Punting on the Avon
Punting on the Avon
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
**BOOKING ESSENTIAL** Come aboard your classic punt at the historic Antigua Boat Sheds landing or the Worcester Bridge departure site. Your Edwardian-attired Punter will guide you quietly past trailing willows and leafy banks as you absorb the beauty of Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens or the city centre. Punting on the beautiful Avon River is an iconic Christchurch attraction not to be missed. Each shared Punting tour is 30 minutes duration with informative commentary.
Christchurch, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
558 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
118
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
4
peter r
3 contributions
Feb 2020
Family of 4, + 2 year old - no pre booking was required for what was a quite busy boating day on the Avon. We had 2 Grab One vouchers which halved the cost - all up cost was $60 for 30 minutes punting on the Avon, which was really good value. It's actually a lot more relaxing and scenic than you'd think looking from a distance. 2 options of where to start, we left from the Boat Club adjacent Public hospital. Very relaxing, commentary along the way, and just looking at what's happening on the river, and adjacent along the river bank. Filled in 1/2 hour before commencement with an ice cream at the boat shed cafe adjacent. Coffee & Food available.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is our pleasure to have taken your family out on a punt tour!
The essence of punting is only truly understood once you hop on board a boat with us. Once on board the perspective changes around you and it is like you are looking at a different river from the one you knew.
Thank you for taking a punt tour with us. Please come see us again!
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leanne D
Swanson3 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
The guide was full of wonderful information as we went down the river. The seats were comfortable and it was nice having support getting in and out of the boat if we needed it. We were running close to time bug it wasn't an issue for anyone
Would totally recommend it
Would totally recommend it
Written 24 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with others.
Some customers may have concerns with getting in and out of the boats. However, we will always be on hand to help provide assistance when it is needed.
We are glad that you were able to experience your Christchurch punt ride with us! Please do come and see us again.
Written 24 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
YvySurrey_UK
Banstead, UK284 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I had a very pleasant relaxing time being punting along this River Avon along with a few other tourists.
Our 'Captain' guide was a young lad who had seemed to have traveled the world, but he was very knowledgeable and was fun to listen to.
We were sitting in the front but could hear all our guide said very clearly. The boats are easy to get in and out of and are very stable. If you needed help the staff were on hand to help you in and out.
Ride started and ended at the boat shed.
Our 'Captain' guide was a young lad who had seemed to have traveled the world, but he was very knowledgeable and was fun to listen to.
We were sitting in the front but could hear all our guide said very clearly. The boats are easy to get in and out of and are very stable. If you needed help the staff were on hand to help you in and out.
Ride started and ended at the boat shed.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for sharing your experience with others!
We are so very happy that you enjoyed your time with us. We do employ quite a few young staff members (punting uses a lot of energy and young people have the best reserves). However, no matter how young the guide, they can only become a punter if they share a passion to share knowledge and information about the Avon river and the beautiful city of Christchurch.
Thank you again for your review and experiencing your English punt ride with us!
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rdubbs08
Edmond, OK7,980 contributions
Jan 2020
With our one day in Christchurch, we headed out early and got breakfast at the Riverside Market. Afterward, we just started walking and ended up following the trail along the Avon River. With no intention, not even being aware punting was an option, we saw the boats out on the water and stopped at the Antigua Boat Sheds to get more information. With time to kill and availability, we decided to book a ride and go punting on the Avon! Around 30 minutes in length, the sail down and back the river was so peaceful and enjoyable. We highly suggest taking some time to slow down and enjoy this piece of nature in Christchurch!
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How very fortunate for us that you stumbled upon Punting during your walk along the Avon!
There are so many lovely new things to see along the banks of the Avon river. The Riverside Market is one of them and we can recommend that taking a stroll along the river will bring some nice surprises. However, punting is one of the best ways to see the wonderful nature that surrounds the river and is a great alternative when you want to relax those tired feet.
Thank you for popping on a boat with us. We are glad that you enjoyed your time out with us!
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johnny29
Sydney, Australia41 contributions
Jan 2020
Experienced the Punt on the local river with my Father. Very relaxing and leisurely half-hour punt along the river. Start from the iconic Antigua boat sheds on the edge of Hagley park and the botanical gardens. Take in the beautiful scenery from a different perspective and enjoy lots of interesting information about the city from your own experienced gondolier. Get in early if going in the warmer months and book early if you can.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a wonderful way to spend time with your father!
It is lovely to know that you enjoyed your experience on the river with us. We are very glad that we were able to provide that memory for your father and yourself to share.
Many thanks again and please do come back to see us.
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
unson
San Mateo, California13 contributions
Jan 2020
Very pleasant ride. Reese (our "captain") was funny and very charming. The trip was very nice. It was a little disappointing, though (NOT within tour operator's control) if the city would pick up the many cans which litter the bottom of the river
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the review!
Reece has been a wonderful colleague and is nothing if not charming. His guiding skills have been very much appreciated.
