise. Browse the full range of New Zealand water activities or head back to the Christchurch things to do page to plan the rest of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kaikōura close enough for a day trip from Christchurch?
Yes. Kaikōura is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Christchurch, so both the swim with dolphins trip and the dolphin cruise are commonly booked as a full-day trip out of the city, including travel time.
Do I need swimming experience to swim with dolphins in Kaikōura?
You should be a confident swimmer, since you'll be in open water with a wetsuit, mask and snorkel. If you'd prefer not to get in the water, the dolphin cruise covers the same stretch of coast from the boat.
Is punting on the Avon suitable for kids and older visitors?
Yes. You sit in the punt while the punter does the poling, so it suits most ages and fitness levels. The waka tour involves paddling as a group, so it's better suited to those happy to join in.
What's the difference between the waka tour and punting on the Avon?
Punting is a seated, guided ride in a traditional flat-bottomed boat. The waka tour is a paddled group experience in a Māori canoe with a stronger focus on the river's Māori history and significance.
What should I wear on a Kaikōura dolphin swim?
A wetsuit is provided, but bring a swimsuit to wear underneath, a towel, and a warm layer for after you're back on the boat, since sea temperatures off Kaikōura stay cool even in summer.