What to do Outdoors in Christchurch, New Zealand: 4-Day Itinerary

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Advisor - Caitlyn Johnston
Curated By

Caitlyn Johnston

  • New Zealand

  • South Island

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • International Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Outdoors

  • Vineyards

  • Wildlife

View of green mountainside next to ocean with clouds and blue sky
Curator’s statement

With endless beauty and opportunity for adventure, New Zealand is one of our favorite places in the world to visit. There are many gems in NZ but Christchurch, which is located on the country's east coast, is definitely worth visiting. Wondering what to do on your next trip to this part of the world? Tack this itinerary onto a longer stay in this beautiful country — perfect to combine with either your stay in Auckland or Queenstown!

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Day 1: Visit Downtown Christchurch

Streets and businesses with tables and hanging lights

Explore the downtown of Christchurch on the day of your arrival. Visit the botanical gardens, Canterbury Museum or the wildlife reserve. Then take the gondola for an amazing view of the city! Walk along the river in the middle of the city and stop for a bite to eat.

Day 2: Explore the Outdoors in Akaora

Water and mountains with a blue sky in Akaora, NZ

Visit Akaora for a full day of adventure. In Akaora, there are endless opportunities for adventure. You could choose to go swimming with dolphins, see the Pohatu penguins, go hiking or kayaking or simply enjoy the view of the beautiful peninsula and eat some delicious food.

Day 3: Go Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Whale swimming in the ocean with a blue sky

Go whale and dolphin watching in Kaikoura, which is the best place to go whale watching in New Zealand. Sea kayaking and seal watching are extra things to do after your whale watching tour!

Day 4: Visit the Vineyards in Marlborough

Green grapes on the vine in Marlborough, NZ

If you are feeling adventurous, rent a car and drive to New Zealand's famous Marlborough region and go wine hopping. Stay at the Marlborough Hotel for 1-2 nights. The Marlborough region of New Zealand ships wine all over the world. The scenery is breathtaking with rolling hills of vines butting up next to cliffs diving straight into the ocean. Yealands winery is a must do — bring some lunch for a picnic you won't forget!

Looking for more ways to experience New Zealand?

Milford Sound in New Zealand

Check out Caitlyn's 5-Day Itinerary to Queenstown for even more New Zealand travel tips!

Advisor - Caitlyn Johnston

Travel Advisor

Caitlyn Johnston

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