10 Best Luxury Experiences in Christchurch

1. Take to the Skies in a Luxury Helicopter Excursion

Ideal for travellers on a limited time on the South Island or who want to simply do something epic, Christchurch Helicopters offers thrilling helicopter excursions to the South Island’s highlights and hard-to-reach places.

Land on the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps as part of the “Southern Alps Scenic” tour or try flying a helicopter yourself on the “Trial Flight” experience.

You can even fly as far as New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, and enjoy a glacier landing to the backdrop of the country’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, on the “Mt Cook Experience“. All tours feature insightful commentary from local pilots.

Alternatively, soak up the views of Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula on a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight with Garden City Helicopters.

Way To Go Heliservices also offers a helicopter wine tour, which is a unique way to visit the Waipara vineyards. More on that below.

Location: Christchurch Helicopters – 25 Aviation Drive, Harewood Aviation Park, Christchurch International Airport, approximately 15 km (9 mi) from Christchurch city centre. Garden City Helicopters – 73 Grays Road, Yaldhurst, approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) from Christchurch city centre.

© Christchurch Helicopters

2. Indulge in a Waipara Wine Tour

Explore the boutique wine region of the Waipara Valley, just outside of Christchurch, on a guided wine tour.

Join NZSI Tours & Travel for a hassle-free excursion to the Waipara wineries, including four different wine tastings and a gourmet lunch. Moreover, the private tour is exclusively for you.

Alternatively, Canterbury Trails offers an immersive experience of the Waipara wine valley and Christchurch on a full-day, guided small-group tour. Explore boutique vineyards producing excellent Pinot Noir and discover Christchurch’s highlights with expert commentary. The luxury mini-van transport adds a touch of comfort to this diverse adventure.

Location: Christchurch accommodation pick-ups are offered.

© ChristchurchNZ

3. Explore the South Island Highlights on a Private Tour

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the South Island with a range of private tours tailored to your interests. Fly from Christchurch to Akaroa with Garden City Helicopters, taking in views of extinct volcanoes and rugged coastlines. Explore Akaroa’s quaint streets, reflecting its distinct French heritage, and enjoy its cafés and restaurants.

For a relaxing day out, opt for the “Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour” by NZSI Tours & Travel. Indulge in wine tasting in the Waipara Hills region before unwinding at the famous thermal pools. Upgrade your experience with a jet boating excursion or a soothing hot stone massage.

Nature enthusiasts will love the “Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour” by Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, marvelling at Lake Tekapo‘s turquoise waters and hiking in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Location: Tours depart from Christchurch, South Island. Destinations include Akaroa (81 km/50 mi southeast), Hanmer Springs (135 km/84 mi north), and Mount Cook (332 km/206 mi southwest).

© Helicopters Christchurch

4. Ride Scenic Plus Class on the Iconic TranzAlpine Train Journey

For sightseeing with a difference, jump on board the TranzAlpine for one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys.

Starting from the Christchurch Railway Station, the journey takes you through the lush Canterbury Plains to the mountainous wilderness of Arthur’s Pass National Park. You’ll have no issue seeing it all as you relax in carriages with panoramic windows while dining on New Zealand cuisine and regional wines in “Scenic Plus Class”.

Either journey all the way to Greymouth in the wild West Coast or stop off in Arthur’s Pass Village to enjoy the short walks before embarking on the journey back to Christchurch.

Canterbury Trails also offers guided walks, lunch and afternoon tea in Arthur’s Pass between your train journeys.

Location: Christchurch Railway Station, Troup Drive, approximately 5 km (3 mi) from Christchurch city centre.

© Kiwi Rail

5. Feast on a Four-Course Gourmet Meal on the Historic Christchurch Tramway

After your welcome drink, you’ll sit down in a beautifully restored Christchurch Tramway Restaurant for a scenic journey of Christchurch city centre while indulging in a gourmet meal.

This unique dining experience combines curated seasonal cuisine with evening sightseeing, offering New Zealand’s only dining tramcar.

The 7:30 pm service features a welcome drink, starter, entrée, main, dessert, and tea or coffee over 2 hours 30 mins. Alternatively, the 5 pm service (except in winter) includes a welcome drink, starter, main, dessert, and tea or coffee over 1 hour 3o mins.

