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
2023
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Punting on the Avon
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(49 reviews)
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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
541 reviews
Excellent
399
Very good
117
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Kate N
Perth, Australia201 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Calming ride up the Avon river in a punt, staff very helpful getting me in and out of the boat due to my knees and back having an issue. Scenery beautiful.
Written 11 March 2024
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.
Thankyou for your 5 rating. We do our best to get everyone safely in and out of our rides. We are glad you enjoyed your punting ride along the beautiful Avon river.
Hope to see you again.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PJSec0nd
Adelaide, Australia27 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Pleasant half hour on a punt in the parklands surrounding the city. No issues with the craft, staff or trip, just a bit overpriced for what it was
Written 9 March 2024
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.
mrnormal
United Kingdom93 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Spent a very enjoyable and relaxing half hour punting on the Avon. Beautiful setting, lots of wildlife and comfortable boats. Lily was our punter and she was intersting and knowledgeable. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Written 9 March 2024
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 so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. Lily always brings a friendly and bubbly energy and all our punters always strive to deliver a 5 rating experience to our customers. We hope to see you again in the future.
Written 14 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FarAway48548797141
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
This was a wonderful experience, like going back in time to a more genteel time in England. The pace was leisurely, and our punter was informative without overdoing it, letting us experience the peace and tranquility of meandering up and down the river. Also fun to connect to something historical from Christchurch, where some of its historical roots have been preserved.
Written 24 February 2024
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 so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review! We're so glad you enjoyed the punting experience. Our aesthetic definitely suits the old timey feel here in Christchurch. We're happy to hear our punters are informative during the ride and allowing the beautiful Avon river shine. We hope to have you back again!
Written 1 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pakabay
Adelaide, Australia2,141 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We happened to be in Christchurch on a perfect, sunny summer Saturday and had (fortunately) pre-booked our late morning journey on the Avon.
We had been for a wander through the adjacent botanic garden and had brunch at the cafe next to the boats.
The punting was carried out by a delightful, informative & entertaining your lady, whose name I have unfortunately forgotten, but she certainly helped make the experience as enjoyable as it was.
Would certainly recommend.
We had been for a wander through the adjacent botanic garden and had brunch at the cafe next to the boats.
The punting was carried out by a delightful, informative & entertaining your lady, whose name I have unfortunately forgotten, but she certainly helped make the experience as enjoyable as it was.
Would certainly recommend.
Written 15 February 2024
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 so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review!
We are glad to hear our punters are being informative and entertaining! There are many beautiful sights to see on our river!
We hope to welcome you back to our beautiful city soon!
Written 19 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
907JLeMay
Anchorage, AK169 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We really enjoyed this activity. Our punter propelled us down the Avon River through part of the botanical gardens. The scenery and wildlife were incredible. We saw eels and ducks.
Written 5 February 2024
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 so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us. The wildlife on the River Avon is truly diverse!
We hope to welcome you back to our beautiful city soon!
Written 7 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lozmayt
Sydney, Australia12 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Our guide was hilarious... we spent the entire time laughing! Despite rain and cold conditions, we still had a fantastic time. We were provided with umbrellas and blankets. We left having learnt much about Christchurch city and it was overall very relaxing. Would recommend this to anyone travelling to Christchurch. The only negative is that some people in our group were confused because their are two starting sites and they went to the wrong one without realising there were two so perhaps this could be clearer on the city maps.
Written 26 January 2024
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 so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us. The punters do a great job of adding their flair to the commentary whilst also keeping it factual.
We hope to welcome you back to our beautiful city soon!
Written 27 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tl w
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
This has been a high point of our visit to South Island. Reece was a terrific guide. Funny and relatable to all, including the youngsters.
Written 23 January 2024
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 so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us. Reece is a true asset to our team and glad that he helped to enhance your trip with us. We hope to welcome you back to the tranquil waters of the River Avon soon!
Written 24 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dandu2003
Fairbanks, AK86 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Very calming outing on te Avon. Fantastic staff and enviroment.
Organized and charming.
The only reason I did not give 5* - I iwsh it would take longer :)
Organized and charming.
The only reason I did not give 5* - I iwsh it would take longer :)
Written 19 January 2024
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 so much for the review and we are so pleased to see that we left you wanting more of our fabulous product! Although our punters make their trade look effortless punting is very physically demanding hence why we keep our rides to 30mins.
If truly can't get enough of Punting you can purchase our Annual Pass which will give you free unlimited access to our heritage trams and gondola plus 30% off punting.
We hope to welcome you back to the tranquil waters of the River Avon soon!
Written 20 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlotte B
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Such a fun tour. A great way to see the beautiful garden and our punter, Reece, was so fun and made the ride really enjoyable. Definitely recommend to anyone visiting Christchurch. One of the most enjoyable parts of the whole trip.
Written 15 January 2024
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 so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us. Reece is a true asset to our team and glad that he helped to enhance your trip with us. We hope to welcome you back tot eh tranquil waters of the River Avon soon!
Written 17 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where can we buy the tickets in Christchurch?
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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
janetT841IE
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Hi Just wondering if its possible to book a specific time of the day? We have limited time in Christchurch. Thanks Janet
Bryaan Lea
Tampines, Singapore125 contributions
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.
Ruju1990
Pune, India6 contributions
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?
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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
Donna P
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Are you allowed to take a bottle of wine on board?
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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
scallops4me
Hastings, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi there, what happens if the weather is too bad and we have pre-paid?
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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
riefscott
Louisville, KY9 contributions
Is a monetary tip expected afterwards?
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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
FloOH88
Singapore, Singapore23 contributions
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)?
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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
gmyjby
portland, or29 contributions
What is the time length of each of the rides?
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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
YvaineKong
Singapore, Singapore25 contributions
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.
Christchurch A
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
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