11 Must-Try Tours & Experiences In Canterbury New Zealand

Canterbury, on New Zealand’s South Island, offers a mix of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures. From exploring volcanic coastlines to soaring over glaciers, this region is a haven for travelers craving authentic experiences. We’re particularly fond of the Akaroa Scenic Coastline Wildlife Cruise for its relaxed pace and wildlife sightings, and the Mount Cook Heli-Hike for a taste of glacier exploration paired with breathtaking helicopter views. Whether you’re after a gentle cruise or an adrenaline-pumping heli-hike, Canterbury’s diverse tours deliver memorable moments in spectacular settings.

If you’re wondering where to start, you’ll find a variety of options—from wildlife and nature tours to scenic flights and star-gazing adventures. Our list covers everything from guided kayaking to alpaca farm visits and mountain biking, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveler. Read on to discover the best tours and experiences Canterbury has to offer.

1. Akaroa: Scenic Coastline Wildlife Cruise

At number 1, we have the Akaroa: Scenic Coastline Wildlife Cruise, which offers a relaxing 2.5-hour journey exploring Akaroa Harbour’s volcanic cliffs and abundant marine life. This cruise is well-rated with a perfect 5/5 from 30 reviews, making it a solid choice for families, couples, or anyone wanting a peaceful day on the water. Your captain, a real Kiwi, shares stories about the area’s geology and history while you keep an eye out for dolphins, penguins, and other local wildlife.

What sets this tour apart is its balance of nature and narration—sit back, soak in the scenery, and listen to engaging stories. The chance to see Hector dolphins, which are among the rarest marine dolphins, makes this cruise particularly special. It’s a low-stress, high-reward outing that’s perfect for those who want to relax while experiencing New Zealand’s marine environment firsthand.

Bottom Line: A smooth, wildlife-focused cruise that combines scenic beauty with close encounters with native animals. Ideal if you’re short on time but want a meaningful experience.

2. From Queenstown: Mount Cook Heli-Hike and Bus Tour Combo

For about 12 hours, the Mount Cook Heli-Hike and Bus Tour Combo offers an immersive experience of New Zealand’s highest mountain. Starting with a guided bus tour (see the detailed itinerary here), you’ll travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin, culminating in a helicopter flight over Mount Cook. The highlight is hiking on the highest glacier in New Zealand, followed by a scenic helicopter ride over the icy peaks.

This tour is highly rated at 4.8/5 from 40 reviews and appeals to those who want more than just sightseeing—adventure lovers and photography enthusiasts will love the panoramic views of Lake Pukaki and the glacier’s blue ice. The combo tour also includes a stop at High Country Salmon for a fresh lunch.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of land, air, and ice exploration—it’s ideal for active travelers and anyone craving a comprehensive mountain adventure. The helicopter flight adds a wow factor, and the guide’s insights make it both educational and exhilarating.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an all-in-one Mount Cook experience, blending scenic drives, glacier hikes, and helicopter views into one day.

3. Akaroa: Guided Sunrise Sea Kayaking Tour

Number 3 on our list is the Guided Sunrise Sea Kayaking Tour in Akaroa, offering a tranquil 3-hour paddle at dawn. The early start is rewarded with peaceful waters and a chance to see Hector dolphins, penguins, and other wildlife before the tour boats arrive. The kayak trip takes you through a marine reserve, guided by an expert who provides insightful commentary along the way.

What makes this tour standout is the combination of wildlife encounters and the serenity of paddling before the day crowds. The water time is maximized, and you’ll enjoy amazing sunrise views over the harbor—an experience that’s both calming and awe-inspiring. With 55 reviews rating it 4.7/5, the feedback consistently highlights the quality of wildlife viewing and the professionalism of guides.

This tour is well-suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventure and intimate wildlife encounters in a stunning setting. It’s a gentle but memorable way to connect with NZ’s marine life early in the day.

Bottom Line: A peaceful, wildlife-rich experience perfect for early risers and kayakers wanting an authentic, quiet moment on the water.

4. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier & National Park Scenic Flight

Number 4 features a 40-minute scenic helicopter flight over Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier. This flight provides a bird’s-eye view of the park’s hidden treasures, including the ice-carved valleys, rugged peaks, and colossal glaciers. You’ll soar past the Murchison Mountains and land in a remote alpine spot, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural grandeur.

Rated at 4.8/5 from 20 reviews, this experience is perfect for those who love high-altitude adventures and photography. The flight showcases the magnificent blue ice of the Tasman Glacier and the stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks. The safety briefing and experienced pilot ensure a smooth journey, while the opportunity to capture spectacular photos is a bonus.

Ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see the best of Mount Cook from the air, this flight is a top choice for outdoor and scenery enthusiasts wanting a quick but memorable visit.

Bottom Line: An unforgettable way to see the mountains and glaciers of Mount Cook in a short time, perfect if you want an aerial adventure with stunning views.

5. Lake Tekapo Guided 4WD Tours (Small Group, Carbon Positive)

Number 5 is the Lake Tekapo Guided 4WD Tour, rated 5/5 from 7 reviews. This 3-hour adventure takes you into the High Country, exploring Mt Hay Station, a working Merino sheep farm. The tour uses a 4WD vehicle to navigate rugged tracks, providing spectacular mountain and farmland scenery along the way.

What makes this tour unique is its focus on local farming and wildlife — you might see Tahr, hawks, and other native birds. The guides have extensive local knowledge, and the tour includes a stop at Mt Hay for panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the eco-conscious approach adds value for environmentally-minded travelers.

This tour suits those interested in rural life, wildlife, and stunning landscapes without strenuous activity. It’s especially appealing if you want a deeper connection to the land and a behind-the-scenes look at farm life.

Bottom Line: A practical, eco-friendly exploration that combines scenery, wildlife, and local culture in a manageable half-day trip.

6. Twizel Stargazing Experience with a Guide

Number 6 offers a 75-minute guided stargazing tour in Twizel, rated 4.7/5 from 25 reviews. This experience uses powerful telescopes to reveal the Milky Way, planets, and star clusters in the clear night sky. The guide provides insights into the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations and stories behind the stars.

The tour’s highlight is the digital photograph taken of you and your group under the stars, a nice souvenir of the experience. Twizel’s dark skies and minimal light pollution make it one of the best spots to enjoy celestial sights in New Zealand.

Ideal for astronomy lovers, families, or anyone curious about the universe, this short but impactful tour offers an intimate look at the cosmic wonder above Canterbury.

Bottom Line: A captivating, educational night out that’s perfect for stargazers and those wanting a relaxing end to a day sightseeing.

7. Canterbury: Mount Aoraki/Cook Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

Rated 4.9/5 from 7 reviews, this 30-minute helicopter flight provides sweeping views of Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. Flying from Canterbury, you’ll soar past the icefields and icebergs of Tasman Terminal Lake, with the pilot sharing in-flight commentary about the park’s features.

This quick flight is ideal for travelers short on time but eager to experience the aerial beauty of Aoraki/Mt Cook, with options to land in alpine locations for photos. The safety standards are high, and the aircraft is well-maintained, making this a dependable choice for scenic flying.

The highlight is the panoramic view of New Zealand’s highest peak, especially striking from the air. It’s well-suited for those who want a taste of mountain scenery without a full-day commitment.

Bottom Line: A concise, scenic helicopter experience that’s perfect for capturing the mountain’s majesty from above.

8. Lake Tekapo Guided Hiking

Number 8 is the Lake Tekapo Guided Hiking tour, highly rated at 5/5 from 1 review. The guides, who have farmed in the area for over 80 years, lead small groups through beautiful locations that include private land access. The length varies from 3 to 8 hours, allowing for flexible, personalized adventures.

