Christchurch

Cathedral Square (lookout for the Wizard)

The Cathedral is situated in the centre of the city, where Worcester Street (East/West) meets Colombo Street (North/South).

A small fee is charged for taking the stairs to the top of the Cathedral.

The world famous "Christchurch Wizard" may be seen pontificating on various subjects from his step ladder.

Christchurch

Christchurch City Tram

The City tram runs daily in a loop around the city centre. There is a charge for travelling on the tram, but once a ticket has been purchased you can jump on and off the tram for a couple of days. The full loop takes approximately 40 minutes to travel, the drivers supply a running commentary of the sights and history on the route.

Those romantics amongst you may wish to surprise your loved one with a trip in the evening on the restaurant tram, this cruises around the city at a leisurely pace as you enjoy the ambience and great food.

The trams on this loop were built and presented by New York, Paris & London.

Christchurch

Punting on the Avon

There are two places along the river that you can enjoy a trip along the Avon River. 

The trip from the Antigua Boat Sheds goes through Hagley Park, the trip from Worcester Street heads North East towards the Town Hall.

The Antigua Boat Sheds were established in 1882 and is one of the oldest buildings in Christchurch. From here you can either enjoy a relaxing punt ride while sipping champagne and enjoying a delicious picnic hamper, or take out a canoe or row boat and see the charm of the botanical gardens and woodlands. Alternatively just sit back with breakfast, brunch or cappuccino sitting by the Avon River.  

Christchurch

Christchurch Art Gallery

The Christchurch Art Gallery was opened in 2003 and with it's wave of glass frontage is a striking example of how the new design compliments it's historical neighbours. 

The Gallery is situated on Montreal Street.

Christchurch

Canterbury Museum

Situated on Rolleston Avenue next to Hagley Park. The museum has an interesting mix of Maori and European Cultures. There is also a section dealing with Canterbury history and the climatic and geological characteristics of the region. 

Christchurch

Christchurch Arts Centre

Weekend Arts & Crafts Market have become a regular feature in this historical area of the city. Also housed in the complex are an observatory, fudge factory, art galleries, restaurants, wine bars, a couple of cinemas and the famous "Court Theatre".

During the "Buskers Week" in January this area is alive with entertainment from early morning to late into the night.

Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola

With 360 degree views from the Port Hills over Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, Lyttleton and Banks Peninsula to the South as well as over to the Alps in the West. 

Christchurch

Hagley Park & The Botanic Gardens

New Zealand's largest city park is on the Western boundary of the four avenues. Split into four distinct sections Little Hagley, North Hagley, South Hagley and the Botanic Gardens.  

Canterbury Brewery - Heritage Tour

Tour Canterbury's largest brewery and home of Canterbury Draught, known locally as 'CD' or 'Our Beer'. The guided heritage tour begins in the museum, which shows the history of New Zealand brewing. It then moves through the working brewery and ends with a taste of typical Canterbury hospitality where you get to sample 'Our Beer' in the comfortable surroundings of the Heritage Museum Bar.

Tours leave from the Canterbury Brewery ground floor reception area at 36, St Asaph Street (west of the Antigua Street corner, one block from the Avon River and 2 minutes walk from Hagley Park).

Tours: Monday to Thursday 10am and 12:30pm. Saturday 1pm (tour duration 90mins)

Each tour includes complimentary beer tastings.

Christchurch

New Brighton Pier

When the sun shines or the surf is up Christchurch city residents head for the beach, and most times that beach will be New Brighton with it's modern pier. 

Christchurch

Sport at the Jade Stadium

Ask any "One Eyed Cantab" what the Jade means and you will see the pride, when they say that it's the home of the Crusaders Super 12 franchise and the Canterbury NPC rugby teams. The Jade (formerly called Lancaster Park) is a recognised venue for the All Black (rugby) and Black Cap (cricket) Internationals.

The Jade Stadium can be found on Stevens Street, which is in the South East corner of the four avenues near Fitzgerald & Moorhouse Avenues. 

Christchurch

Christchurch - Tranz Alpine Scenic Train 

Take one of the worlds most spectacular train journeys, the train leaves the Christchurch Station (situated between Blenheim & Addington Roads) in the morning and travels west through the plains to Arthurs Pass then on to Greymouth. After an hour or so at Greymouth the train returns to Christchurch.

Those with limited time are recommended to take the trip to Greymouth as the train crosses the river beds and goes through tunnels after leaving Arthurs Pass. 

