Christchurch

Travel to the historic Sign Of The Takahe lookout for spectacular views over Christchurch and Canterbury Plains. From the lookout point, your narrated drive continues around the main city sights, passing the Bridge Of Remembrance and on to the Botanical Gardens.

The Botanical Gardens, situated on the Avon River, are the pride of Christchurch. During your 2 hours in these wonderful Gardens, you’ll have the freedom to stroll amidst mature trees gathered from all parts of the world, see the colourful rose garden, relax in the water gardens and admire the splendid seasonal displays.

The Christchurch Museum, which houses interesting Maori and Antarctic exhibitions, and the new Art Gallery are located by the Gardens so if you have an interest in the local history and art then you can spend some of your time visiting them.

After a short coach journey to Lyttelton Railway Station, step aboard the famous Tranz Alpine Express train for a breathtaking journey into an area of unrivalled scenery. This spectacular train ride takes you into rolling hills, through tunnels, viaducts and remote river gorges to the rainforests of Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival at Arthur’s Pass Station, disembark and visit the National Park Information Office and marvel at the magnificent mountain scenery. A simple, picnic-style lunch will be served onboard the train.

In the Sandown district, a visit will be made to Deans Farm, the owners of which are direct descendants of the first settlers in Christchurch. The farm is a fascinating place, set in 8 acres of woodland. You will have an opportunity to see a demonstration of sheep shearing and have some free time to browse for souvenirs in the craft shop. Afternoon tea will be served at the farm.

Your return drive by coach, takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through parts of Christchurch. En route you will see the Botanical Gardens and the Bridge of Remembrance.

Arriving at the historic Antigua Boatsheds, you will receive a warm welcome before being invited to board your English-style punt. Your puntsman will take you on a leisurely boat ride on the Avon River, through the scenic Botanical Gardens, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of a garden paradise right in the heart of the city.

After your punt ride, a short walk will bring you to the beautifully restored Curator’s House (or similar venue) for afternoon tea of tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes.

Following your refreshments, you’ll have around 1 hour to explore the colourful Botanical Gardens and historic Canterbury Museum.

A journey of approximately 1½ hours takes you north of Christchurch into the heart of one of the fastest growing wine regions in New Zealand. Upon arrival at the small township of Waipara, board the historic Weka Pass train, driven by steam or diesel engine. A 2 hour round trip of the area by train is a perfect way to enjoy the magnificent scenery, to see the diverse agricultural pursuits of the area and to marvel at the weird and wonderful limestone rock formations.

After your memorable heritage rail journey, you will visit a local winery for lunch and wine tasting.

The highlight of your afternoon is a visit to International Antarctic Centre. Hands-on exhibits, video presentations, laser holograms and stereo sound combine to bring the frozen continent to life. Follow the Antarctic seasons, witness the Aurora Australis and observe life in a penguin rookery. The Centre’s real snow cave allows you to experience the actual temperatures of Antarctica.

The first jet boat was invented in New Zealand by William Hamilton in 1957. This exhilarating experience has since become a great Kiwi activity, which has opened up many otherwise inaccessible areas, one of these being the glacier-fed Waimakariri River.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Christchurch and along the rugged Canterbury plains before arriving at the Waimakariri River, named by a native New Zealand Maori tribe meaning ‘River of Cold Rushing Water’.

After a safety briefing you’ll board your jet boat for an exhilarating ride along the river. Be amazed how the captain skilfully pilots the boat through areas you would never imagine possible, performing high speed 360° Hamilton spins - guaranteed to thrill. Have your camera ready as you zip across the crystal clear waters, you may be lucky and catch a glimpse of the salmon and rainbow/brown trout that inhabit the river.

From the village of Lyttelton, your leisurely drive will take you through Governors Bay to the summit of Port Hills for a stop at ‘Sign of the Kiwi’ to photograph the panoramic views over Christchurch.

Travelling down through the suburbs to the outskirts of the city there will be a stop at the Bridge of Remembrance, a monument created to honour the fallen soldiers of war, before receiving an orientation around the main sights of Christchurch, known as the Garden City.

Travel through a section of the Botanical Gardens to the historic Sign Of The Takahe lookout for spectacular views over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains.