Canterbury Trails Ltd commenced operation in 1994 and produces personal, small group and exclusive private tours to show guests the wonders of the South Island and New Zealand.

Catering for those who prefer smaller, more intimate group tours, or who do not wish to be totally on their own, they offer first-class service and the comfort that should be expected.

Canterbury Trails pride themselves on their attention to detail, the personal touches and aim to give you a truly memorable experience of your visit to New Zealand - a visit which will be both unique and relaxed.

"Arrive as guests, leave as friends"

Taking you "Off the Beaten Track", they offer a range of day tours from Christchurch. These tours are for those who wish to experience the pristine beauty of New Zealand whilst receiving first class service and attention.

The tours are designed to encompass those things which make New Zealand truly unique - the ecology and natural history, the Maori mythology and history, the European history and of course, New Zealand's incredible scenery.

The tours are created by Brian Lucas, owner and operator of Canterbury Trails, and this hands on approach with the owner / guide creating the itineraries results in tours which allow for the best use of time, terrain, activities and variable seasons  Being small group tours, there is far more flexibility with the time and activities to allow for each individual's desires.

Tour options

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula with swimming with dolphins option

Travel to Akaroa over the beautiful Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The high summit route gives glorious views of Akaroa Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps and the remote bays and farmlands. The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbour and Akaroa village, the only French settlement established in New Zealand.

Visit the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory for a cheese tasting of locally made cheeses, the only remaining cheese factory on the peninsula from a bygone era.

Enjoy the quaint colonial style architecture and wander around the charming 150 year old French harbourside village of Akaroa with it's museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops and studios, cafes and wine bars.

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Kaikoura with Whale Watching

Depart Christchurch and travel through the beautiful rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura where the mountains meet sea.

At Kaikoura, a whale watch cruise or flight is made and you will look out for the majestic Sperm Whales and Dusky Dolphins. Sightings can also include Southern Right, Humpback, and Pilot whales.

After your cruise or flight, enjoy a café lunch and then experience some local wines at the Kaikoura Winery with its spectacular views of the peninsula and the Pacific.

Visit the Kaikoura Peninsula where sightings can be made of the NZ Fur Seals.

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Arthurs Pass with TranzAlpine Train option

Journey across the wide expanses of the Canterbury Plains into high country surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. After leaving the Canterbury Plains, the landscape dramatically changes into sub-alpine we head towards the spectacular Southern Alps.

View the Waimakariri River and its unique braided riverbed system.

Enter Arthur’s Pass National Park where short walks can be made to experience forests, rivers and mountains vistas.

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