It’s not surprising that visitors to Christchurch see Tittle glimpses of England in this beautiful garden city, Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens are an absolute must for visitors – no matter what the season, take home the memories of brightly coloured daffodils or rich red and gold autumn leaves, Christchurch Cathedral, the Art Centre with its neo-Gothic architecture and the vintage tram, blend easily with the new contemporary art gallery and the inner city cafés and bars nestled below the Port Hills.
To the North -Kaikoura
Hanmer Springs and Hurunui
To the South – Aoraki/ Mt Cook +Mackenzie
Christchurch and the Canterbury region of New Zealand have always been popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers a wide range of activities to suit everyone, including mountain biking, hand gliding, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jet boating, skydiving, paragliding, and 4-wheel driving.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the region also offers tramping, hiking, golfing, fishing, swimming with dolphins, cruising, horse-trekking, and kayaking, as well as sightseeing. The locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and at home.
The historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily harbour cruises. Your cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting. Your modern catamaran, the 60 foot /20 metre Black Cat (previously the Canterbury Cat), is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. Our vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the harbour. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour. The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting ....
Akaroa Harbour is the flooded crater of an extinct volcano. Apart from the huge and awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs, this also means that the harbour is very sheltered. A lot of the time, especially in summer, your dolphin swim will be inside the sheltered harbour. With Black Cat Cruises you will enjoy an incredible experience, swimming with some of the world’s smallest, friendliest and rarest dolphins. Hector’s Dolphins are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary and our cruise gives you the chance to see these beautiful marine mammals close up. Black Cat’s Dolphin Swimming adventure allows only 12 swimmers per vessel, so you’ll have more chances to come face to face with the dolphins We operate up to 16 cruises per day November – March (Summer), up to 8 per day in April and October and 1 per day May – September (Winter) With only 12 swimmers allowed per vessel, cruises are frequently sold out, w....
This memorable journey between Christchurch and Picton stops at Blenheim and the renowned whale watching town of Kaikoura. Along 98 kilometres of ruggedly beautiful coastline you’ll get astonishingly close to the surging Pacific Ocean and steeply rising Kaikoura Ranges. You’ll also travel through beautiful wine growing regions, across broad, braided rivers and the rich patchwork farming landscape of the Canterbury Plains. The Coastal Pacific will operate a winter timetable dates of this service are as follows: Operates 7 days a week (Monday to Sunday) to Thursday 10 May 2012 Operates 4 days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday) from Friday 11 May 2012 to Monday 10 September 2012 Operates 7 days a week (Monday to Sunday) from Tuesday 11 September 2012 to Sunday 30 September 2013 excluding Christmas Day. Christchurch - Picton via Kaikoura Christchurch depart 7.00 am / Kaikoura dep....
Explore our Gallery area which is packed full of informative displays showcasing modern day Antarctica, including the Antarctic Treaty partners, the human impact on the continent, the wildlife and plant systems and Antarctica’s effect on the globe. Our Gallery area encourages ‘touching’ of most of the exhibits to ensure visitors experience Antarctica in a fun and interactive way. Visitors conclude their Antarctic journey with a 17 minute sound and light show "Beyond the Frozen Sunset". Filmed by Emmy award winning film maker, Mike Single, it follows a seasonal arc from sunset to sunrise, weaving in stunning footage shot by mounting a camera to the underside of a helicopter. This majestic audio visual show captivates its audience and leaves visitors with a moving experience of “having been there”. The nocturnal nature of the Little Blue penguin means that most people miss out on sharing in....
This short scenic option is the ideal opportunity to touch snow and experience the thrill of a helicopter flight. Sweep through the rugged high country landscape of the Ben Ohau Mountain Range to a landing site on a snow field high in the mountains. Enjoy the fantastic vista from this alpine setting as you look out to the mountains and glaciers, and down into the valleys that were carved out by glaciers centuries ago. Duration - 20 Minutes....
A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world's greatest explorers, the centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. Designed to educate and entertain, the centre features a spectacular state-of-the-art 3D movie, New Zealand's first full dome digital Planetarium and Museum which documents the pioneering heart of the region and features the impressive Hillary Gallery. Located adjacent to The Hermitage Hotel in the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is an opportunity to explore and connect to the national identity and celebrate the cultural characteristics New Zealanders hold dear.....