You want to get out of the city but you’re not sure where to go or even what to do. Turning to google searching ‘day trips from Christchurch’ and you’ve landed here! Don’t worry I’ve got ya. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve searched the same thing for many areas in New Zealand. Often we only have a day to explore and we want to make the most of it.
I think the beauty of New Zealand and traveling from Christchurch is that you’re really not too far away from anything. The bonus is that the landscapes from each area are so diverse that even an hour or hour and a half out of the city feels like a whole new destination. So, I’ve put together a list of day trips from Christchurch that are less than 2 hours from the capital. I’ve added a few more suggestions with a bit longer travel time in case you’re like me and willing to get up before the crack of dawn to get on the road.
Things to keep in mind traveling in New Zealand
If you’re a local this is pretty standard for you but if you haven’t traveled too much out of Christchurch here are a few tidbits to keep in mind before you head out.
- The weather can be very different in each area. It might be sunny in Christchurch but rainy inland. It also can be very variable especially as you get into the mountains. Just be sure to check the weather before you go and pack a few different layers just in case.
- Especially in wintertime, some of the roads like over passes (Porter’s Pass) or through gorges can get slippery from frost.
- Many areas are out of cell service
- Most of the roads are single-lane highways.
Day trips from Christchurch
These day trips are all less than 2 hours from Christchurch. The times and distances as from Christchurch city centre and of course vary depending on where you are. There are options at some of these locations to travel further as well which are outlined below.
Gore Bay
1 hour 35 mins | 120 km | Hurunui district
Moving up the coast, a great day trip from Christchurch is heading to Gore Bay. Gore bay is an old coastal settlement and a destination I would consider off the beaten track and certainly a hidden gem! The 21km ‘tourist drive’ in is beautiful and it’s the perfect spot if you’re wanting some peace and quiet and a nice relaxing day.
There aren’t any shops at Gore bay just a few holiday homes instead so you’ll want to pack a lunch or stop along the way for some snacks. The town of Cheviot is only 8 km away though and has a range of cafes and restaurants and also a few galleries to look at or purchase from local artists.
What to do at Gore Bay
- Stop at the Cathedral cliffs. These cliffs are along the road on the way into Gore Bay. They are best to see later afternoon or sunset when the sun is shining on the cliffs. The coastline in the backdrop is stunning and makes for a wonderful photo!
- Stroll along the beach. At low tide the southern end of the beach often has washed up Paua shells amongst the boulders.
- Take a walk on the Tweedies Gully track. This is an easy DOC track with beautiful coastal views, amazing birdsong and plant life. There is very little elevation on this track, is just over a 2km return and takes 1-2 hours.
- Take a dip or go surfing! Gore Bay is considered one of New Zealand’s safest beaches.
How to get to Gore Bay
Heading north, follow State Highway 1. You can either turn onto Hurunui Mouth Road at Dommet then onto Cathedral Road which will take you past the Cathedral Cliffs and to Gore Bay. There will be a sign that says ‘Tourist drive Gore Bay’. Or you can turn at Cheviot onto Gore Bay road. The scenic drive makes a loop so you can come out whichever way you didn’t go in.
Hanmer Springs
1 hour 45 mins | 133 km | hurunui District
Hanmer Springs is one of those places that really has it all! It does makes for a great weekend trip but even just for the day, you can easily pack your day with things to do. From Hot pools to walks, adrenaline adventures to shopping, you certainly won’t be bored here!
Things to do at Hanmer Springs
- Take a short 1 hour hike up Conical Hill or challenge yourself to a longer hike up Mt Isobel. A 4 to 5 hour hike climbing over 800 meters in 4.5 km.
- Relax at the Hanmer Springs thermal pools.
- Get your adrenaline pumping bungy jumping off the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge with Hanmer Springs Attractions.
- Do some shopping at one of the many shops in Hanmer Springs. From art, and home decor to clothing many of these shops stock New Zealand-owned brands and have a great variety to choose from.
- Visit the local animal park. Yes, it may be geared for kids but no matter your age if you’re an animal lover, Hanmer animal park is a must to check out!
- Get your toes wet rafting on the Grade 2 Waiau River. There are a few companies that offer this experience. Check out the Hanmer springs site to find what suits you best.
How to get to Hanmer Springs
Head north on State highway 1. Turn on Highway 7 just before Waipara. Highway 7 takes you right to the town of Hanmer Springs.
Castle Hill
1 hour 20 mins | 96 km | Selwyn district
Heading in the opposite direction, one of the most popular day trips from Christchurch among locals and tourists is Castle Hill also known as Kura Tāwhiti named by the indigenous Maori Tribe Ngai Tahu. The area is a geological wonder with hundreds of uniquely sculpted limestone formations.
There are various paths weaving throughout the rocks and you could easily spend your day exploring the area. There are some pretty cool and unique formations so you’ll definitely want to bring your camera. The Department of conservation has signs throughout explaining the history of the rocks and the area. There is plenty of space for a picnic lunch and there are toilets at the car park.
What to do on the way to Castle Hill
Castle Hill is located in the Selwyn district off of State highway 72 which means there are plenty of stops on the way to really fill up your day!
- stop in Sheffield for a pie at the famous Sheffield pies
- Browse the Alpine Gifts shop in the Taste of kiwi cafe in Springfield. The gift shop is filled with beautiful New Zealand-made products. You can even grab a Kor Adventures Co logbook there to document your trips through New Zealand!
