Unique Things to Do in Christchurch
23 April 2026 
Christchurch offers a mix of city experiences and easy access to some of the South Island’s most unique landscapes. With its location in the Canterbury region, it’s not just about what’s in the city, it’s also about what you can experience just beyond it.
Rather than focusing on typical attractions, this guide highlights a curated selection of activities that offer a more unique and varied way to experience Christchurch.
Christchurch also offers a balance of urban and natural experiences, with many activities located within a short distance of the city. It’s a convenient base for exploring Canterbury while still providing a range of things to do locally.
Scenic & Local Experiences Around Christchurch
This experience is an easy way to explore Christchurch’s coastal landscape while staying close to the city.
Godley Head Walking Tour – Christchurch
Godley Head walking tour- Start/finish Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
Guided walking tour of Godley Head: Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch.
The Godley Head Walking Tour follows a coastal track with wide views over Pegasus Bay, combining natural scenery with historic WWII sites along the way. The walk typically takes a few hours and is suitable for a range of fitness levels, with well-marked paths and lookout points throughout.
This works well if you want to explore the outdoors while staying close to the city.
Outdoor & Unique Experiences
For something more hands-on, these activities offer a mix of nature, interaction, and light adventure within easy reach of Christchurch.
Meet Our Friendly Alpacas – Akaroa
Meet our friendly alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas in beautiful Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
Full of attitude, seriously cute, and very, very photogenic: come and meet our friendly award-winning alpacas. Just one hour from Christchurch, you’ll find Shamarra Alpaca Farm on the beautiful Banks Peninsula acros ...
Located in Akaroa, this experience gives you the chance to interact with and feed alpacas while enjoying views across the surrounding countryside.
Visits usually run for around an hour, making it an easy addition to your day, with time to learn about the alpacas and their care. It’s a relaxed and memorable activity that offers something a little different from standard tours.
Arthur’s Pass Day Tour with Jet Boat – Christchurch
Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
Canterbury Plains, Canterbury
Ready to embrace the wild? Escape the city for a day of raw alpine beauty on our Arthur’s Pass return tour. We’ll journey through the spectacular Southern Alps, pausing to explore the sacred and surreal limestone lan ...
This full-day tour takes you from Christchurch into Arthur’s Pass National Park, combining alpine scenery with a jet boat experience. You’ll travel through mountain landscapes, river valleys, and remote areas that are difficult to access independently.
It’s a good option if you want a mix of sightseeing and a more active experience in one trip.
Cave Stream – Let’s Go Caving
Cave Stream- Lets go caving
Christchurch, Canterbury
Discover two of Canterbury’s natural wonders- Go caving and explore Castle Hill /Kura Tawhiti. Your local guide will ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable — a must-do trip for anyone visiting Christchurch.
This Cave Stream experience takes you through a natural cave system where you’ll walk, climb, and navigate flowing water along the way. The tour runs for approximately 8 hours and offers a more hands-on and adventurous way to explore the Canterbury region.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for something interactive and different from standard guided tours.
Relaxed & Easy Experiences
This experience offers a slower-paced way to explore Christchurch and is easy to fit into your itinerary.
Discover Christchurch Tour
Discover Christchurch Tour
Christchurch, Canterbury
This is the perfect way to explore Christchurch City in a day. We collect and d-r-o-p off from your accommodation in Christchurch City or Lyttelton Port for those arriving on cruise ships. Included in the tour is Pun ...
A guided Christchurch tour offers an easy way to explore the city’s key highlights, including gardens, landmarks, and rebuilt central areas. It’s a simple option if you want to understand the city’s layout and history without needing to plan each stop yourself, with local insights along the way. This works well at the start of your visit.
Plan Your Time in Christchurch
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Allow time for both city experiences and nearby day trips like Akaroa or Arthur’s Pass.
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Mix guided activities with self-paced exploration.
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Book key tours in advance, especially during busy travel periods.
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Consider travel time when planning activities outside the city.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Christchurch is best explored at a steady pace, combining a few unique experiences rather than trying to do everything at once. By choosing activities that offer variety, you can enjoy both the city and its surrounding landscapes without feeling rushed.
Christchurch is a place where a few well-chosen experiences can go a long way.
If you have more time, you can explore additional activities and build a longer itinerary to suit your travel style across New Zealand on SeeAndDo.co.nz.