Discover the heart of Kaikoura district with its astonishing wildlife, spectacular coastline, breathtaking scenery and fascinating Maori and European history, nestled between the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean and only 2.5 hours north of Christchurch. Take a whale watch tour, by boat or scenic flight, and spot the giant sperm whales Join an authentic Maori cultural tour and learn all about the unique culture, location and history in a natural and intimate way Kaikoura is the albatross capital of the world. Join a tour and feed them - up to 14 different albatross species visit the area throughout the year Swim with the wild dusky dolphins in their natural environment Experience the eco tourism wonderland of Kaikoura on a kayaking tour and get up close and personal with the fur seals you can also swim with them Discover the remnants of the Maori and European settlement of the area and Kaikoura's whaling history Ride a horse and make a pause to enjoy the sunset and the outstanding views from above the hills Board a fishing charter and fish your own specialty - grouper, cod, mussels, paua and the towns namesake crayfish Enjoy a fresh crayfish lunch at a local restaurant if you can t join a fishing tour Stroll through the galleries and workshops which feature pottery & paintings, jewellery, gold gilding and carving
One of New Zealand's most stunning and spectacular regions located on the rugged east coast of the South Island, just 1.5 hours north of Christchurch. It is said in Hurunui they live the lives others only dream of... Unwind in natural hot pools, a world class spa experience set in a unique alpine environment Indulge in beauty and therapeutic treatments at the day spa on the same location Play a round of golf amid breathtaking mountain scenery Saddle up for a gentle horse trek and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape Mountain bike or hike on one of the numerous forest, mountain and cross country trails surrounded by mature trees and native birds The Waiau River provides the rush of a jet boat ride, white water rafting or a bungy jump Dine at delightful cafes and restaurants or meander around the craft and art shops Waipara Wine Valley Located 40 minutes north of Christchurch, the Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand s premier wine district It is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand with more than 80 vineyards covering more than 800 hectares of plantings Sample superb wine and food at the wineries of the Waipara Valley or join a vineyard tour
On the volcanic landform Banks Peninsula is home to the French village settlement of Akaroa and an array of picturesque bays and towns including the Port of Lyttelton. From Christchurch, a picturesque 90-minute drive takes you to the charming village of Akaroa Harbour cruises introduce you to the history, geology and wildlife of this area - get up close to the penguins, dolphins, seals and birdlife Swim with the rare Hector s Dolphin in the deep blue waters of Akaroa Harbour Browse the galleries, gift and craft shops for locally made jewellery, artwork, woodware, clothing and creative souvenirs Numerous cafes, bars and restaurants with seaside vistas offer superb cuisine including local seafood, the famous Akaroa salmon and fine wines Taste gourmet cheese at Barry s Bay Factory Join a fishing charter or a sailing adventure around the bays Walk the Banks Peninsula Track or the Little River Rail Trail Lyttelton Drive to Lyttelton through the longest tunnel in the world to be built in volcanic rock Stroll through the market on Saturday morning Stop for lunch at She Chocolat just down the road at Governors Bay
Pristine snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and a tapestry of rich agricultural pastures encompass this diverse region. The area stretches from the Arthur s Pass to Methven and is bounded by the mighty Waimakariri and Ashburton River s, just an hours drive from Christchurch encompassing the Waimakariri, Selwyn and Ashburton Districts. Board the TranzAlpine, one of the six top train journeys of the world, which takes you through the Canterbury Plains, remote gorges and high into the Southern Alps and Arthur s Pass Enjoy a walk in Arthur's Pass National Park and spot a cheeky Kea bird Climb the Castle Hill Rocks, limestone rock formations, filming location of The Lord of the Rings award-winning movie Unwind at Terrace Downs High Country Resort and play a golf round, join a four-wheel drive adventure, go jet boating or practice your clay pigeon shooting or archery Take an helicopter flight or a hot air balloon ride and fly above the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains Experience one of New Zealand s highest sky dive jump and take in the world-class views from the Pacific Ocean & over the snow capped mountains Enjoy a trip to Lake Coleridge - the nation's first hydro lake and a famed fishing lake Hit one of the many walking and tramping tracks and discover the vast array of fauna, pristine mountain streams, alpine flowers, an alpine wetland and mountain views Discover top artists, award-winning wines and divine country café food, all accompanied by friendly service and a country atmosphere Ski or snowboard one of the 18 ski areas or try heli-skiing over the winter months
In the heart of the South Island, 2 hours drive from Christchurch is a region of sweeping plains, rolling hills and unspoilt coastline. Set against a backdrop of the spectacular Southern Alps, the Central South Island is diverse, authentic and full of unexpected discoveries. Meet the locals in a place of welcoming people where genuine Kiwi hospitality thrives Purchase some renowned pottery in Temuka, the home of pottery since 1930 Drive along the green rolling hills between Geraldine and Fairlie and capture the beauty of the area Discover an ancient native forest, native ferns, alpine tussock and waterfalls in the scenic Peel Forest Park or challenge yourself on a white water rafting journey Find out more about the Maori Rock Art scattered across the area; approximately 500 sites can be seen, dating back to the 16th Century Go fishing in one of the many lakes or rivers the area has to offer Timaru Walk along the striking piazza which offers stunning views over Caroline Bay Discover an heritage architecture and treasured galleries and museums, the pivotal heart of the region Visit Aigantighe Art Museum, an historic home and sculpture garden
The Mackenzie is one of New Zealand s most refreshing and energising areas to visit. The region is an extraordinary scenic highland that extends from Fairlie to the township of Twizel, a scenic 2.5 hours drive from Christchurch. The natural landscape encompasses Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a World Heritage Area and New Zealand s tallest mountain While at The Hermitage Hotel, a world renowned tourist destination since 1884, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, the first man and first New Zealander to climb the Everest Be awed by the scenery on a scenic flight, some with snow-landing option Get the adrenaline pumped up on a mountain biking experience or relax while fishing Challenge yourself on an Alpine Treck through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park View, touch and taste 500 year old ice on a glacier boat ride or a sea kayaking tour in a glacial lake Be the first to ski the pristine slopes on an heliskiing adventure in winter months Lake Tekapo Worth for Lake Tekapo s remarkable turquoise waters Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country and see the famous sheep dog statue nearby in memory of the hardy mustering dogs Unwind at Alpine Springs and Spa Winter Park hot pools, body treatments, skating or snow tubing to choose from Gaze at the stars in one of the darkest skies of the southern hemisphere