It is sad to hear about the cans in the river. We do often go out on the boats to collect anything that should not be in the water. However, people decide to not dispose of their waste appropriately and the storm drains will direct it into the river after heavy rainfall. We wish people would dispose and recycle cans appropriately so that the river can be enjoyed as nature intended.
Please do come and take a ride with us again some day.
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EatPrayLove123
Adelaide, Australia160 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Certainly a highlight of our Christchurch trip. I highly recommend. Staff were all so friendly and our guide was extremely knowledgeable. So relaxing and cool on the river. Goes for about half an hour. Very close to eateries so you can easily get a coffee, ice cream or meal straight after. Loved learning about the river and facts about the ducks and gorgeous trees. It was spectacular and much better than I ever imagined. Staff also obliged by taking photos with our phones but there are professional photos available for purchase at the end. This is a must do activity but it’s popular so best to book. We were very fortunate to have been accommodated on the last punt of the day (5:45pm) as we stumbled across it on our walk.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you kindly for your lovely review.
We are extremely grateful that you said Punting was the highlight of your time in Christchurch. We try our best to ensure that everyone enjoys their punt experience and to get feedback that our efforts are appreciated means so much to us.
Thank you again and do come back to see us again in the future!
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Strickes
Rotorua District, New Zealand1,589 contributions
Nov 2020
Our first trip to Christchurch so we had to go punting on the Avon.
Well worth it. What a beautiful part of downtown Christchurch. Easy walking, and plenty to see in the area.
The Punting was very relaxing and our guide was very informative on the area. Easy getting into the boat and very low but comfortable seats. Very hot day tho and we could have done with some shade in parts.
The Avon seems to be a very clean and well kept river. The occasional bits of rubbish in water but surprisingly very little..
Lovely scenery from the punt on the river, going past the Botannical Gardens.
I enjoyed the old boatshed area where the trip starts from. Authentic old building that has been used for many years. Very English looking area.
We arrived at about 1pm and there were many people enjoying lunches on the sides of the river. Must be a peaceful spot for people to have a break away from work.
Parking a bit limited and it is paid parking in this area.
Well worth it. What a beautiful part of downtown Christchurch. Easy walking, and plenty to see in the area.
The Punting was very relaxing and our guide was very informative on the area. Easy getting into the boat and very low but comfortable seats. Very hot day tho and we could have done with some shade in parts.
The Avon seems to be a very clean and well kept river. The occasional bits of rubbish in water but surprisingly very little..
Lovely scenery from the punt on the river, going past the Botannical Gardens.
I enjoyed the old boatshed area where the trip starts from. Authentic old building that has been used for many years. Very English looking area.
We arrived at about 1pm and there were many people enjoying lunches on the sides of the river. Must be a peaceful spot for people to have a break away from work.
Parking a bit limited and it is paid parking in this area.
Written 28 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you kindly for taking the time to post your review!
We are glad that you enjoyed your time on the river with us. We are blessed to be able to enjoy the surrounding beauty of Hagley Park and the Antigua Boat Sheds with people on a daily basis. It is a very peaceful area to work.
Many thanks again and please do come back to see us again if you get a chance.
Written 12 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Howard A
Auckland, New Zealand401 contributions
Jan 2021
Punting on the Avon is one of the most relaxing things you could ever do, We were greeted by a polite and friendly gentleman who introduced us to our punter. Our punter, John, was an absolute delight. He was knowledgeable, witty and able to answer questions. He had a beautiful rich speaking voice that added to the calm of the trip.
We enjoyed it so much that we went back the following day for a repeat performance. We were equally pleased.
We enjoyed it so much that we went back the following day for a repeat performance. We were equally pleased.
Written 20 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for coming out on the river with us!
It is high praise indeed to hear that you took another trip on the Avon with us the day after your first. We are delighted that we made such a good first impression and I will ensure that news of your review is passed on to John and the team.
Thank you so much again. Please do come back to see us, we would love to to take you out for a third trip!
Written 25 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lina S
Adelaide, Australia53 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
A must do in Christchurch, you may think it doesn’t seem much, but it was the best. A calm relaxing peaceful ride, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Honestly it a great thing to do, make sure you do the package deal that includes your tram ride, a cost saver.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for taking a trip with us!
It is wonderful to know that you consider Punting a 'must do' in this great city. Punting can often be overlooked due to the pleasure of it not necessarily being immediately apparent. However, once you take off on the Avon river, it all starts to become clear why this needs to be experienced.
Thank you again for taking a tour with us. Please do come out on the river with us again sometime!
Written 2 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You can purchase tickets in person from either of our two Punting on the Avon sites (Antigua Boat Sheds or Worcester Bridge) or from the Christchurch Attractions booking office in Cathedral Junction. You can also purchase tickets online in advance via our official Christchurch Attractions website.
Please note that bookings are highly recommended for Punting, and if you choose to purchase tickets on the day we cannot guarantee that we will have availability that day.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Christchurch Attractions
Written 25 February 2020
Hi Just wondering if its possible to book a specific time of the day? We have limited time in Christchurch. Thanks Janet
Written 28 November 2018
Yes you can book a specific time.
bookme co nz
Punting on the avon
You can browse around a few websites that you can book from. This one from bookme allows a specific time.
Written 28 November 2018
what is the starting point and end point of this ride? if we prebook it now for a perticular day then can we come anytime of that day for ride or we need to come in specific time slot?is end point near tram stop so that we can again hop on and continue with tram?
Written 29 January 2017
Thank you for your enquiry.
Our Park branch is our main departure point and is located at the Antigua Boatsheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace. This branch is a 5 minute walk from the tram stop opposite the Canterbury Museum.
Our punt rides are return, so begin and end at the same place.
Bookings are essential for Punting on the Avon, and we highly recommend booking in advance to avoid long waits. You can contact our reservations staff on 03 366 0337 or by email to schedule a booking time (please note that Trip Advisor does not allow us to include website URLs or email addresses in our responses, but you can find our email address by searching for Punting on the Avon online).
Alternatively you can choose to book on arrival, but please note that there may be a wait of several hours involved on a busy day, and we cannot guarantee availability for guests arriving to book nearer the end of the day.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Written 22 February 2017
Are you allowed to take a bottle of wine on board?
Written 18 January 2017
Thank you for your enquiry.
Officially we cannot endorse alcohol on board the punts as they do travel through a liquor ban zone during the ride.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Written 18 January 2017
Hi there, what happens if the weather is too bad and we have pre-paid?
Written 20 October 2016
Hi there
Thank you for your enquiry.
Punting on the Avon still operates in most weather: the exceptions to this is when the river floods or when the wind is too strong to safely operate. In both these circumstances you would be eligible for a refund from the agency you purchased your tickets from.
If Punting is still open but you would prefer not to ride due to inclement weather, you may contact Punting to cancel or reschedule your ride. Please note that you may not receive a refund for your tickets depending on the amount of notice given prior to your ride's scheduled departure time, and a cancellation fee may apply at the agency you purchased your tickets from.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Written 22 October 2016
Is a monetary tip expected afterwards?
Written 19 February 2016
Thank you for your enquiry, and apologies for the delay in replying.
Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, so while staff are grateful to receive any tips these are in no way expected.
If you feel that you would like to give a tip for exceptional service, you are welcome to do so at your discretion.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Written 16 June 2016
This may seem a redundant question, but I would like to know if there is a specific time allocated for the punting ride, or is it an "open" ticket which allows one to punt at any time within 9am-6pm (December)?
Written 26 October 2015
Thank you for your enquiry.
Punting tickets are valid for one punt ride any time during our operating hours of 9:00am until 6:00pm in summer or 10:00am until 4:00pm in winter. We highly recommend scheduling a booking time for punt rides.
You can choose to make a booking in advance so that you can arrive at whichever site you have booked in at just prior to your departure time. Bookings can be made with our Punting reservations staff by phone (03 366 0337) or by email (please see our website for our contact email address).
Otherwise, you are welcome to turn up on the day to hop on the next available ride (please note that this can involve a wait time of several hours, and we cannot guarantee that there will be seats available if you arrive without a booking later in the day).
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Written 26 October 2015
Thank you for your enquiry.
Our standard shared punt rides last for 30 minutes and cost $25 per adult. Please note that we highly recommend scheduling a booking time in advance to avoid long waits.
We also offer a private punt option at our Park Branch for a 45 minute ride which costs $45 per adult. Please note that bookings are essential for this product, and customers are welcome to bring food and drink on board (this can be purchased at the Antigua Boatsheds cafe).
Please see our website for further information or to make a booking, or feel free to call us on 03 366 0337 to speak to our reservations staff.
Kind regards,
Emma
Welcome Aboard
Written 19 July 2015
Hi All, we are going to New Zealand in April without much time spent to walk around Christchurch. However we would want to go for the Avon River Punting as it is one of the attractions. I understand that there are two options, one depart from the park, one depart from the city. I cannot decide which is a better option. It would be great if you can recommend us.
Also, can we walk in and buy the ticket as there are only four of us and we are travelling in the non-peak season.
Written 12 March 2015
Thank you for your enquiry.
Our two Punting branches pass very different areas of the city, so it is really up to you (and what you want to see) as to which branch you would prefer to depart from.
The Park branch departs from the historic Antigua Boatsheds and passes through the Botanic Gardens. This is a very quiet and scenic route.
The City branch passes through the heart of the city centre, and offers a unique view of the various areas that are being rebuilt. This area is a lot busier than the park, but the City branch offers a more diverse view.
Please note that bookings are highly recommended for Punting. You are welcome to walk in and book a ride if you wish to, but please note there may be a wait time of 1-2 hours involved. If you would like to book on the day, you are welcome to call our reservations staff on 03 366 0337 and they will be happy to make a booking for you.
We hope to see you on the river soon.
Kind regards,
Emma
Written 12 March 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.