Day Trips from Christchurch by Rental Car

Quick summary: With a rental car, the best of Canterbury is within a day’s drive of Christchurch. Akaroa’s French-settled harbour is around 85 km away, Hanmer Springs’ hot pools around 135 km, and Arthur’s Pass in the Southern Alps around 150 km. Kaikōura’s whales and seals are further, around 180 km, and Lake Tekapo is a long but rewarding day at around 225 km each way. Each one pairs well with a tour once you arrive.

At a glance
Akaroa	Around 85 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes
Waipara Valley	Around 60 km, about 50 minutes
Hanmer Springs	Around 135 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes
Arthur’s Pass	Around 150 km, about 2 hours
Kaikōura	Around 180 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes
Lake Tekapo	Around 225 km, about 3 hours

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Which day trip suits you?

Trip	Highlights	Tours
Akaroa	Harbour village, Hector’s dolphins, Banks Peninsula views	Akaroa tours
Waipara Valley	Cellar doors and vineyard lunches	Waipara wine tours
Hanmer Springs	Thermal pools, forest walks, mountain biking	Hanmer Springs tours
Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill	Limestone boulders, alpine walks	Arthur’s Pass tours, Castle Hill tours
Kaikōura	Whales, seals, dolphins and crayfish	Kaikōura tours, whale watching
Lake Tekapo	Turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd, dark skies	Lake Tekapo tours

Is Akaroa a good first day trip?

Yes. The drive crosses the Canterbury Plains and climbs over the rim of an ancient volcano, with views down to Akaroa Harbour. The final section is hilly and winding, so allow time. Spend the day on the waterfront, take a harbour cruise to look for Hector’s dolphins, and drive back before dark.

Can you see Kaikōura in a day?

You can, but it’s a long day. Leave early, allow around two and a half hours each way, and book a whale-watching trip or seal-spotting walk for the middle of the day. Tours can be cancelled in rough seas, so keep a backup plan. Some travellers stay a night and return via Hanmer Springs.

Is Lake Tekapo too far for a day trip?

It’s a stretch at around 225 km each way, but many people do it. Leave early, stop at Geraldine or Fairlie, and leave Tekapo in time to drive back in daylight. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the stargazing. Browse Lake Tekapo tours and Mount Cook tours.

What should you know about driving these roads?

Drive on the left, and take care on one-lane bridges, especially in rural and mountain areas. Mountain passes such as Arthur’s Pass can have snow and ice in cold weather, and chains may be needed, so check road conditions and your rental terms before you go. Many rental cars come with unlimited kilometres.

Would a tour be easier than driving?

For some trips, yes. The TranzAlpine train crosses Arthur’s Pass with no driving at all, and guided day tours run to Akaroa, Kaikōura and Tekapo. Browse featured tours.

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Frequently Asked Questions