Christchurch Heritage Tram Tour
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South Island
Christchurch & Canterbury
Ōtautahi
Where grand parks, riverside charm, and a spirit of reinvention define New Zealand's Garden City.
7 Tours Visit Here
Kauri, Kōwhai, Mataī, Mt Cook Lily, Pōhutukawa, Rimu, Tōtara
Discover Christchurch & Canterbury
Located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch is a city where green spaces, heritage, and innovation exist side by side. The Avon River winds through parks and gardens, while contemporary architecture, public art, and revitalised precincts reflect a city transformed in the years following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch combines urban regeneration with a strong sense of history, culture, and creativity. The result is a city that feels both familiar and forward-looking.
The Garden City
Christchurch's parks, gardens, and tree-lined avenues have defined the city for generations.
South Island Gateway
Christchurch serves as the largest city and main entry point to New Zealand's South Island.
English Heritage
Early planners created a city inspired by English traditions, architecture, and public parks.
Urban Regeneration
Contemporary architecture and revitalised precincts reflect the city's ongoing transformation.
Christchurch stands on the broad Canterbury Plains, where braided rivers flow from the Southern Alps towards the Pacific Ocean. Known in te reo Māori as Ōtautahi, the city takes its name from the Ngāi Tahu ancestor Tautahi, whose settlement once stood near the Ōtākaro / Avon River.
European settlers established a planned city here in the 1850s, creating wide streets, stone buildings and generous public parks inspired by English traditions. The river, Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens helped earn Christchurch its enduring title, “The Garden City”, and still bring greenery and space to the heart of the city.
The earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 reshaped Christchurch once again. In the years since, contemporary architecture, colourful street art and revitalised precincts have emerged alongside restored heritage landmarks. Visitors can now explore a city where gardens, galleries, markets and riverside spaces reflect both its history and its continuing renewal. This blend of heritage, creativity and innovation gives modern Christchurch a character that feels distinctly forward-looking while remaining deeply connected to its past.
What You'll Experience
Some of New Zealand's most treasured experiences, all part of your time in Christchurch & Canterbury.
Edwardian-style punting on the Avon River
Join punting boatmen, resplendent with straw boaters and traditional Edwardian dress, for a relaxing cruise in flat-bottomed punts along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. See the flora and wildlife of the picturesque Avon River up close as you drift through some of the city's most beautiful scenery. Along the way, enjoy thoughtful commentary from your classically attired punter and discover Christchurch from a unique perspective on the water.
Punting on the Avon is New Zealand's only punting site, making it one of Christchurch's most distinctive experiences.
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Ride a restored heritage tram through Christchurch
Experience Christchurch from a unique perspective aboard a beautifully restored heritage tram, one of the city's most iconic attractions. As you journey through the evolving city centre, knowledgeable drivers share stories of Christchurch's history, resilience, and renewal. The route passes many of the city's landmarks, including the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, New Regent Street, and the popular Margaret Mahy Playground.
The Christchurch Tram route features 18 stops, connecting many of the city's most popular attractions, shopping precincts, and dining destinations.
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Journey on the famous TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass
Journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass aboard the famous TranzAlpine, regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys. From the comfort of your carriage, panoramic windows and skylights reveal the sweeping Canterbury Plains before the railway climbs through the spectacular gorges and braided river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Watch farmland give way to rugged alpine scenery as the train winds into the Southern Alps and arrives at Arthur’s Pass.
The mountain route to Arthur’s Pass required 15 short tunnels and four dramatic viaducts to carry the railway through the challenging terrain.
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Christchurch at Leisure
Enjoy time at leisure to discover Christchurch in your own way. Browse central-city shops and galleries, explore Riverside Market or relax over a meal at one of the city’s cafés and restaurants. You might stroll beside the Ōtākaro/Avon River, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens or take in the mix of heritage architecture, contemporary public spaces and creative regeneration shaping the modern city.
Riverside Market was included in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2021, recognising this inner-city market beside the Ōtākaro/Avon River.
Farewell Dinner
For Pure Discoveries® tours ending in Christchurch, gather with your fellow travellers and Driver-Guide for a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Share favourite stories and memorable moments from your journey while enjoying one final evening together. It is a warm and sociable conclusion to the tour, offering time to celebrate the places discovered, experiences shared and connections made along the way.
Where You'll Stay in Christchurch & Canterbury
On selected departures, our usual accommodation may be substituted with another carefully selected property, based on availability.
1-2 nights
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Established 2018
An urban escape that combines sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, the hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from many nearby highlights. The renovated hotel stands proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
- City centre location
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Fresh, contemporary style
- Gym
Alternative accommodation
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
Located in the heart of Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Hotel overlooks Victoria Square and the Avon River, with the city's dining, shopping and attractions just a short stroll away. Its contemporary rooms offer sweeping views across the city and beyond. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant and bars or relax in the hotel's library.
- City centre location
- Multiple on-site dining options
- Fitness centre
- Library
Alternative accommodation
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Overlooking leafy Latimer Square in central Christchurch, Rydges Latimer Christchurch offers stylish accommodation and warm hospitality in the heart of the Garden City. Unwind in contemporary comfort and enjoy on-site dining renowned among locals and guests, with the city's attractions within easy reach.
- City centre location
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Overlooks Latimer Square
- Gym
On Tour in Christchurch & Canterbury
See how this destination features on our small-group tours.
How Pure Discoveries® Visits
Christchurch may welcome you at the beginning of your tour, feature along the way and, on selected journeys, provide a fitting finale. Glide through the Botanic Gardens with Edwardian-style punting on the Avon River, then ride a restored heritage tram through Christchurch. There is also time to enjoy Christchurch at leisure, discovering the city at your own pace.
From Christchurch, journey on the famous TranzAlpine Train to Arthurs Pass, crossing the wide Canterbury Plains before climbing beside dramatic river gorges into the Southern Alps. On tours that return to Christchurch at journey’s end, a Farewell Dinner brings everyone together to celebrate the places explored and memories made along the way.
Tours That Explore Christchurch & Canterbury
These Pure Discoveries® tours include Christchurch & Canterbury in their itinerary.
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Nearby Places
More to explore around Christchurch & Canterbury
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