The Best Day Trips from Christchurch

© NZPocketGuide.com

Akaroa

The Best Day Trip from Christchurch for Couples

Travel time by car: 1 hr 20 mins one-way
Related tour: Akaroa Full-day Sightseeing Tour with Leisure Tours

Leave the city bustle behind and head over the volcanic-formed Banks Peninsula to Akaroa. Originally settled by a French community, the town offers a European flair to accompany its wealth of wildlife experiences.

Akaroa is renowned as the only place in the world to swim with rare Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and most endangered species. Eco-friendly operators like Black Cat Cruises and Akaroa Dolphins offer intimate dolphin-sighting trips in Akaroa Harbour.

For land-based wildlife encounters, consider a day trip to Pōhatu / Flea Bay to see New Zealand’s largest mainland little penguin colony.

Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy short walks in Hinewai Reserve or tackle sections of the Banks Peninsula Track for dramatic volcanic ridges and harbour views.

Find out more about day-tripping to Akaroa in the 10 Akaroa Must-Dos.

© Hamner Springs - ChristchurchNZ

Hanmer Springs

The Best Day Trip from Christchurch for Luxury Travellers

Travel time by car: 1 hr 45 mins one-way
Related tour: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip with Leisure Tours.

Venture to the alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs for a day of pampering, hiking, mountain biking, wine tasting or whatever your taste. The town now offers an even wider range of immersive experiences to thrill cravings or soothe away stress.

Refuel at the celebrated Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, where you can relax in mineral pools, zoom down slides, or indulge in couples’ packages and hot-stone massages.

For the adventurous, heart-pounding options abound: ride the Waiau River Gorge on a jet boat, tackle river rafting, or leap from the 35 m Waiau Ferry Bridge bungy.

Prefer something more leisurely? Explore Conical Hill or Hanmer Forest for short walking trails with panoramic views and whimsical carved sculptures. As we’ve discovered first-hand, Hanmer Springs truly offers something for everyone.

Check out the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Hanmer Springs for more day-trip ideas.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Methven

The Best Day Trip from Christchurch for Families

Travel time by car: 1 hr 10 mins one-way

Many Christchurch-dwellers flock to Methven in winter for one of the largest ski fields near the city, Mt Hutt.

However, this charming town offers year-round adventures. In summer, the Mt Hutt Forest Bike Park boasts over 40 km of trails, from family-friendly loops to thrilling downhill descents.

The Methven Walkway, an 11-12 km trail, offers picturesque rural views and glimpses of the Southern Alps.

For an adrenaline rush, book a 45-minute Discovery Jet ride through the braided channels of Rakaia Gorge.

Be sure to explore the Washpen Falls loop walk, a privately owned 2-hour trail through an ancient volcanic canyon filled with native bush, lava caves, and stunning waterfalls.

Plan more of your day trip with the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Methven.

© John Ted Daganato on Wikipedia

Oxford

The Best Day Trip from Christchurch for Foodies

Travel time by car: 40 minutes one-way

While not on the radar of many visitors to Christchurch, Oxford offers a pleasant city escape with a good dose of small-town charm and nature. Hike up mountains or scout out waterfalls in the Oxford Forest, explore the mountain biking trails, try the country cuisine and much more!

The Oxford Forest Conservation Area, spanning 11,350 ha, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can tackle the challenging “Mt Oxford” summit track, rewarding them with panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains and Lees Valley.

Mountain bikers will love the “Wharfedale Route” via View Hill, which loops through forest and farmland with stunning vistas of the Port Hills and Southern Alps.

For a more relaxed experience, try the short “Mears Track”, a native bush loop just minutes from town.

After your adventures, wander through Oxford’s quaint streets lined with charming cafes, boutique shops and galleries.

Don’t miss the seasonal Sunday markets for a taste of local life. According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “Oxford’s small-town charm combined with its proximity to nature makes it a hidden gem for day-trippers from Christchurch.”

For more details on what to do, head to the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Oxford.

© ChristchurchNZ

Arthur’s Pass National Park

The Best Day Trip from Christchurch for Budget Travellers

Travel time by car: 2 hours one-way
Travel time by train: 1 hr 25 mins one-way
Related tour: Arthur’s Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Tour with Canterbury Trails.

Dividing Christchurch and the West Coast is Arthur’s Pass in the Southern Alps. Enjoy a scenic drive or train journey to Arthur’s Pass Village, the gateway to a myriad of walking trails and outdoor adventures.

We really enjoy the “Millennium Walk”, a quick 10-minute stroll that leads to stunning views of Avalanche Creek Waterfall.

For waterfall enthusiasts, the “Devils Punchbowl Falls Track” offers a 1 km return walk through lush beech forest to a dramatic 130 m cascade.

The “Arthur’s Pass Walking Track” (6.8 km return) takes you through alpine wetlands and subalpine landscapes to Bridal Veil Falls and historic Jacks Hut.

Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle the “Craigieburn Valley Track”, a challenging 4-5 hour circuit through diverse terrain.

In winter, hit the slopes at the Craigieburn Valley ski area for some thrilling alpine action.

Find out more about exploring Arthur’s Pass National Park in the 10 Best Things to Do in Arthur’s Pass National Park.