Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Punting on the Avon is one of the most iconic sightseeing attractions in Christchurch operating from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds.
Step aboard a classic punt boat and settle in to watch the world go by as an Edwardian punter glides you expertly down the winding Avon River past some of Christchurch’s most picturesque botanic gardens and some of it’s most cherished landmarks. Each season presents its own unique scenery, in winter the punting experience is made even more magical with glistening snow lining the riverbanks. Warm blankets and hot water bottles are kindly provided in the cooler months to keep passengers extra snugly! Punting on the Avon is a unique sightseeing tour of Christchurch experiencing the Garden City from a new perspective. Meander peacefully under the city’s ornate historic bridges, past the trailing willow trees and the abundant wildlife on the riverbanks. Each corner brings a new idyllic scene – perfect for avid photographers! This Christchurch activity offers a refined, relaxed and romantic experience, riding in comfortable velvet cushioned seats and accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable Edwardian guide.
It is more than just a ride on the river it is the best way to see the sights of the Garden City and is a unique experience you will never forget!
Location
What you need to know
- 30 minute trip (Please note that all punt rides are shared, maximum 10 pax)
- Blankets
- Umbrellas
- Hot water bottles in winter
- _Tram and Garden Combo_
- The Christchurch Tram is a unique, elegant and environmentally friendly way to see the city. Allow us to take you around the ‘must-see’ central attractions - get on and off as you please at any of our seven stops or relax while the tram takes you through the inner city
- The 1km track takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and encompasses the city sights including New Regent Street, Cathedral Junction, Cathedral Square, Avon River, Art Gallery Centre, Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and The Botanic Gardens
- See the sights of the Garden City
- Punting in the winter is something truely magical. You will be suppplied with blankets, umbrella's and even hot water bottles, so you feel snug on our punts
- This tour operates 365 a year, 7 days a week
- 1 April - 30 September, 10am - 4pm, every 30 minutes
- 1 October - 31 March, 9am - 6pm, every 30 minutes
- Upon completion of your booking, the tour operators details will be provided on the voucher so you can book in your preferred time closer to your date of travel
- Park Landing Site: Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch
- City Landing Site: Worcester Bridge, Worcester Street, Opposite Rydges Hotel (Oxford Tce)
- Warm clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- Typically, a punt is approximately 21 feet (6 metres) long and 3 feet (1 metre) wide. It should be propelled by means of a pole - about 16 foot (5 metres) long - which is also used to steer the punt
- Please contact Punting on the Avon on 03 366 0337
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
A great team and Punting on Avon Experience in Christchurch
We absolutely loved the punting on the Avon experience it was so relaxing and we learnt so much. The team combo is brilliant and the best way to see the cbd. We never miss the teams when in Christchurch as they are just iconic. The staff are amazing and even let us in on hidden gem cafes we would have missed.
The reception is very nice
The reception is very nice. The driver is very gentle. Almost everything is perfect. The only thing I can think of is about the booking. Despite the fact that I can use the voucher freely from 10:00am-04:00pm on the day I booked my event, I will be better if I can select the time I want to punt in advance to reduce the time customers have to wait for their own boats. In return, the boat company can also charge 1 or 2 dollars more for the change of the booking time!
Went on this great tour recently with my boyfriend
Went on this great tour recently with my boyfriend, we were on a nice NZ getaway adventure and trying to do all of the must do activities. I really enjoyed the traditional feel of this experience, the punters were all dressed excellently which made the experience fun. Even though it was raining when we went down the river it was still a very beautiful and relaxing trip. Only thing is that maybe there could have been a touch more information about the river from the guide, Many other activities like this that I undertook in NZ had lots of information about the surrounding area, I'm a fan of learning as much as I can about where I'm visiting. Our punter was super friendly and we talked about other things instead making it was still a very nice experience. Very relaxing and peaceful, a great idea if you want to just take a break and enjoy Christchurch.
