Canterbury’s top boat experiences deliver both thrills and scenic beauty. A standout option combines an exhilarating jet boat ride with a helicopter tour, offering stunning aerial views of the region. I’m particularly impressed by the Akaroa peninsula trips – they’re well-organized and include excellent nature and dolphin-watching opportunities. The Kaikoura cruise is another gem, where you’ll spot dolphins in their natural habitat. For cruise ship passengers, private transfers make exploring Christchurch’s attractions hassle-free.
I especially love the dual helicopter-jet boat adventure for its unique perspectives and the Akaroa dolphin tours for their intimate wildlife encounters. Both consistently earn high marks from travelers.
Let’s explore our carefully selected top boat tours in Christchurch and Canterbury.
Key Points
- The Christchurch Heli-Jet Experience combines a thrilling jet boat ride and helicopter tour, offering a unique sightseeing adventure.
- The Akaroa Day Tour and the Small Group Tour to Akaroa and Banks Peninsula provide scenic journeys to the picturesque Akaroa harbor, with optional activities like a harbor cruise or dolphin swim.
- The Kaikoura Day Tour with Dolphin Cruise offers a comprehensive experience, including a dolphin-watching cruise, picnic lunch, and scenic drives along the coastal landscape.
- Private Transfers for Cruise Ship Passengers provide a convenient and personalized sightseeing option, with transportation to popular Christchurch attractions.
- These tours offer free cancellation and rescheduling, ensuring flexibility and enhancing the overall value proposition for travelers.
Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet Boat
The Christchurch Heli-Jet experience combines the thrills of a jet boat ride and the scenic wonders of a helicopter tour, offering travelers a unique and exhilarating adventure in New Zealand.
Departing from Christchurch, the 90-minute tour takes guests over the Canterbury countryside and pristine braided rivers. Up to six travelers can participate, with a professional jet boat driver and licensed pilot ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour is suitable for both locals and visitors. Certain health and safety guidelines apply, and the experience may be canceled due to weather conditions, with free cancellation and rescheduling available up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet Boat Review
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From Christchurch: Akaroa Day Tour With Optional Cruise
Departing from Christchurch, this day tour takes visitors on a scenic journey to the picturesque town of Akaroa. Priced from €105.07 per person, the 8-hour tour includes pickup from any Christchurch hotel.
Highlights include passing through Governors Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere, and Little River. An optional Akaroa Nature Cruise allows visitors to see Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins.
The tour also stops at Barrys Bay Cheese Factory for tastings. With a live guide available in multiple languages, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver.
While additional activities, food, and gratuities aren’t included, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: From Christchurch: Akaroa Day Tour With Optional Cruise Review
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Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Small Group Tour (Nature Cruise or Dolphin Swim)
This small group tour from Christchurch takes visitors on a scenic journey through the Banks Peninsula to the picturesque town of Akaroa.
With a maximum of eight passengers, the tour offers a personalized experience and features options for a harbor cruise or dolphin swim with the rare Hector’s dolphins.
During the tour, guests can enjoy cheese tasting, explore Akaroa’s colonial architecture, and take in stunning views from the summit.
The tour is Carbon Positive certified and includes a cafe lunch, refreshments, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
With a 98% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence, this tour provides an intimate and eco-friendly way to discover the natural beauty of the Banks Peninsula.
Read our full review: Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Small Group Tour (Nature Cruise or Dolphin Swim) Review
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From Christchurch: Kaikoura Day Tour With Dolphin Cruise
Visitors departing from Christchurch can embark on a captivating Kaikoura Day Tour with a dolphin cruise. The 9-hour excursion costs $201.46 per person and includes hotel pickup, a dolphin-watching cruise, and a picnic lunch.
The tour also offers an optional wine tasting in Waipara, a break in Cheviot, and free time for shopping and sightseeing in Kaikoura. Highlights include the chance to observe or swim with Dusky Dolphins, scenic drives with panoramic views, and informative commentary from a local guide.
Travelers should bring comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and motion sickness prevention. The tour has received mixed reviews, with some concerns about the wine tasting and guide performance.
Read our full review: From Christchurch: Kaikoura Day Tour With Dolphin Cruise Review
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Alpine Jet Boat Experience
The Alpine Jet Boat Experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, offers an exhilarating journey through the region’s stunning natural landscapes.
Located at the Christchurch Helicopters base, the activity operates Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Passengers can embark on a private tour, with a weight limit of 287 lbs per person.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infants can sit on laps. Prices start from $924.46 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Bookings can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later, ensuring a thrilling and convenient adventure in Christchurch.
Read our full review: Alpine Jet Boat Experience Review
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Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch
Cruise ship passengers visiting Christchurch, New Zealand can enjoy a private sightseeing tour operated by BYE2U2 V8 Trike Tours Christchurch.
The tour is ideal for cruise ship visitors, with private transportation and tickets to attractions like the Gondola and Tram included. Priced at €395.14 per group (up to 2 people), the tour starts at 9:00 am from the Norwich Quay in Lyttelton, where cruise ship passengers are dropped off.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, and only your group will join the tour.
Read our full review: Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch Review
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Private Transfer From Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City
When arriving at the Lyttelton Cruise Port, travelers can opt for a private transfer to take them directly to Christchurch city.
This service includes an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation, with all fees and taxes included. The driver will hold a signboard with the lead traveler’s name, and it’s important to advise the number of luggage, cruise vessel name, and terminal number in advance.
The drop-off point is in Christchurch, and the service isn’t wheelchair accessible, though stroller and infant seats are available.
This private tour allows only the group to participate, and it’s located near public transportation.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City Review
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Private Transfer From Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port
For travelers seeking a hassle-free way to reach the Lyttelton Cruise Port from Christchurch city, a private transfer service is available.
This service includes air-conditioned transportation with all fees and taxes covered. Pickup is available from selected hotels in Christchurch, with the option to provide preferred pickup time, luggage details, cruise ship name, and terminal number.
The driver will then drop you off directly at the Cruise Berth in Lyttelton. Booking is easy, with confirmation received immediately and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
While the service isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and accommodates most travelers, with infant seats available. The starting price is $96.68 per person.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port Review
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Private Transfer From Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port
A private transfer service is available to convey travelers from Christchurch city to the Akaroa Cruise Port.
The service operates 24/7 and uses an air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup is from a specific hotel in Christchurch, and drop-off is at the Mumfords location in Akaroa.
Passengers should confirm the pickup time with the local provider and provide details such as luggage count, cruise ship name, and terminal number.
The transfer isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly and allows service animals. Infant seats are available.
Booking includes a lowest price guarantee, free cancellation, and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Private Transfer From Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port Review
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Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing With Sheep Farm
Lyttelton Cruise Excursions offer travelers docked at the port a chance to explore Christchurch and a working sheep farm.
The tour includes a visit to a sheep farm where guests can witness sheep dog demonstrations and learn about wool production. Visitors also enjoy Christchurch’s highlights, like the Cathedral and views of the Southern Alps.
The 4-5 hour tour includes transportation, live commentary, and refreshments. While not wheelchair accessible, it accommodates collapsible wheelchairs.
Guests generally rave about the scenic drive and informative guides, though some report issues with tour length and communication.
Read our full review: Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing With Sheep Farm Review
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Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip From Christchurch
Departing from Christchurch, this full-day excursion takes travelers on a thrilling journey to the renowned Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
Rated 4.5 stars, the tour includes hotel pickup, a scenic 1.5-hour drive, and a high-speed jet boat ride through Thrillseekers Canyon. Guests can then relax in the mineral-rich thermal pools, known for their therapeutic benefits.
With a provided lunch and knowledgeable driver/guide, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. While some guests wished for more time at the pools, the overall feedback is positive, praising the excitement of the jet boat and the helpfulness of the staff.
At $134.20 per person, this tour provides excellent value for a full day of adventure and relaxation.
Read our full review: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip From Christchurch Review
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Recap
Christchurch and its surrounding areas offer a variety of cruises and boat tours. From scenic helicopter and jet boat rides to dolphin cruises and thermal pool day trips, there’s something to suit every interest. Travelers can explore the region’s natural beauty and wildlife, as well as visit historic sites and enjoy cultural experiences. With convenient transfers and a range of tour options, visitors can easily incorporate these activities into their Christchurch itinerary.