An option for those with children, take the train to Arthurs Pass and spend a several hours there having lunch and visiting a local farm, this option is available at the tourist offices. 

Christchurch

Christchurch - "Canterbury Week" - November

Canterbury A&P Show at the Canterbury Showgrounds.

Top Quality Harness Racing at Addington.

Top Quality Gallops Racing at Riccarton Racecourse including the NZ Guineas races.

Activies all week long

Canterbury

Akaroa - Canterbury Cat Cruise

2hr Cruise - Hector Dolphins, White Flipper Blue Penguins, Shags, NZ Fur Seals, Cathedral Cave. Although the wildlife mentioned is viewed on most cruises, sightings are not guaranteed. Cruises leave from Akaroa Harbour.

At present the trips are as follows:

Departs: 11:00am and 1:30pm

Returns:  1:pm and 3:30pm

Morning Cruises November to March only.

*Prices: $39 adult, $15 children (5-15), under 5 years free

Due to demand bookings are essential

Tel: 03-304-7641

Freephone 0800-4-Dolphins (0800-436574)

Please remember your sunscreen, camera and hat.

Canterbury

Kaikoura - Whale Watching

Those without transport can book the Whale Watching and Train excursion from any Tourist Office, the train leaves from Christchurch early in the morning and travels North to Kaikoura's "Whaleway Station". Once at the station a mini bus will be waiting for you and will return you to the station after the trip in time to catch the return train back to Christchurch. 

Whale Watch Kiakoura have been operating tours since 1989, reservations can be made direct by telephone or fax. In the event of a cancellation every effort is made to re-schedule passengers.

Tel: 03-319-6767    Fax: 03-319-6545

Freephone 0800-WHALES (655121)

Canterbury

Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort  

Need to relax after a hard week, then Hanmer Springs is for you. Soak in the hot pools and feel the stress, aches and pains melt away. With accommodation to fit all budgets this resort area is one of the fastest growing in Canterbury. 

As well as the hot pools, there's skiing during winter, great walks as well as plenty for the thrill seekers in your group.  

Hot Air Ballooning over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains

Methven known as "New Zealands Finest Ballooning Location", experience a majestic flight over the Canterbury Plains. From the Methven location you should get pristine views of Mt Cook (Aoraki) and the entire panorama of the 300km Plains. 

Aoraki Balloon Safaris (Methven) can be contacted on:

Tel: 03-302-8172

Fax: 03-302-8162

Mobile: 025-334-861

Freephone 0800-CLOUD-7 (0800-256837)

Horse Trekking in Canterbury

With great beaches, awesome countryside and high country stations in the Canterbury region, seeing them on horse back is an option for both novice and serious riders. The next question to ask yourself is how long do you want the trek to last, this could be anything from 1hr to a day to a week or more.  

Huruni Horse Treks

McKenzie Country from Lake Takepo

Skiing in Canterbury

Mt Hutt - Ski Resort

Porters Pass - Ski Resort

Hanmer Springs - Ski Resort

Lake Takepo - Ski Resort

Lake Ohau - Ski Resort

Canterbury Lakes

Lake Takepo

Lake Pukaki (views of Aroaki / Mt Cook)

Lake Ohau

Mt Somers - Erehwon 

Mt. Potts was used Rohan  in "The Lord of the Rings"

Scenic & Historical Drives - Waimate to Omarama  

Maori Rock Paintings, Wallabies & Dams

Marlborough

Marlborough Wine Trail

With so many award winning vineyards in this region, this is a must do for the wine lover and aficionado's. Trips can be arranged from Blenheim & Picton.  

Marlborough

Cruising The Marlborough Sounds

Take a trip on one of the many cruises around the sounds, with trips and activities ranging from 1hr to days there's something for everyone.

Tickets and trips are listed along the Picton Marina.

Buller

Abel Tasman National Park

An area of unspoiled beauty, there are many walks through the park. One of the best ways of seeing this amazing place is to take a one way trip on one of the boats from Kaiteriteri or Marahau (the nearest town to the park) and then get off at one of their beach stops and walk back to the Marahau where the bus will take you back to Nelson & Richmond. For those not wanting to walk the 5 hour boat trip along the parks sea boundary is spectacular with a guided commentary and views of a range of sea birds and the seal colony.  The golden sand of these beaches is unlike anywhere else in New Zealand (with the exception of Oriental Bay in Wellington, but that is because this sand was transported there!!). 

Punakaiki Rocks (Pancake Rocks) 

Situated approximately 30 minutes north of Greymouth on the Westport road are the Punakaiki Rocks, these rocks give the appearance of thousands of pancakes piled up, thus there nickname "pancake rocks", look out for the blow-hole in the reserve. There are toilets, a cafe and a souvenir shops nearby.

Shantytown

Loosely based on the gold mining town of Ross (situated south of Greymouth), this tourist attraction allows you to experience the gold rush, take a ride on the stream train and then on the way back you can even pan for gold.

Including Helicopter flight over both glaciers and landing next to Mt Cook.

Haast Pass

Possibly one of the most naturally beautiful passes through the Southern Alps, waterfalls, crystal blue rivers, a variety of bush walks and the Gates of Haast.

As you approach Lake Wanaka, look out for the fence of bras...yes bras, this was originally started by four women returning on New Years Eve, deciding that they would start the year by shedding their bras, they tied them to the fence and since then they have been joined by many more. In fact the local farmer is sent bras from as far a field as Germany to attach to the fence.

Wanaka

The town of Wanaka has really become a boom town, as people have caught on the Queenstown property explosion and saw Wanaka as the next big thing.

Puzzle World - Wanaka

Enter a world of the strange and puzzling, ideal for all ages and a great break after a long drive through the Haast Pass.

Cardrona Hotel

Cardrona - Ski Resort (Coronet Peak)

Arrowtown

Queenstown

A.J. Hackett's Bungy

Shotover Jet Boats

Dart River Safaris

Earnslaw Steamboat & Dinner

Kingston Flyer - Steam Train

Dunedin - The Otago Peninsula

Dunedin - Baldwin Street "The Steepest Street in the World"

Dunedin - Speight's Brewery Tour

Speights is known as the "Pride of the South" and has a rich heritage of brewing. Take the tour and you'll get to see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients of a working brewery. This brewery on Rattray Street, Dunedin has been the home of Speights since 1876.  The daily 90 minute tours of the historic Speight's Brewery includes a beer appreciation of six Speights beers and the opportunity to bottle your own Speight's beer and take it home.

**Tours every day except Christmas Day: 

Start at 10am, 11:45am & 2pm. 

Also 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

Also 7pm on Mon, Tue, Wed and Thu.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins.

*Prices: Adults $15, Children (5-15 years) $5, Students/Seniors $12

Family (2 adults and 2 children) $35

Groups (minimum of 10 visitors) $12 per person

Bottle-Your-Own option ... Extra

Bookings are essential

Tel: 03-477-7697

Fax: 03-477-9489

Dunedin - City

Moreaki Boulders

Oamarau - "Penguin Capital of New Zealand"

Blue Penguins & Yellow Eyed Penguins

Fjordland - Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound

Fjordland National Park - Tramping

Invercargill - Bluff Oysters "The Best Oysters in the World"

Catlins - Dolphins, Yellow Eyed Penguins, Seals and Great Walks

North Island 

& 

South Island

RUGBY - ALL BLACKS, SUPER 12 or NPC Games

This is must for any sports fan, ideally take in an All Blacks match and see the most famous rugby team in the world.

Alternatively during February to May watch one of the 5 franchise teams play in the Super 12, or during August to October watch one of the NPC regional matches in the countries premier home tournament.

North Island

&

South Island

WINE TRAILS

The worldwide recognition of the New Zealand wine industry has meant that the major and minor vineyards have opened their doors wider to show off the quality wines that are now produced. 

So why not design your trip around New Zealand with an evening "stop over" in the wine region, take in a trip around the vineyard, sample their produce (buy if you wish), and let the coach take you back to your hotel or motel.

If you are driving and stopping at a vineyard, please remember the NZ alcohol limits.

Crossing The

Cook Strait

Pay the extra (approx $15 each) and sit in the comfort of the First Class lounge where you will be served free tea, coffee, juices & cold drinks as well as biscuits. You will also be looked after by the Steward. This is the best way of crossing the Cooks Strait (the Lynx is also the fastest of the available ferry crossings at present).

From this lounge I have seen several dolphins following the ferry, the large viewing windows in the lounge ensures that everyone in there gets a view.

There are also TV monitors with the view from the front of the ferry. The ferry also has a separate play area for children, with a TV showing cartoons through the journey.

There are several food areas on board, and  it's possible to buy hot food, sandwiches as well as drinks from them.

Tickets can be booked online or at the dock on the day, but due to demand at certain times of the year and day, it's better to book ahead to avoid disappointment, also the earlier ahead you book online the better the chance that your will be able to get a saver fare.