Christchurch sits between the Canterbury Plains and the Port Hills, and almost everything that makes the region famous is a day's travel away. That is the good news and the planning problem: there are more strong day trips than most visitors have days. This guide sorts them by what they are like, how long they take and who they suit, so you can pick two or three and leave the rest for another visit.
Start with the shortest: Akaroa
Akaroa is roughly 80 km from the city, a drive of about an hour and a half, and it is the easiest big outing because it fits comfortably into a single day by car, by tour or by transfer. The town sits inside an old volcanic harbour and has a French-flavoured past that still shows in street names and cafes. The reason to go is the Akaroa Harbour dolphin cruise, which lasts about two hours and looks for the small local dolphins that live in the harbour. Take the morning departure, which usually gives calmer water, and spend the afternoon wandering the waterfront. Because it is a boat trip, wind can change the plan, so do not put it on your last day.
The wildlife headline: Kaikōura
Kaikōura is on the east coast, and a deep ocean canyon close to shore draws giant sperm whales and other marine life throughout the year. The whale watching trip by boat takes about three and a half hours, but the drive from Christchurch is long, so the honest description of this outing is a big day rather than an easy one. If you drive, start early and allow time to stop on the coast. If you have an extra night to spare, staying over turns it from an endurance test into a pleasure. Dress warmly for the water, take any seasickness remedy you rely on, and keep a spare day free, because rough seas can cancel sailings.
The relaxing choice: Hanmer Springs
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa are a three to four hour visit once you arrive, and the village is a drive of roughly two hours from the city, so this works as a day trip but suits a slow pace. Winter, with cold air and steaming water, is the classic time to go; summer brings the slides and freshwater areas. Before you commit, check the current notice about the refurbishment of the Cascade pools, because that part of the complex has been closed for works. Weekends and school holidays are the busiest, so a weekday is the best way to enjoy the soaking.
The big scenic days: Mount Cook, Arthurs Pass and the TranzAlpine. The Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier day tour is the longest outing here at about 13 hours return, mostly on the road with several scenic stops, and it is best chosen by people who want the Southern Alps and the turquoise lakes but cannot add an overnight stay. The Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill day tour, about ten hours, gives you mountain passes and the limestone boulders of Castle Hill with less driving. The TranzAlpine train is the rail alternative, a famous crossing of the island. Whichever you choose, pick a clear day, since cloud can hide the peaks, and carry a waterproof layer because mountain weather changes within the hour.
For film fans: Edoras
The Lord of the Rings Journey to Edoras day tour takes about nine hours and goes to the mountain location used for the film city of Edoras, set in rugged high-country scenery. You do not need to know the films by heart to enjoy the landscape, though fans will get the most from the commentary. Wear sturdy shoes for the walking and expect a reasonable amount of time in the vehicle.
For food and wine: Waipara Valley
The Waipara Valley wine tour with lunch and tastings takes about five and a half hours, which makes it the lightest commitment on this list and the only one that comfortably leaves time for something else in the city. It runs through the year: the growing season has the greenest vineyards, while winter cellar doors are cosy. Because you will be tasting, going with a driver is the sensible way to do it.
How to choose
If you have one day, pick Akaroa for scenery and a gentle pace, or Kaikōura if whales are the whole point of your trip. If you have two, pair a wildlife day with a mountain day. If you have a rainy forecast, use the city instead: the Antarctic Centre and the free art gallery make good fallbacks, and you can move the outdoor trip to a clearer day. Travelling with children works best with Akaroa or Willowbank and the Antarctic Centre rather than the long mountain tours.
Practical tips
Book boats and trains before you arrive in summer and school holidays. Allow a weather buffer day, because the dolphins, whales and mountain scenery all depend on conditions. If you are driving, remember that New Zealand drives on the left, that mountain roads can change in winter and that fuel stops are sparser outside the main towns. Prices are in New Zealand dollars, and tipping is not expected. Whichever trips you choose, a central hotel makes early pick-ups much easier.
