Accompanying Persons Programme

The best way to discover the real Christchurch is on foot with one of the experienced & knowledgeable, volunteer local guides. They will give you the inside story on Christchurch’s history & culture as well as major recent events and the post-earthquake new city. Their walks go beyond the guidebooks.

WALK CHRISTCHURCH specialises in guiding small groups of walkers to ensure a personalised experience, the chance to ask questions & to chat with other visitors.

Trip Advisor ranks them in the top 10 of 160+ activities in the Christchurch region: https://walkchristchurch.nz/

The tour will end at Riverside Market where you can grab lunch at your own leisure.

The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild taking place. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.

Christchurch Sightseeing Tour LT19

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Visit the naturally picturesque and tranquil setting of Hanmer Springs nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest-clad hills. On arriving in the township of Hanmer Springs we take you to enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot thermal pools. Following this we meet for lunch with time to explore this Alpine Village. Leaving Hanmer Springs around 2.00pm we travel back to Christchurch, stopping for a wine tasting experience at Waipara Hills Winery enroute.

Tour includes – return transport, general admission to thermal pools, lunch (main course and tea or coffee), wine tastings.

Please bring your bathing costume and towel.

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With gardens considered to be among the finest in New Zealand, Ōhinetahi sits just 20 minutes over the Port Hills from Christchurch, in the delightful setting of Governor’s Bay.

Today, Ōhinetahi is as well known for its displays of art, architectural works and sculptures as it is for its magnificent grounds. But the gardens have a special significance, dating back to 1865 when then-owner and keen botanist Thomas H Potts began planting them.

Grade 1-listed Ōhinetahi House was constructed in 1851, with a number of extensions and additions over the years. Made from sandstone with Oamaru stone accents, the homestead is open to visit, including its two galleries, and retains much of its 19th century colonial charm. This despite damage from both of the major Canterbury earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

In repairing the homestead after the 2010 quake, the opportunity was taken to give it a better chance of surviving further tremors by removing the most-damaged topmost storey. The rest was remodelled as a classic two-storey sandstone villa with verandah, and the work probably saved the entire building in the 2011 disaster. The removed stonework was recycled in the shape of decorative pieces in the gardens and in constructing the outdoor amphitheatre.

You will get a guided tour with the Head Gardner, Mark Chandler and an opportunity to tour inside the Homestead and enjoy morning tea in the Green Room of the Homestead.