Christchurch, South Island

Punting 1

Christchurch Punting

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Christchurch Punting

Punting 2

Summer or winter, glide along the peaceful Avon River in Christchurch as a skilled punter propels you through a majestic wonderland.

Punting 3

Christchurch Punting

Christchurch Punting

Summer or winter, glide along the peaceful Avon River in Christchurch as a skilled punter propels you through the picturesque Botanic Gardens. In spring and summer the sunbeams sparkle and ducklings dive; in autumn and winter the river-level view provides magical photographs.
Sit back, relax, and watch the flora and fauna pass by as you are guided slowly along the river with thoughtful commentary from your Edwardian-attired punter. Our sturdy handcrafted punts are locally-made and are suitable for all ages, and blankets and umbrellas (as well as hot water bottles in winter) are supplied to ensure you are kept cosy on board.
The 30-minute shared rides depart from and end at the historic Antigua Boat Sheds.
A must-do iconic activity for Christchurch locals and visitors alike!

Antigua Boat Sheds Landing Site

Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace
Winter Hours: 10am - 4pm
Summer Hours: 9am - 4.30pm

Essential Information
  • Punting on the Avon suits all ages. 
  • You enter and leave the punt by stepping onto a secure platform. 
  • The return trip takes approximately 30 minutes. 
  • Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.  
  • Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.  
  • For your safety and comfort we provide blankets, umbrellas, and in winter a cosy hot water bottle.
See the Best of Christchurch

Combine your Punting on the Avon ticket with entry to the Christchurch Tram, Christchurch Gondola or both activities. With the option to enter all three sites in the same day or to visit the attractions over two or more days, our discounted combo tickets are a great option for those wanting to explore the city.

Experience Hanmer Springs

Visiting Hanmer Springs? Our Hanmer Springs Attractions site offers plenty of family-friendly activities only 90 minutes from Christchurch. Opt for a thrilling Jet Boat ride or Rafting on the gentle Grade 2 Waiau River, an Off-Road Buggy adventure or Paintball. Quad Biking, Clay Bird Shooting and Bungy Jumping are also on offer for adults and older teens.
With hot pools, walking and biking tracks and more in the village, a visit to Hanmer Springs makes for a great day trip from Christchurch or an extended stay getaway.

 

North Island

South Island

Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Hawkes Bay
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Nelson & Golden Bay
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.