TourTeller

Company

About UsBlogContact Us

Our socials

FacebookInstagramYoutubePinterestTikTok

Support

FAQsTerms of UsePrivacy Policy

© TourTeller 2025. All rights reserved.

TourTeller
search
Home/New Zealand/South Island/Christchurch/Avon River

Avon River Christchurch: Best Tours & Cruises

Embark on a serene journey through the heart of Christchurch with an unforgettable Avon River adventure. Whether you are looking for a romantic punt cruise, a historical sightseeing tour, or a peaceful nature escape, our curated experiences offer the best of Christchurch tourism. Discover breathtaking views, lush riverside landscapes, and the charming heritage of the city from the water. From guided boat tours to cultural explorations, find the perfect way to immerse yourself in this iconic destination. Book your Avon River experience today and create memories that last a lifetime!

4.66/5 avg ratingFrom $18 per person12+ unique experiencesGuided tours available

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$49–$84 typical

Median price is $71, with a range of $18–$157

Rating

Rating

4.66★ average

Based on 1,027 pooled reviews with 91% positive sentiment

Tour Type

Tour Type

Sightseeing & Culture

83% are sightseeing tours and 92% focus on cultural themes

Tour Duration

Tour Duration

48 mins to 1.3 days

Median duration is 6.5 hours

Languages

Languages

7 languages available

Includes English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Punjabi, and Hindi

15 Products

Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket

1 day
4.71 (676 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$71
Book now
View Details
Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket
Summary

Experience Christchurch by land and water with a combo ticket to the hop-on hop-off vintage tram, a punt along the Avon River in a flat-bottom boat, and a ride on the Christchurch Gondola cable car.

Christchurch: Waka Paddling & Cultural Experience (75 min)

Christchurch: Waka Paddling & Cultural Experience (75 min)

1 hr
4.88 (13 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$58
Book now
View Details
Christchurch: Waka Paddling & Cultural Experience (75 min)
Summary

Experience the feeling of paddling a traditional waka on the Avon River in Christchurch. Learn about the history and tradition of the waka from your guide.

Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo

Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo

4.75 (140 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$48
Book now
View Details
Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo
Summary

See the sights of Garden City at your own pace with a full-day ticket for the Christchurch Tram. Climb aboard an Edwardian Punt and take a 30-minute guided ride along the Avon River.

Christchurch City Full Day Tour

Christchurch City Full Day Tour

7 hrsFree cancellation
4.67 (12 reviews)
100%
0%
beautiful cityseamlessenjoyable
Viator
$116
Book now
View Details
Christchurch City Full Day Tour
Summary

Discover Christchurch's true spirit with The Nature's Trail! Our immersive city tour offers more than just sightseeing. Knowledgeable local guides share deep insights into Ōtautahi's rich history, unique culture, and its inspiring journey of recovery and innovation following the 2011 earthquake. We...

Inclusions
  • Driver/ Guide
Itinerary
  • Christchurch Gondola
  • Lyttelton Harbour
  • Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
  • Air Force Museum of New Zealand
  • Avon River
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  • International Antarctic Centre
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour

Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour

20 minsFree cancellation
4.64 (22 reviews)
83.15%
16.85%
fantasticdefinitely recommendgreat views
Viator
$207
Book now
View Details
Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour
Summary

Sit back and relax aboard a helicopter over Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand’s newest city—a place where resilience meets regeneration. Years after the earthquakes, Christchurch thrives as a vibrant, evolving city that still honors its Garden City roots. From above, see Hagley Park, the Botanic Ga...

Inclusions
  • Live commentary from pilot
  • A fantastic aerial view of Christchurch City and harbour
Itinerary
  • Garden City Helicopters
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  • Christchurch Cathedral
  • Avon River
  • Lyttelton Harbour
  • Diamond Harbour
  • Quail Island
  • Port Hills
  • Godley Head
  • New Brighton Beach
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, No Child prices, Infant age is 0 to 2 years old are free and must be seated on the lap of a fare paying adult, Customers in wheelchairs will need to be able to lift themselves in the helicopter or have a care person to help them. A fare will be require if care person must travel with., Trip is weather dependent, We require a minimum number of fares for flights to depart. Flight will be cancelled if minimum number of fares is not reached., Pilot will decide on seating of passengers in the helicopter. Pilot must operate helicopter within the weight and balance requirements of the aircraft, You must reconfirm you booking 24 hours prior to departure to check weather conditions, Passengers will be weighed on check in, we will ask on booking for your estimated weight, weight limitations apply
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Christchurch: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River

Christchurch: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River

1 day
4.58 (92 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$50
Book now
View Details
Christchurch: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River
Summary

Jump on a classic Edwardian Punt along the Avon River for a 30-minute ride to see Christchurch. Enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and Alpine scenery aboard the Christchurch Gondola.

Christchurch Day Pass: Tram, Gondola, Punt and International Antarctic Reserve Tickets

Christchurch Day Pass: Tram, Gondola, Punt and International Antarctic Reserve Tickets

Eco-Friendly
4.6 (37 reviews)
Headout
$110$114
Book now
View Details
Christchurch Day Pass: Tram, Gondola, Punt and International Antarctic Reserve Tickets
Summary

Save time and discover two Christchurch icons with this combo ticket, from Antarctic wildlife encounters to summit views. Getting started Begin at either the International Antarctic Centre (next to Christchurch Airport) or the Christchurch Gondola base station on Bridle Path Road. Present your ticke...

