CHRISTCHURCH BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Foothills Safari: Alpine Lakes and Narrow Gorges an Easy Day Out of Christchurch
A full‑day, 13‑hour bus tour from Christchurch that threads mountain‑backed lakes and river‑cut gorges across the Canterbury foothills — useful as a planning primer for photographers and naturalists.
Foothills Safari: Alpine Lakes and Narrow Gorges an Easy Day Out of Christchurch.
If mountain‑backed alpine lakes and swift river gorges are your thing, this full‑day Lakes and Gorges tour out of Christchurch strings them together in a South‑to‑North sweep through the Canterbury foothills, visiting Lake Coleridge, the Rakaia and Waimakariri gorges, and Lake Lyndon.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Alpine lakes framed by raw mountain backdrops
The route serves repeated alpine tableaux — still blue water backed by peaks and tussock‑lined shores — with multiple lake stops that offer classic reflections and broad mountain vistas.
A south‑to‑north foothills safari across the Canterbury plain
Starting from Christchurch the tour crosses the plains into the Ashburton Lakes area and then threads north through river gorges and high passes, presenting contrasting lowland and alpine environments in a single day.
Narrow chasms and historic bridges
The Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers are forced through tight rock passages and spanned by historic bridges — dramatic, photogenic moments that punctuate the tour and make excellent picnic and photo stops.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a long, scenic circuit: you leave Christchurch across the Canterbury plains into the Ashburton Lakes, visit Lake Heron and nearby small lakes and historic Hakatere Station, then head north past Mt Somers to the Rakaia Gorge for lunch. The afternoon climbs to Lake Coleridge and on to Lake Lyndon before descending the Inland Scenic Route to the Waimakariri Gorge and returning toward Christchurch, with an optional final stop near Kaiapoi if time allows.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full‑day excursion lasting approximately 13 hours; plan for a long day with multiple stops across varied terrain.
Pickup from selected Christchurch hotels or the Canterbury Museum, an expert guide, photography tuition if required, late‑model air‑conditioned transport, snacks and beverages, and scenic stops. A full picnic lunch is available on the Premium option.
Pickup is offered from some of the main hotels within Christchurch or alternately from the Canterbury Museum; the operator provides transport for the full circuit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lakes and Gorges tour?
The tour is a 13‑hour full‑day outing.
Where does the tour depart from?
Pickup is available from some of the main hotels in Christchurch, or alternatively from the Canterbury Museum.
Is lunch included?
A full picnic lunch is included only on the Premium option; select 'Premium' when booking to receive the full picnic lunch.
Is the route fixed or does it change?
Some sections are weather and season dependent — for example the road between Coleridge and Lyndon may be taken only when conditions allow; otherwise an all‑weather alternative is used.
Is photography help available on the trip?
Yes — photography tuition is provided if required.
What sort of scenery will I see?
The tour visits mountain‑backed alpine lakes and narrow river gorges, including Lake Coleridge, Lake Lyndon, the Rakaia Gorge and the Waimakariri Gorge.