Christchurch offers some of New Zealand’s most diverse and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal base for Hiking and Trekking Tours. Whether you’re after a flexible, private experience that hits all the highlights like Mt Cook and Milford Sound, or a quick coastal walk near the city, the options here cater to different interests and fitness levels. Personally, I love the 6 Day Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook & Milford Sound Tour because it combines iconic sights with a bespoke touch, giving you control over your pace and stops. If helicopter hikes are your thing, the Mt Cook Scenic & Tasman Glacier Heli Hike offers an unforgettable flight and glacier experience. For a relaxed overnight trip, the Hurunui River Hot Springs Hike or Bike blends wilderness with soothing hot springs, perfect for those who want more than just a day trip. Lastly, if you’re short on time but still want a taste of coastal beauty, the Christchurch Coastal Hiking Tour provides a scenic walk along historic sites with stunning views.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of these top tours, each with its own unique flavor—ranging from private custom adventures to scenic helicopter rides and easy coastal strolls.
1. 6 Day Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook & Milford Sound Tour
At number 1, this 6-day private tour is perfect for travelers who want a flexible, personalized experience of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. The tour is fully customizable, guided by a passionate local who helps you craft your ideal trip. Highlights include visits to Castle Hill, the Otira Viaduct Lookout, and the Hokitika Gorge—each offering spectacular photo opportunities and easy walks. You’ll also explore the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and more time can be spent hiking, relaxing, or sightseeing at your own pace.
What sets this tour apart is its tailored approach—if you love photography, your guide can help you find the best angles. If you’re into hiking, plenty of stops are designed for that, with flexible timings. The price of $1,241.15 per person reflects a good value considering the personalized service and the chance to see multiple highlights in one trip. Reviews are solid, with a 4.5/5 rating from three travelers who appreciate the flexibility and attention to detail. The main drawback might be that it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a full 6-day itinerary and want to avoid large groups.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a custom, immersive experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace, this tour offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure in some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery.
2. Mt Cook Scenic & Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
Topping our list as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Mt Cook Scenic & Tasman Glacier Heli Hike combines a scenic helicopter flight with a guided trek on New Zealand’s largest glacier. For around $4,126.81, you’ll fly over the Rakaia River, Lake Tekapo, and Mt Hutt Ski Field, all while soaking in some of the best aerial views in the country. Once you land at Glentanner airfield, the real adventure begins with a heli-hike onto the Tasman Glacier—a rare opportunity to walk on ice with expert guides.
What makes this tour special is the combination of adrenaline and scenery. The helicopter flight offers breathtaking vistas that are impossible to see from the ground, while the glacier trek reveals the massive, jagged ice formations up close. The tour is suitable for active travelers comfortable with heights and cold conditions, and it’s perfect if you’re craving a mix of adventure and spectacular scenery. Since it’s a 4-hour experience, it fits well into a day, but it’s definitely a splurge. Given the lack of reviews, it’s best suited for those looking for a premium, unforgettable outing.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a high-impact, awe-inspiring experience that combines flight and glacier trekking, this heli-hike on Mount Cook offers a memorable adventure out of Christchurch.
3. 2-day Private Overnight Hurunui River Hot Springs Hike or Bike
For travelers wanting an overnight escape, the Hurunui River Hot Springs Hike or Bike provides a peaceful retreat into wild New Zealand. Starting from Christchurch, this private tour takes you along the Harpers Pass Track to Hurunui Hut, where you can relax in natural hot springs after a day of trekking or biking. The trip includes scenic drives, with plenty of chances to learn about untouched landscapes. The second day involves a morning soak, then either hiking or biking back to the van for your return home.
Priced at $1,241.15 per person, this tour offers a good value for an exclusive, customizable experience. It’s perfect for those who want to combine outdoor activity with relaxation—no crowded campgrounds here, just private wilderness and hot springs. While reviews aren’t available, the itinerary suggests a well-balanced mix of adventure and comfort. It suits moderate fitness levels and those looking to disconnect for a couple of days.
Bottom Line: This overnight hiking or biking trip is ideal for nature lovers seeking a private, relaxing experience with incredible scenery and hot springs at the end of the day.
4. Christchurch Coastal Hiking Tour
If your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of the outdoors, the Christchurch Coastal Hiking Tour offers a 4-hour escape to explore the coast’s highlights. Starting just 20 minutes from the city center, the tour visits Godley Head, where you can walk along rugged coastal tracks, see Second World War defense batteries, and visit the Captain Scott hut. The route also includes a walk to Cave Rock at Sumner Beach, with views over the surf and the Southern Alps, and an overlook of Lyttelton Harbour from Evan’s Pass.
This tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager for fresh air and scenery. It’s also quite flexible—if the weather isn’t cooperating, guides can adjust start times or routes. The $121.03 price makes it accessible, and reviews are not yet available, but the itinerary promises a scenic, history-rich walk close to Christchurch. It’s well suited for families, casual hikers, or anyone wanting a gentle coastal outing with plenty of interesting sights.
Bottom Line: For a quick, scenic coastal walk near Christchurch packed with history and views, this tour provides a satisfying outdoor experience without the need for a full day.
How to Choose the Best Hiking and Trekking Tour in Christchurch
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend outdoors. For a fully personalized experience that combines multiple sights, the 6 Day Christchurch to Queenstown tour is unmatched. If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the heli-hike on Mount Cook is hard to beat. For a relaxed overnight with hot springs, the Hurunui River outing is ideal. And if your time is limited but you still want a scenic coastal walk, the Christchurch Coastal Hiking Tour offers a quick but rewarding outing.
Think about the type of scenery and activity that appeals most—whether it’s glacier trekking, mountain vistas, or coastal views—and pick the one that matches your interests and fitness. Booking early is recommended, especially for the high-demand heli-hike or private tours, and consider the weather—some tours are more weather-dependent than others.
Final Thoughts
Christchurch’s proximity to amazing landscapes makes it a perfect launching point for a wide variety of hiking and trekking experiences. From the flexible, personalized 6 Day Christchurch to Queenstown tour to the breathtaking Mt Cook heli-hike, there’s something for every type of traveler. If you prefer a shorter, scenic coastal walk, the Christchurch Coastal Hiking Tour delivers just that. And for those craving a mix of outdoor adventure with a touch of relaxation, the Hurunui River overnight trip is a fantastic choice.
No matter which you choose, these tours offer a chance to see some of New Zealand’s finest scenery. Be sure to book early, prepare for the weather, and enjoy every step on your journey.