Things To Do In Christchurch: Punting On The Avon River

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Pricing

Adult: NZ$42
Child*: NZ$30
Infant: Free
Family*: NZ$130

*Child age is 5-15 years, family is 2 adults & up to 3 children.

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Quick Info

DURATION: 30 minutes.

HOURS: 9am-5pm daily (Antigua Boat Sheds)

NO MINIMUM AGE: Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Antigua Boat Sheds

Worcester Bridge

Relax and Unwind on the Scenic Avon River

One of the city’s most iconic attractions, sit back and relax on an informative guided punt ride through central Christchurch – an eco-friendly experience at New Zealand’s only punting site.

See the flora and wildlife of the picturesque Avon River up close, and learn about the sights from your classically-attired punter. Bookings are essential: choose to float through the Botanic Gardens from the Antigua Boat Sheds year-round or see the central city’s Avon River Precinct from the Worcester Bridge (summer only).

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL – treat Mum to a relaxing punt ride on Sunday 11 May, with discounted family tickets only $100 for two adults and up to three children! Bookings essential.

More About Punting on the Avon

Guests must arrive at the correct location 15 minutes prior to your booked departure time: punts depart promptly as scheduled, and refunds are not available for guests who miss their booked ride. All standard rides are 30-minute tours shared with other guests, and bookings are essential.

Punting is an all-weather activity: please ensure you are appropriately dressed for the weather, and our staff will supply blankets and umbrellas when needed. Punt seats are low to the ground (much like sitting on the floor).

Choose Between Our Two Sites

Punting at the Antigua Boat Sheds

Our Antigua Boat Sheds site is located at 2 Cambridge Terrace. Punt rides from this location travel through the tranquil Botanic Gardens, taking you up close to the flora and wildlife on a relaxing ride. Punts at this site can seat up to 8 people.

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Punting at the Worcester Bridge - re-opening spring 2025

Our Worcester Bridge site is located next to the Worcester Bridge near the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace. Punt rides from this location travel through the central city past Te Pae Christchurch, the Christchurch Town Hall, Victoria Square and Margaret Mahy Playground. Punts at this site can seat up to 6 people, and rides end at the Town Hall landing in Victoria Square.

Bookings are essential to avoid long waits on the day. This site is currently closed and will be re-open from spring 2025.

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Getting Here

There are plenty of on-street and off-street parking options near both Punting sites: see Christchurch City Council’s website for parking locations.

For guests arriving by Christchurch Tram, stop 10 is directly next to our Worcester Bridge site, and stop 13 is a 3-4 minute walk along Rolleston Avenue from our Antigua Boat Sheds site.

Book our Christchurch Punting combo passes!

Save when you book combos
See & explore more of Christchurch
Get the full Christchurch experience

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– Save when you book combos
– See & explore more of Christchurch
– Get the full Christchurch experience

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Tramway Restaurant

Our Tramway Restaurant departs from Cathedral Junction at 7:30pm daily (excluding public holidays) and at 5pm on selected dates. Bookings essential.

Save on Combo Deals!

– Save when you book combos
– See & explore more of Christchurch
– Get the full Christchurch experience

SAVE ON COMBOS!

Tramway Restaurant

Our Tramway Restaurant departs from Cathedral Junction at 7:30pm daily (excluding public holidays) and at 5pm on selected dates. Bookings essential.

What people say "One of the Best Things to do in Christchurch"

Excellent

Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)

4.7

Based on 1344 reviews

Nannan Napa

Nice relaxing activity and beautiful scenery.

Sajeev Thomas

One of the must things to do while visiting Christchurch. The boat shed on the Avon is a Victorian era building. The punters give you a history of the buildings, the boat shed, the eels, the Scaups, the Canadian goose, the trees that are around the Avon river. The ride down the river is about 30minutes ( would have been better if the ride was longer). Enjoy the botanical gardens, the ducks and the goose during your boat ride. You can also see the eels (our punter said the eels are 80 years old, few even older).
A peaceful boat ride through the serene landscape.

Sumol

Just experienced the quintessential Christchurch activity: punting on the Avon River! It was such a relaxing and charming way to see the city from a different perspective. Gliding gently along the water in the Edwardian-style boat, propelled by our knowledgeable and friendly punter, was truly delightful.

Siao-Syun Liao

泛舟是一種安靜又舒服的享受。
水流平緩，風景如畫，
沿途還有好多鴨鴨陪著我們一起漂流，
意外地療癒。
是一段值得細細感受的旅程。

Denis Khanh

We came to New Zealand chasing thrills and adventure… so when the boss announced we were going punting, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. This was not what I signed up for. But I’m so glad I didn’t object.

Punting on the Avon turned out to be the exact kind of calm I didn’t realise I was craving. Gently gliding along the river, surrounded by tranquil scenery and the soft sounds of flowing water, was incredibly soothing.

Our punter, Nathaniel, was fantastic - his commentary was engaging and full of interesting facts, and he navigated the boat like a total pro. He also patiently answered all my questions - even the weird ones. He gave us great tips, including what to do near the Christchurch Gondola and pointed us towards Lyttelton, a sleepy little port town we’d have missed otherwise. THANKS NATHANIEL!

A truly memorable and unexpectedly magical part of our trip. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Christchurch - whether you're seeking adventur or just a moment of peace.

Rebecca Avon

Great relaxing activity. Fun for visitors and locals if you've never done it. Beautiful Avon river wildlife to see along the way. Good knowledgeable guides as well. Thanks team. Highly recommend.

Izzat Syahmi

Best experience comes with a new knowledge. Thank you Angus for sharing the knowledge.

Amy Bright

Great day. Wonderful staff. They were just the best. Had a lot of laughs.

Michael Rabideau

Visiting Christchurch and not going punting would be a wasted trip. It's relaxing, scenic and they tell a great story about the area. Enjoy the ride.

nzspeedway pics

The staff were amazing fully booked for times that suited us but when a opening opened up as we were about to leave they put us on! Wicked information about Christchurch shared aswell! I highly recommended to book before hand!