Gems of Christchurch

8-14 August 2021

7 Day / 6 Night tour

Guided Tour

$4,195

(NZD) pp twin share

$4,855

(NZD) pp single

Bring your camera and a warm jacket; 7-days in the re-emerging capital of Canterbury is a treat for all. Whether it’s whale watching in Kaikoura, relaxing on the TranzAlpine rail to Greymouth, savouring the salmon in Akaroa or simply sipping wines at the cellar doors of the Waipara Valley... it’s the best of the region all with the ease of staying in one place.

Itinerary | 8-14 August 2021

DAY 1. Arrive Christchurch

After a short flight to Christchurch, our shuttle picks us up and takes us to our accommodation for the next 6 nights. We dine in-house tonight.

(Dinner).
DAY 2. City Exploring | Willowbank Reserve

This morning we’re picked up for a private tour of the city. Jump on a tram and ride through the city and have lunch at your leisure. Later in the afternoon we head out to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided night tour and hangi dinner.

(Breakfast, Dinner).
DAY 3. TranzAlpine Rail | Hokitika

We have an early start to the day as we make our way to the train station and catch the TranzAlpine rail across the country to Greymouth. We’re greeted by a driver who takes us to Hokitika for lunch before returning back to our accommodation in Christchurch. After such a long day we enjoy dinner in-house.

(Breakfast, Dinner).
DAY 4. Akaroa

Today we tour the outskirts and wander over the hill to glorious Akaroa. Here, we enjoy lunch on the waterfront and take in the coastal scenes on a 2-hour harbour cruise. Tonight, we partake in a buffet dinner at the Christchurch Casino.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 5. Whales in Kaikoura

Today we embark on a full day trip to Kaikoura to see the whales! This trip showcases brilliant Canterbury scenery assisted by charismatic commentary from our local tour operator. Dinner is in-house tonight.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 6. Waipara & Wines

We enjoy a relaxing start to the day and head out at midday for a winery tour of the Waipara Valley. We soak up the region by visiting 4 different wineries and delight in a platter lunch. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to sleep off the wine and relax before our flight home tomorrow. Dinner is in-house tonight.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 7. Homeward Bound

Sadly it’s time to say goodbye to Canterbury as we wing our way back home.

(Breakfast).

A day on the TranzAlpine

The landscape changed again as the train wound its way along the broad upland plains of Craigieburn where the braids of the Waimakariri spread out across the broad shingle river bed. The alps, so distant at the start, were now almost close enough to touch. The train crossed the glacier-fed Waimakariri and stopped briefly at the village of Arthur's Pass, a popular hub for serious climbers, hikers, skiers and nature-lovers.

The appearance of a couple of kea, New Zealand's comical alpine parrot, created a frenzy of selfie sticks among the overseas passengers"

NZ HERALD

Christchurch Stay Put

8-14 August 2021
7 day / 6 night

$4,195

(NZD) pp twin share

$4,855

(NZD) pp single

ENQUIRE HERE

Inclusions

General

Comfortable coaches
Trusted and knowledgeable Tour Manager
6x Nights Accommodation
Flights to & from Christchurch
Airport Transfers from home

Meals

All breakfasts
All dinners
3x lunches on tour days

Highlights

Christchurch city tour
Willowbank Reserve and Hangi
TransAlpine Train journey
Akaroa boat trip
Kaikoura whale watching
Waipara & Wine tour

Whale watching Kaikoura

This full day tour includes a scenic drive from Christchurch over the Canterbury plains before arriving in the majestic seaside village of Kaikoura. Once in Kaikoura we will make our way to a lookout to enjoy spectacular views of this pretty seaside village, the majestic mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Next we visit a fur seal colony before heading into Kaikoura for some free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon you will board a catamaran with Whale Watch Kaikoura and enjoy an up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale.