Canterbury Plains offers a stunning backdrop for memorable tours and experiences. Its sweeping landscapes, from crystal-clear lakes to rugged mountains, make it a natural choice for travelers eager to explore New Zealand’s South Island. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you the top five experiences, each chosen for their unique appeal. Whether you’re after a scenic drive, a horse trek, or an immersive multi-day adventure, Canterbury Plains has something to excite every traveler. The Mount Cook Day Tours stand out for their spectacular views and comfort, while the multi-day horse adventures promise a true taste of high-country life. We especially appreciate tours that combine stunning scenery with cultural or interactive elements, making your trip both beautiful and meaningful.
For those looking to get the most out of their time, a good choice depends on your interests and schedule. Are you after a quick, scenic overview? Or perhaps a longer stay to really connect with the landscape? Whatever your style, Canterbury Plains will not disappoint. Now, let’s look at the best tours and experiences on offer.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of tour styles to suit different preferences. For a quick scenic escape, the Mount Cook Day Tours (see details) are ideal, offering breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. If you prefer a more comprehensive, multi-day experience, the 3-day guided tour (click here) combines scenic hikes, hot air balloon rides, and star gazing. For adventure seekers, the horse treks—either a 5-day high country ride (more info) or a full-day private tour (see details)—offer authentic encounters with New Zealand’s great outdoors.
Below, we explore each tour in detail, highlighting what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Mount Cook Day Tour: Mount Cook to Christchurch
- 2. Mount Cook Day Tour from Christchurch
- 3. Fairlie, NZ: 5-Day Horse Adventure with Endless Mountains
- 4. Fairlie, New Zealand: Full Day Private Backcountry Horse Trek
- 5. Christchurch to Mount Cook 3-day Guided Tour
- How to Choose Your Perfect Canterbury Plains Tour
1. Mount Cook Day Tour: Mount Cook to Christchurch
At number 1 on our list, the Mount Cook Day Tour offers a relaxed yet comprehensive way to experience the stunning scenery between Mount Cook Village and Christchurch. This half-day sightseeing tour takes about 5.5 hours, making it perfect for travelers with limited time but big expectations. The tour departs from The Hermitage Hotel, and you’ll travel in style aboard a luxury, 5-star coach equipped with free Wi-Fi and modern amenities.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on iconic sights like Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, with plenty of chances for photos of their striking, crystal-clear waters. The Church of the Good Shepherd provides a prime photo stop, giving you a chance to appreciate its quaint charm against the backdrop of mountains. The coach’s comfortable setting and the scenic stops make this a relaxing way to absorb some of the best views on the South Island. The tour also includes complimentary hotel drop-offs in Christchurch if you’re staying overnight, which is a thoughtful touch.
The reviews are modest but positive, with a 3.5-star rating based on four reviews, reflecting some variability but overall appreciation for the scenery and comfort. This tour is particularly good for travelers wanting a luxurious, guided experience with minimal hassle.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers short on time who want a scenic, comfortable journey with convenient hotel drop-offs.
2. Mount Cook Day Tour from Christchurch
Second on our list is the Mount Cook Day Tour from Christchurch, which offers a one-way scenic trip perfect for those who want to start their adventure at the city and end in the mountains. This tour also lasts about 5.5 hours but takes a slightly different route, beginning at the Christchurch Bus Interchange.
This tour emphasizes the diverse scenery along the way, including the Canterbury Plains and Mackenzie Country, with stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd for photo opportunities. The luxury coach ensures a comfortable ride, and with the trip lasting around 115 minutes each way, it’s a good choice for travelers wanting to maximize sightseeing en route. The itinerary includes a break in Geraldine, giving you time to stretch and enjoy local views before arriving at Mount Cook.
The tour is particularly suited for those traveling from Christchurch and wishing to see the landscape unfold en route, rather than a direct transfer. The reviews are not specified, but the experience’s focus on breathtaking scenery and iconic sights makes it a compelling choice for nature lovers.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a scenic transfer from Christchurch to Mount Cook with photo stops and countryside views.
3. Fairlie, NZ: 5-Day Horse Adventure with Endless Mountains
Our third pick is the 5-day horse adventure, which is perfect if you’re craving an extended immersion into New Zealand’s high country. This guided trek takes riders through the Blue Mountain Station, offering a chance to learn about high country farming and experience unspoiled landscapes.
What makes this adventure stand out is its mix of riding, learning, and camping. You can expect to ride through remote areas, enjoy pony games, and even swim your horse in a lake. The adventure concludes with a stay at a luxury private lake, combining rustic charm with comfort. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a deep dive into rural life and are prepared for a multi-day commitment.
While the reviews aren’t detailed, the focus on private high country riding and the variety of activities make it an appealing option for experienced riders and outdoor enthusiasts. The multi-day format offers true authenticity, away from crowds and tourist hotspots.
Bottom Line: Perfect for horseback riding enthusiasts looking for a multi-day, immersive experience with a mix of education, adventure, and comfort.
4. Fairlie, New Zealand: Full Day Private Backcountry Horse Trek
Next, the Full Day Private Backcountry Horse Trek offers a 6-hour personalized horseback experience through South Canterbury’s high country. This tour is tailored to your skill level, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
The experience showcases untouched landscapes, including river crossings, native bush, and sweeping views far from typical tourist routes. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll be matched with a well-trained horse best suited to your riding ability. The ride includes scenic stops in riverside and farmland areas, giving a genuine high-country feel.
This tour stands out for its small group size (limited to 8 participants) and customized riding experience. It’s ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and comfort without sacrificing adventure. Practical considerations include bringing a hat, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing, as well as a packed lunch.
Bottom Line: Excellent for horseback riders wanting a personalized, authentic backcountry ride in a private setting.
5. Christchurch to Mount Cook 3-day Guided Tour
Finally, the 3-day guided tour offers a comprehensive experience for those with more time. This adventure combines scenic hikes, a hot air balloon ride, and stargazing at Mt John Observatory. The itinerary also features hot pools in Tekapo and salmon fishing, making it a well-rounded trip.
This tour is perfect if you want to combine outdoor activities with relaxation. The hot air balloon ride over the Canterbury Plains offers a vantage point few other tours can match, and the stargazing tour is a highlight for night sky lovers. The stay in comfortable hotels allows for genuine rest amid stunning scenery.
While the reviews aren’t provided, the mix of activities and the chance to unwind makes it suitable for active travelers who want variety. This multi-day trip is best for those seeking a luxurious, all-in-one experience with plenty of downtime.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers with extra days who want a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences like hot air ballooning and star gazing.
How to Choose Your Perfect Canterbury Plains Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your time availability, budget, and interests. If you’re pressed for time but want maximum scenery, the Mount Cook Day Tours are a reliable choice. For a multi-day immersion, the 3-day guided tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending outdoor activities with relaxing moments.
Horse lovers should look at the 5-day horse trek or the full-day private ride—both highlight authentic backcountry scenery but differ in length and focus. Finally, if you’re after a luxury, all-inclusive adventure with a mix of aerial views and stargazing, the 3-day guided tour is unbeatable.
Remember to book early, especially for multi-day and popular scenic tours, and check the weather forecast to pack appropriately. For flexible booking, many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making planning easier.
To sum it up, Canterbury Plains offers an array of memorable tours, whether you’re after quick sightseeing, an immersive horseback journey, or a multi-day adventure filled with scenic flights and starry nights. The key is matching the experience to your interests, schedule, and comfort level. With these options, you’re sure to find a tour that turns your visit into a genuine New Zealand story.