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Private Day Tours from Christchurch
Explore the best of Canterbury with your own private driver, from the French village of Akaroa to the turquoise lakes of the Mackenzie and the coast at Kaikōura. Every tour is just for your group, with door-to-door pickup from your Christchurch hotel or Lyttelton cruise port, and a day planned around your pace.
Private tours for up to 3 guests (Range Rover), 6 (V-Class) or 11 (Sprinter)
Pickup from your Christchurch hotel or Lyttelton cruise port
NZ-compliant child seats on request
Every tour privately quoted, with a reply from Rebecca within 24 hours
ALPINE & HIGH COUNTRY
COASTAL & MARINE
ARTISAN & ESTATE EXPERIENCES
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Tours
An easy day trip over the hills to the French village of Akaroa, with harbour views, Hector's dolphins and time to wander. Choose a coastal and wildlife day, or a slower day of local art, alpacas and estate wine.
Dolphins and Coastal Akaroa
Duration: 8 hours
Hector's dolphins, cheese and the French village.
Akaroa Alpacas, Art & Estate Wine
Duration: 8 hours
Alpacas, mosaics and estate wine country.
Mackenzie and Alpine Tours
Head inland across the Canterbury Plains to the turquoise lakes of the Mackenzie and New Zealand's highest peak. These are long, rewarding days, with an evening stargazing option at Lake Tekapo.
Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie
Duration: 9–10 hours
The Church of the Good Shepherd, turquoise glacial waters and the Mt John lookout.
Lake Tekapo Stargazing Evening
Afternoon and evening
Lake Tekapo by day, then an evening under some of the darkest skies in the world.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Duration: 11–12 hours
Lake Pukaki, Tasman Glacier views and time in Mt Cook Village, beneath New Zealand's highest mountain.
High Country Station Day
Duration: Full day
Private access to a Southern Alps high-country station, with guided alpine activities and a multi-course lunch.
North Canterbury and the Coast Tours
Hot pools at Hanmer Springs, seals and seafood on the Kaikōura coast, or a relaxed afternoon of Waipara Valley cellar doors, all within easy reach of Christchurch.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Escape
Duration: 8 hours
Geothermal pools, an alpine village and forest walks, reached through the rolling Hurunui countryside.
Kaikōura Coastal and Seafood Tour
Duration: 9–10 hours
The Pacific coast drive, fur seals and fresh crayfish, with whale watching as an optional extra.
Waipara Valley Wine Tour
Duration: 6 hours
Boutique cellar doors, North Canterbury Pinot Noir and Riesling, and time for lunch at a vineyard.
Which Tour Suits You?
| If you have… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Half a day to spare, or a short port day | Waipara Valley Wine Tour (6 hours) |
| A cruise ship day | Akaroa, Hanmer Springs or Waipara. Kaikōura and Lake Tekapo suit longer port days |
| A full day to relax | Hanmer Springs or Akaroa (8 hours) |
| A long day for the big views | Lake Tekapo (9–10 hours) or Aoraki / Mount Cook (11–12 hours) |
| An interest in wildlife | Akaroa (Hector's dolphins) or Kaikōura (seals, optional whale watching) |
| A night under the stars | Lake Tekapo stargazing evening |
How It Works
What’s included
Your own professional driver, a luxury vehicle, fuel and road user charges, bottled water, door-to-door pickup and drop-off, and child seats on request.
MEET LOUIS
Meet Louis, your private Canterbury driver and guide.
With over 10 years of full-time professional driving experience, Louis Adendorff has helped travellers from around the world discover New Zealand in comfort, safety, and style. His local knowledge, attention to detail, and calm, professional approach mean every journey is carefully planned so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
Behind every tour is Rebecca, who coordinates itineraries and special requests to ensure everything runs seamlessly from start to finish.
Louis knows Canterbury well, from Banks Peninsula to the Mackenzie high country and the Kaikōura coast.
Common Questions
Where do your day tours depart from?
Every tour starts with a private pickup from your Christchurch hotel or accommodation. We also pick up from Lyttelton cruise port, and from Akaroa cruise port for Akaroa tours on request.
Can you pick us up from a cruise ship?
Yes. Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and Waipara fit well around most port days, while Kaikōura and Lake Tekapo suit longer ones. Send us your arrival and all-aboard times and we'll recommend the best fit.
How much does a private day tour cost?
Every tour is privately quoted, based on your group size, vehicle and plans. Tell us what you have in mind and Rebecca will reply within 24 hours.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Each tour is a starting point. We can add stops, skip others or combine destinations to suit your interests.
Are meals and activities included?
Meals and activity fees, such as cruises, pool entry and tastings, aren't included. We'll help plan and book them, and build free time into your day to enjoy them at your own pace.
How do we book?
A 30% deposit secures your date, with the balance due 30 days before your tour. See our Terms and Conditions.
Do you have child seats?
Yes. NZ-compliant child seats are available on request. Just include your children's ages when you enquire.
Plan Your Christchurch Day Tour
Tell us your dates, group size and which option appeals, and Rebecca will reply within 24 hours.
No payment needed to enquire. Rebecca will reply within 24 hours.
Travelling Further?
Explore the South Island over several days with a private driver, or book a private transfer between cities, airports and cruise ports.
Explore the South Island over several days with a private driver, or book a private transfer between cities, airports and cruise ports. Planning a longer trip? Here's why starting your South Island journey in Christchurch makes the most of it.
Exclusive Driver is a Christchurch-based private chauffeur service offering luxury tours and transfers across the South Island.
Travel privately. Travel thoughtfully.