Inclusions
  • **International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch**
  • - Entry to the International Antarctic Center, Christchurch
  • - Access to Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, HD Theatre, 4D Theatre, Hägglunds Field Trip & Husky Zone
  • **\[All inclusive\]: Christchurch Tram, Gondola, and Punting Pass**
  • - Christchurch Tram ride with live commentary
  • - Christchurch Gondola ride
  • - 30-min punt ride on the Avon with live commentary
  • - Hop-on hop-off tram access
Exclusions
  • **International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch**
  • - Penguin backstage tour
  • - Food and drinks
  • - Audio guides
  • **\[All inclusive\]: Christchurch Tram, Gondola, and Punting Pass**
  • - Meals and drinks
  • - Transfers or hotel pickup
  • - Tips/gratuities
  • - Optional upgrades or add-ons
  • - Single entry tickets, Annual Pass, and Tramway Restaurant bookings
Christchurch Sightseeing Pass

Christchurch Sightseeing Pass

2 daysFree cancellation
4.54 (79 reviews)
Viator
$72
Book now
View Details
Christchurch Sightseeing Pass
Summary

Visit 3 of Christchurch's top attractions with a sightseeing pass that can be used on different days, allowing you to set your own pace. Soar above the city on the Christchurch Gondola; float through town on an Avon River Punt cruise; and hop on and off the Christchurch Tram to see key downtown sigh...

Inclusions
  • Ride on a hand crafted Punting Boat
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride & Summit Station access
  • Heritage Tram ride - Hop on and Off
Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Food and drinks
Itinerary
  • Christchurch Tramway
  • Avon River
  • Christchurch Gondola
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Transport to and from the Gondola is not included in ticket cost. Transport cost additional via #8 public bus., Please note the attractions get very busy especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time at the attractions entry due to increased demand, Tram ticket is an all day pass which enables you to hop on and off as you please, You can arrive anytime between the opening hours for the Tram and Gondola, but you will need to prebook a Punting timeslot prior to arrival by contacting the supplier directly, Tickets can be collected from the Booking Office located in Cathedral Junction or from any attraction on arrival, Wheelchairs can access some of the trams if under 220kg & the Gondola if no wider than 600mm. Punting is not wheelchair accessible unfortunately, Some people with mobility issues may struggle with access to trams due to the height and Punting due to the low level. Small steps and handrails are provided for Trams, 1 wheelchair hoist is available to use for the trams from Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Christchurch - Punting on the Avon

Christchurch - Punting on the Avon

30 mins
4.98 (8 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$26
Book now
View Details
Christchurch - Punting on the Avon
Summary

Climb aboard a classic Edwardian Punt for a 30-minute guided ride along the Avon River in Christchurch. Your ride will float through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens returning to the Antigua Boatsheds

Punting on the Avon River Christchurch with optional Christchurch Tram Pass | New Zealand

Punting on the Avon River Christchurch with optional Christchurch Tram Pass | New Zealand

30 minsEco-Friendly
5 (7 reviews)
KKday
$28
Book now
View Details
Punting on the Avon River Christchurch with optional Christchurch Tram Pass | New Zealand
Summary

Discover the charm of the Christchurch Punting Experience, an iconic eco-friendly guided ride along the Avon River. Relax as a classically attired punter navigates you through scenic routes, either the Botanic Gardens from Antigua Boat Sheds or the Avon River Precinct from Worcester Bridge. With up-...

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Avon River.

Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral)
Learn more

Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral)

2.9 km away • from $9.99

New Regent Street
Learn more

New Regent Street

3.0 km away • from $9.99

Christchurch Tram
Learn more

Christchurch Tram

3.1 km away • from $25

Bridge of Remembrance
Learn more

Bridge of Remembrance

3.6 km away • from $9.99

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Based on pooled reviews across booking platforms, the experience is highly regarded with an average rating of 4.51★ from 1,015 reviews. Travelers frequently describe the atmosphere as lovely and mention the fantastic views of the beautiful city. While the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, the most common themes highlight that the views are great and the experiences are often described as fantastic or seamless.

Among the 14 tours we compare, prices generally fall within a range of $52–$116, though you may find options ranging from $20 to $297 depending on the specific activity. Most travelers find the experiences to be reasonably priced for the quality of the views provided.

We compare a variety of formats to suit different travel styles. The options include:

  • Private tours, which make up about 21% of the listings we compare
  • Standard group tours
  • Eco-friendly experiences, which are tagged as such in 14% of the options

The duration varies significantly depending on whether you are booking a quick river excursion or a more extensive tour. Most experiences last around 56 minutes to 1.1 days, with a median duration of about 6.5 hours.

Yes, there is good variety for international travelers. Among the options listed, tours are offered in 7 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Punjabi, and Hindi.

It is often worth booking ahead to secure your preferred time. To make planning easier, 50% of the options we compare offer instant confirmation, and 43% provide free cancellation, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Since we compare 14 different listings across various platforms, you have several choices. About half of the tours we compare offer instant confirmation, which can help if you are looking for a more spontaneous experience.

You can take the Metro Shuttle, use a rideshare app, or rent a car. The shuttle is the most frequent public option.

Yes, the central city is very walkable. You can also use the Metro bus system to reach nearby suburbs and attractions.

The terrain is steep and can be muddy. Wear sturdy hiking boots and check local weather reports before heading out.

Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral)2.9kmNew Regent Street3kmChristchurch Tram3.1kmBridge of Remembrance3.6kmCanterbury Earthquake National Memorial3.9kmChristchurch Arts Centre3.9kmCanterbury Museum3.9kmHagley Park4.2kmChristchurch Botanic Gardens4.2kmMona Vale5.1kmThe Court Theatre5.7kmTranzAlpine Train5.8km
Arthur’s Pass Day TourChristchurch to Tekapo Small-Group TourChristchurch Airport TransferMt Cook Day TourMount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day TourAkaroa Day TourWaipara Wine TourChristchurch City Top Spots Half Day TourKaikoura Day TourSouth Island Coastal Splendor TourTranzAlpine TrainChristchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram