Sightseeing and Recreational Activities

Monday 22 March

Christchurch Highlights and Sightseeing Tour - Half Day

The tour includes city highlights, Mona Vale Homestead, Sign of the Takahe and return transport.

Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Christchurch – a great way to see some of the best of the garden city.  Begin with an inner city tour for a brief orientation of the city highlights, including the Arts Centre, Museum and Botanic Gardens.  The tour will also include a visit to Mona Vale and drive through the seaside suburb of Sumner, Lyttelton township and a visit to the Sign of the Takahe for views of the city.

Waipara Wine Trail - Full Day

The tour includes visit to 3 to 4 award-winning wineries, lunch and return transport.

The Waipara Valley in north Canterbury, a 45 minute drive north of Christchurch is one of the fastest growing wine producing regions in New Zealand, currently boasting over 40 vineyards and wineries.  The region is an ideal cool-climate grape growing area, with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating local plantings.

The Waipara Tour will take you to award-winning wineries, such as Pegasus Bay, Mud House, Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Mt Cass, Muddy Water, Danny Schuster or Sherwoods (please note that all wineries subject to availability).  Enjoy wine tasting and vineyard views.  There will also be the opportunity to purchase wines if you wish.

Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour - Full Day

The tour includes return coach transport, lunch and Whale Watch tour.

This tour takes you north of Christchurch to Kaikoura, a traditional fishing village nestled between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, to enjoy the ultimate marine experience – a close encounter with a giant Sperm Whale.

Dusky dolphins abound and you may also see orcas, seals and the rare Hector’s dolphins.  Kaikoura also attracts a great concentration of seabirds including albatross, petrel and shearwater.  Take the opportunity to observe fur seals in their natural habitat as they bask on the coastal rocks.

Kaikoura is also renowned for its crayfish (lobster) and a fresh crayfish lunch is included in your tour costs (other options are available if required). 

Tuesday 23 March

4WD Jetboat Adventure - Full Day

The tour includes coach transport, jetboat ride, 4WD tour, café lunch.  This is a half day version of the Alpine Safari Tour and does not include the TranzAlpine train. 

Your day begins with a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains to the Waimak Gorge where you will board the famous Hamilton jetboat.  Next experience an exciting 45 minute jetboat ride on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular rivers.  After this exhilarating encounter you will board an off-road vehicle for a scenic 4-wheel-drive adventure across Mt Torlesse Station, a 10,000 acre working sheep and cattle farm situated in the spectacular foothills of the Southern Alps.  During the journey take in the spectacular alpine scenery and learn about the farm.

Stop off at a quaint country café for a delicious lunch, before returning to Christchurch.

Hanmer Springs Tour - Full Day

The tour includes coach transport, entrance to the thermal pools and a winery visit.  Please note that lunch is optional on this tour, to enable you to choose other activities to fit into your day.  Please bring your own bathing suit and towel.  Towels can be hired at the pools for a small charge.

Nestled in the magnificent South Island high country is Hanmer Springs, a beautiful and charming alpine village and spa resort surrounded by majestic mountains and mature forests.  For 125 years, Hanmer Springs has attracted visitors seeking the benefits of its natural mineral waters and clean, clear alpine air.

Included in your tour cost is your admission to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve.  Bathe in the 12 thermal pools, with temperatures ranging from 33 - 42ºC.  You may also wish to enjoy some of the many other optional activities available (at your own expense) in Hanmer such as mountain bike hire, forest walks, the maze and horse riding.

En route to Christchurch you will stop off for a wine tasting at an award winning Waipara winery, set in New Zealand's fastest wine growing region.

Akaroa Day Tour - Full Day

The tour includes coach transport, a visit to Linton (artist’s garden) and lunch at a local café.

Experience the scenic Banks Peninsula, including Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours, and the historical seaside village of Akaroa.  Travel along the scenic route to Akaroa, over the Port Hills, via Sign of the Kiwi, through Gebbies Pass, alongside Lake Forsyth, through Little River, and along the Akaroa summit road.  Scheduled photo stops will be made, so don’t forget your camera!

Included in the tour is a visit to Linton – “The Giant’s House”, where you have some time to explore this magical and unusual artist’s garden with its unique mosaic sculptures.  There will be time to stroll around the township and explore the many arts and crafts stores in Akaroa or the option to enjoy other activities that this quaint seaside town has to offer.

Alpine Safari Tour - Full Day

The tour includes coach transport, jetboat ride, 4WD drive, TranzAlpine train and a café lunch.

Enjoy a spectacular one day tour into the breathtaking Southern Alps of New Zealand.  This tour has it all!  Four types of transport, three unique adventures, two course café lunch, one entertaining Kiwi tour guide, this equals the ultimate Alpine experience!

Your day begins with a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains to the Waimak Gorge where you will board the famous Hamilton jetboat.  Next experience an exciting 45 minute jetboat ride on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular rivers.  After this exhilarating encounter you will board an off-road vehicle for a scenic 4-wheel-drive adventure across Mt Torlesse Station, a 10,000 acre working sheep and cattle farm situated in the spectacular foothills of the Southern Alps.  During the journey take in the spectacular alpine scenery and learn about the farm.

After an exciting morning you will stop at a quaint country café for a delicious lunch.  The journey will continue through the Canterbury high country to Arthurs Pass stopping along the way at Lake Pearson and passing one of the filming locations from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

At Arthurs Pass you will board the world famous TranzAlpine train, sit back and relax with a glass of beer or wine and enjoy the spectacular scenery on your journey back to Christchurch.  You will be collected from the Christchurch railway station and returned to the Christchurch Convention Centre.

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