As you enjoy changing views of central Christchurch, including the Botanic Gardens and Avon River, you’ll savour a menu showcasing premium local produce.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and halal options are available. Bookings are essential for this special experience.

Plus, for more activities like this, see the 20 Romantic Things to Do in Christchurch.

Location: Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street.

© Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

6. Soak in the Scenery from a Hot Air Balloon

Another, perhaps more unique, way to take the skies is on a hot air balloon ride with Ballooning Canterbury. Soak in the scenery of the vast Canterbury Plains without engine noise, without obstructions.

Drift with the wind as you float over lush pastures lit up with the golden glow of the sunrise. At the end of the experience, you’ll be treated to chilled Champagne, orange juice and a seasonal fruit platter.

Alternatively, Adventure Balloons in the nearby town of Methven also offers incredible ballooning experiences. Their expert pilots elevate you to 9,500 feet (2,896 m) above the Canterbury Plains, offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean.

Location: Ballooning Canterbury – 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata, approximately 55 km (34 mi) from Christchurch city centre. Christchurch accommodation pick-up is offered. Adventure Balloons – Main Street, Methven, approximately 95 km (59 mi) from Christchurch city centre.

© ChristchurchNZ

7. Escape to the Hills of the Banks Peninsula on a Guided Hiking Excursion

Soak in the scenery and enjoy hiking without having to bring all your own heavy equipment with Crater Rim Walks. Experience an unforgettable day immersed in the great outdoors on a guided Crater Rim Walk along the Godley Head Loop Track.

Explore Lyttelton Harbour, nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, and admire one of New Zealand’s most picturesque coastlines.

This undulating 8 km (5 mi) trail, widely regarded as one of Christchurch’s top hikes, features awe-inspiring coastal views, fascinating WWII landmarks, an Antarctic cabin, a penguin colony, and charming beaches.

Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the volcanic-formed scenery you’re observing, as well as give you access to photo opportunities that you wouldn’t find on your own.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and native birds. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, refreshments at a cosy local café, morning snacks, and a gourmet picnic lunch.

Location: Christchurch accommodation pick-up included.

© Crater Rim Walks - Viator

8. Take a Timeout with a Luxury Spa Day

If you find yourself in Christchurch on a rainy day, it might be a good excuse to hit the pause button and relax with a spa treatment.

You have some spectacular day spas to choose from, including Lotus Day Spa amidst the picturesque Swan Lake Gardens.

Alternatively, Moss Spa is conveniently located in the city centre and offers an array of spa and beauty treatments in a contemporary yet elegant setting.

Location: Lotus Day Spa – 9 Ernlea Terrace, Cashmere, approximately 4 km (1 mi) from Christchurch city centre. Moss Spa – 49A Salisbury Street.

© Pixabay

9. Treat Yourself to a Multi-Day Luxury Trip of the South Island Starting from Christchurch with The Road Trip

Travelling around the South Island doesn’t have to be about squeezing onto a coach or figuring out the drive yourself. The Road Trip specialises in private luxury tours of the South Island, with plenty of multi-day tours starting from Christchurch.

Enjoy the freedom of experiencing New Zealand the way you want to with the guidance of your private driver-guide, who can be as involved in your tour in New Zealand as you want.

The tours include all breakfasts, some meals and accommodation in four-star hotels and lodges.

Location: Christchurch i-SITE/Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue.

© Jack Austin - ChristchurchNZ

10. Be Treated to Fine Dining in the City Centre

If looking for that special place to celebrate a big occasion, or simply because you’re only going to be in Christchurch once, there are fine dining establishments well worth booking a table at.

Inati is a fine dining restaurant with cuisine designed to be shared with quality Canterbury cuisine and a menu dipping into the earth, land and sea.

Impeccably-presented plates in a restaurant adorned in fabric draping down the walls, Chillingworth Road offers a European bistro experience in elegance.

Other honourable mentions include Bloody Mary’s and 50 Bistro at The George. For more recommendations, browse The Food Guide to Christchurch.

Location: Inati – 48 Hereford Street. Chillingworth Road – 478 Cranford Road. Bloody Mary’s – 30 Latimer Square. 50 Bistro – 50 Park Terrace.

© Nancy Zhou - ChristchurchNZ