Hiking options include exploring the lakeside, mountain tracks, and private land with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and waters. The tour emphasizes safety, local knowledge, and scenic diversity, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels.

This experience is perfect for those wanting a personalized hiking day with expert guidance, especially if you love discovering less-traveled paths and scenic vistas.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for keen hikers who want tailored routes and access to private land, with a focus on scenic beauty.

9. Silverstream Alpaca Farm Tour with Feeding and Guide

Number 9 offers a gentle, family-friendly Alpaca Farm Tour rated 5/5 from 1 review. Located just 20 minutes north of the city, this 1.5-hour experience lets you feed, touch, and photograph the friendly alpacas, with commentary from the farm owner.

It’s an educational yet fun outing, especially appealing for children and animal lovers. The farm’s beautiful gardens along the river make for a peaceful backdrop, and the farm shop offers products made from alpaca fiber. It’s a relaxed way to connect with New Zealand’s rural side and enjoy some hands-on animal time.

Perfect for families or anyone interested in farm life, this tour emphasizes interaction and learning in a safe, scenic setting.

Bottom Line: A charming, low-impact activity that’s great for kids and animal enthusiasts alike.

10. Akaroa: Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour-Lava Loop

Rated 4.4/5 from 13 reviews, the Electric Mountain Bike Tour in Akaroa takes you on a 3-hour ride along the Lava Loop, reaching the top of the crater with minimal effort. Using the latest Scott Ebike models, you’ll enjoy seamless pedaling and great scenery from sea level to the crater’s summit.

Your guide will point out points of interest and help with photos, making it suitable for a range of skill levels. The route offers uninterrupted views and a fun, active way to see the volcanic landscape. After reaching the summit, you’ll enjoy an exhilarating descent back to sea level.

This tour appeals to outdoor lovers who want a combination of exercise and sightseeing without the difficulty of a strenuous climb. The e-bike makes it accessible even for less experienced riders.

Bottom Line: An energetic, scenic ride suitable for those seeking a mix of adventure and beautiful views, with less physical strain thanks to electric bikes.

11. Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki: Refined Dining & Stargazing

Our final pick, Refined Dining & Stargazing at Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, combines gourmet cuisine with a night of star-gazing in a luxurious setting. The Billion Star Dining experience at The Moraine features innovative local dishes, complemented by a visit to Pukaki Observatory.

Guests sip a welcome drink in the wine cellar before exploring the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial wonders through a high-quality telescope with an astro-guide. Expect to see Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s bands, and colorful nebulae, all under clear dark skies.

This experience is best for travelers wanting a memorable, refined evening that combines fine dining with astronomy. It’s perfect for special occasions or those who appreciate both gourmet food and starry nights.

Bottom Line: An elegant, well-rounded evening that marries gastronomic delight with extraordinary stargazing.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Canterbury

When selecting among these experiences, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For a relaxed wildlife encounter, the Akaroa Wildlife Cruise offers close-up marine life in a calm setting. If you’re after adventure and scenery, the Mount Cook heli-hike or scenic helicopter flights are unmatched. Families or animal lovers will enjoy the alpaca farm tour or kayaking, while those interested in stargazing should not miss the Twizel night sky tour.

Timing matters too—if your trip coincides with good weather, opt for scenic flights or hikes. Book early, especially for popular activities like the stargazing experience or heli-hikes, to secure spots.

Final Thoughts

Canterbury presents a wide variety of tours that highlight its extraordinary landscapes and wildlife. Whether you prefer a peaceful cruise, an adrenaline-pumping helicopter ride, or a cozy farm visit, there’s an experience for every traveler. For outdoor adventurers, the Mount Cook glacier hike or Lava Loop mountain biking are top choices; for those seeking relaxation, the stargazing and wildlife cruises deliver memorable moments. Consider your interests and fitness level, then plan ahead to make the most of these incredible experiences. Booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these sought-after adventures in Canterbury.