- If you’re keen to get your steps in, you could hike the Trig M track located just after Porter’s Pass. It’s an easy hike in Canterbury taking less than 3 hours for a return trip. You could hike up in the morning and explore Castle Hill in the afternoon.
- Stop to take in the views of Lake Lyndon or even take a dip.
How to get to Castle Hill
Castle Hill/ Kura Tāwhiti Conservation area is located right off of State highway 73. There is a big sign for the turn off and the car park and toilets can be easily spotted. Note that the last place for fuel is at Springfield and there is no cell reception.
Methven
1 hour 10 mins | 96 km | Ashburton district
Methven is what I like to think of as a gateway to outdoor fun and in my opinion, the best of the day trips from Christchurch. I may be a little biased because I live here! There is so much to do around this little town and plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you fueled. From hiking, biking, skiing in the winter and now hot pools you can easily fill up your day.
If you’re keen to drive a bit further from Methven, you won’t want to miss the Ashburton Lakes or head for a hike at Woolshed Creek.
What to do in Methven
- Get your boots on and go hiking at Awa Awa Rata Reserve. There are a variety of tracks to choose from ranging from 30 mins to a day hike up Scotts Saddle. In the summertime, the Rhodedandrons are beautiful when in full bloom.
- Explore the Rakaia Gorge. The Gorge is known for it’s stunning turquoise water. You can walk down to the river edge, try a longer loop track on the Rakaia Gorge walkway, head up the lookout point or take the new Taniwha track down to the riverbed.
- Grab a coffee at Alpine Grind and walk the Methven Walkway. You can get a map of the walkway at the Methven i-hub center on Main street.
- Get on the trails at the Mt Hutt bike park. There are 41 trails for all different skill levels from beginner to expert. Check out Bike Methven for trail info and events.
- Hit the slopes in winter on Mt Hutt Skifield. Mt Hutt is one of the best and closest ski fields to Christchurch. There are various packages and passes to get up the hill as well as rentals.
- Soak in the hot pools at Opuke Spa. The newly built and only solar-powered hot pools in New Zealand are the perfect way to finish up your day in Methven. There are different passes to choose from including a kids area, an adults-only and private hot tubs. Bookings are required.
- Get up high with Adventure Balloons!
How to get to Methven
The easiest way and quickest to get to Methven from Christchurch is on State highway 1 to Rakaia. Turning onto Thompsons track then onto Line Road.
Akaroa
1 hour 20 mins | 81.4 km | Christchurch district
If you enjoy being by the ocean, a quaint french vibe and wildlife, Akaroa is your stop. Akaroa is Canterbury’s oldest town and was founded by French and British settlers. The colonial archeiture in town is beautiful and even for it’s small size there are many cafes, restaurants and shops to choose from.
Akaroa is also home toMāui and Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world. They are only found on New Zealand coastlines. Being the sociable animals they are there are a few tours the public can do to see them.
Things to do in Akaroa
- Swim, kayak or cruise alongside the Māui and Hector’s dolphins. There are a few different kinds of tours with different operators to choose from here.
- Spend time with the alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas. Although a great family activity another good one for any animal lover out there.
- Walk to Newton’s waterfall. A 10-minute walk in at the Misty Peaks Reserve, along the waterfront or try the Children’s bay walk. A 2-3 hour-long undulating walk around Children’s Bay. See if you can spot all the animal sculptures along the way.
- Browse the shops filled with products from local and New Zealand artisans.
- Learn about the Little Blue Penguins and see them in their natural habitat with Pohatu Penguins.
- Have a taste of France at the delicious Sweet As Bakery. Croissants, baguettes, tarts, they have all the good stuff!
How to get to Akaroa
From Christchurch, head out on Highway 75. This will lead straight to Akaroa. Keep in mind that the road into Akaroa has a lot of twists and turns.
Peel Forest
1 hour 45 mins | 138 km | Timaru District
A hidden gem and in my opinion, one of the most underrated day trips from Christchurch, Peel Forest is a great place to head if you’re looking to get out in nature. With 773 hectares of Podocarp forest, there is a variety of bush walks and hikes for all fitness levels, many through large mataī, kahikatea, lowland tōtara and some to waterfalls.
The bird life in Peel Forest is incredible. See if you can recognize or spot Kereru (New Zealand’s native wood pigeon), Piawakawaka (Fantails), Tītitipounamu (New Zealand’s smallest bird), Tomtits and Korimako (Bellbirds). Because of all this amazing birdlife, dogs are not allowed on the walking tracks.
What to do in Peel Forest
- Explore the Big Tree Walk. See lowland tōtara almost 3 meters in diameter. This easy walk is less than 30 minutes return and on a well-formed path.
- Walk to a small14 meter trickling waterfall- Acland Falls. A short 30-minute walk in starts off climbing steeply before dropping down to a stream. Check out the Peel Forest walks brochure to see how you can make a loop track.
- Stop for a cuppa and lunch at the Green Man cafe. With an extensive menu, you certainly won’t go hungry!
- Get you hiking boots on and hike up Little Mt Peel. Not exactly little, this track climbs steeply and steadily through the forest before opening up for views across the Canterbury Plains and Peel Forest. Check out my post about day hikes in Mid Canterbury for more info.
- Hop in the saddle at Real Kiwi horse trekking. A New Zealand-owned business, this outfit is one of the best in the south island. On the treks you will experience incredible views of the mountains, glacial-fed rivers and the Canterbury plains.
How to get to Peel Forest
Peel Forest is off of the Inland Scenic route 72. From 72, turn onto Peel Forest Road which will take you to the heart of the village.