One-Day Punting Tour on the River Avon

Tour Highlights

Relax aboard a traditional flat‑bottomed boat and enjoy a leisurely 30‑minute shared journey along the Avon River

Your boatman will quietly guide you past the willow trees of the Botanic Gardens and the leafy riverbanks

Unwind, breathe in the fresh air and take in the natural scenery

See Christchurch from a different perspective as you glide along the Avon River

When visiting Christchurch, if you want to unlock the city's most gentle side, the Avon River punting day tour is an iconic experience not to be missed. This eco‑friendly tour, suitable for all ages, lets you encounter English charm and natural beauty on the tranquil river, creating romantic memories unique to Christchurch.

The journey officially sets off from the iconic green‑and‑white Antigua Boat Sheds, where a punter dressed in classic Edwardian attire will greet you with a smile and guide you aboard a vintage flat‑bottomed boat. The period‑style uniform instantly transports you back to the elegant Edwardian era, becoming a distinctive highlight of the trip.

Gently holding the long pole, the punter slowly glides it through the calm waters of the Avon River, and the flat‑bottomed boat silently drifts along — no hustle and bustle, only the tender embrace of nature. You can fully relax, breathe in the fresh, pure air and quietly admire the swaying willows, lush woodlands and tree‑lined banks of the Botanic Gardens on both sides, with every view as picturesque as a poem.

This informative punting tour lets you see Christchurch from a unique waterside perspective. As the flat‑bottomed boat glides slowly along, on one side are the scenic Botanic Gardens, lush and full of life; on the other is the ever‑growing Christchurch Central Business District, where modern charm blends perfectly with natural scenery. The punter will share stories about the riverside views and the city along the way, helping you understand the gentleness and heritage of this city.

The entire journey is serene and relaxing — you can sit quietly, watch the waterbirds and aquatic plants swimming in the clear river, listen to the birdsong and the breeze on the banks, and savour a sense of ease that belongs exclusively to the Avon River. At the end of the tour, the flat‑bottomed boat will slowly return to the Antigua Boat Sheds. The classic Edwardian uniforms, the tranquil riverside scenery and the gentle city views will all become the most precious memories of your New Zealand trip — this is Christchurch's most touching romance.