Destination Country: New Zealand
Regions/Cities include: Christchurch Banks Peninsula Hanmer Springs Hurunui Christchurch Lyttelton Diamond Harbour Gindulgence Festival	Activities include: Walking sightseeing & discovery in a small group

Canterbury Active Tour

Summer in Canterbury, beach swims, interesting walks, indulgent hot pools, amazing food & scenery and a ticket to the Gindulgence Festival!

 

Sun 21st Feb                            CHRISTCHURCH

Welcome to Christchurch.  You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel.  Please arrive in to Christchurch before midday.

This afternoon we travel out to New Brighton and take a stroll along the boardwalk over the salt marshes where wetland birds can be spotted.   Once on the beach we’ll walk to the Pier, along the way pass a commemorative plaque dedicated to “The spirit of surfing”.  In 1915 the legendary Duke Paoa Kahanamoku gave his first NZ demonstration of surf riding in Brighton – an honour that the locals are very proud of.  New Brighton Pier is the longest in Australasia at 300 metres and makes for a good vantage point to look out towards the Kaikoura’s and up to the Port Hills.

Lastly we unwind in the hot pools at He Puna Taimoana overlooking the ocean – a fabulous way to relax and get to know your tour buddies.

Walking: 5 km

 

Mon 22nd Feb                          CHRISTCHURCH

This morning we’ll hop on to the Tram for a unique tour of the city.  Enjoy an informative commentary on the city’s history including the tragic earthquakes and the rebuild which is still taking place.  In Quake City you will gain an insight into the earthquakes aftermath and the extraordinary resilience of the Canterbury community and emergency services. 

A visit to the vibrant Riverside market will get your taste buds humming – the perfect place to have a lunch break.

Christchurch proudly wears the badge “Garden City” and our afternoon will make the most of the meandering Avon River and expansive Hagley Park.  Sit back and relax as we punt down the Avon enjoying views of the city and park.  Stroll along beautiful walkways through the Botanic Gardens and admire the ever-evolving garden displays set against giant trees and iconic stone buildings.   Colours abound in an exhibition featureing flamboyant fabric creations – cleverly designed and proudly displayed by local costume designer Jenny Gillies.

Walking:  4 km

 

Tue 23rd Feb                            BANKS PENINSULA

We journey to Banks Peninsula this morning and visit the O’Kains Bay M?ori and Colonial Museum.  O’Kains Bay is a real slice of Kiwi paradise tucked away off the tourist trail.  In this museum you will find significant taonga and early P?keh? items amongst the treasures on display.  Take a stroll down the main road past a cute little library and the waka to the village store – all worthy of a photograph stop. 

Enjoy a scrumptious brunch sourced from an organic garden in a lovely laid-back setting in O’Kains Bay, and learn more about this wee community from our hostess Jane.

A scenic drive takes us over the steep hills to Akaroa where we visit the quirky gardens of the Giants House.  Best described as exuberant, unique, colourful and full of fun.  A stroll through Akaroa township will reveal some of the M?ori, British & French history.

To fully appreciate this area, we’ll get on the water for a 2-hour harbour cruise where we have a high chance of seeing Hectors dolphins - the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins, and of course plenty of dramatic rugged scenery.

Dinner with a view is included at the Hilltop Tavern enroute back to Christchurch.

 

Wed 24th Feb                          GODLEY HEADS & SUMNER

Be prepared for some spectacular scenery today as we head out of the city to walk the Awaroa/Godley Heads Loop Track.  Along the way view popular surf breaks, historic baches, wildlife, panoramic views across small bays and the ocean to the Kaikoura Ranges and Lyttelton Harbour.  We also visit the site of a WWII defence battery – full of history and more recently decorated in colourful murals from renowned artist Wongi Wilson. 

Lunch in the seaside suburb of Sumner and perhaps a swim in the sea and/or an easy stroll along the promenade to admire cliffside houses.

Walking: 8km

 

Thu 25th Feb                           HANMER SPRINGS & HURUNUI

This morning we’ll head out of the city early and journey north through the vineyards of Waipara, vast dairy farms in Hurunui and along the Waiau River to Hanmer Springs.  This pretty alpine village offers visitors plenty to talk about. 

Two types of bathing present themselves today!  Shinrin yoko originates from Japan and literally means bathing in the forest atmosphere and taking in the forest through your senses.  Then it’s on to the world class thermal pools for an indulging soak in the soothing sulphur pools.  If you’re feeling playful you can ride the water slides or lazy river. 

The afternoon is free.  You might like to pre-book a pamper session with a spa therapist, do some shopping or climb up Conical Hill.

We depart late afternoon and stop at the historic Hurunui Hotel for dinner enroute back to Christchurch.

 

Fri 26th Feb                              CHRISTCHURCH

This morning we’ll be zigzaging our way through a mixture of woodlands before emerging on the Summit Road where you will get the most stunning views of Christchurch. 

Lunch break at the iconic Sign of the Takahe in a unique Heritage-listed Building in the heart of the Port Hills.  After being closed for over 8 years due to the 2011 earthquakes, they are now open and serving a fresh take on both classic Kiwi and European foods.  Walk your lunch up with an easy down-hill stroll.

Afternoon free to explore Christchurch at your own pace, maybe do some shopping or visit the museum or art gallery.

Walking: 6km

 

Sat 27th Feb                             LYTTELTON & DIAMOND HARBOUR

Today’s walk takes us from pretty Cass Bay following the coastline past Corsair Bay and in to the historic port town of Lyttelton.  Brunch in one of Lyttelton’s legendary cafes before boarding the ferry for a short ride across to Diamond Harbour.

Spend the afternoon walking the Purau Loop across the outer cliffs of Stoddart Point to Purau Beach where we will stop for a swim, before returning via a different path. 

Stop for refreshments in Diamond Harbour town before returning by ferry.

Walking: 3km + 6km

 

Sun 28th Feb                           CHRISTCHURCH & GINDULGENCE

This morning enjoy the ultimate Antarctic adventure without leaving town! Experience the dramatic seasonal lighting in the four seasons of Antarctica show where it snows every 6 minutes.  See Little Blue Penguins, ride the Hagglund, and take an awesome simulated 4D Antarctic cruise. 

This afternoon is all about gin.  Your entry ticket to Gindulgence gets you a festival glass, gin master classes and enables you to taste up to 16 gins from New Zealand distillers like Little Biddy, Curiosity, Dancing Sands.  There’s also tasty local food and live entertainment – sit back in the charming leafy gardens of Ilam Homestead and soak up the atmosphere whilst sipping on the best gin NZ has to offer!

 

Mon 1st Mar                            CHRISTCHURCH

Tour ends after breakfast this morning.  You might like to consider staying on and doing Tranzalpine….

 

Tour Cost:

$2480 per person twin share    (willing to twin share option subject to availability)

$650 single supplement         

 

Inclusions:

• 8 nights accommodation centrally located boutique hotel
• Daily breakfast, Brunch O’Kains Bay, 2 dinners
• Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 9
• Transportation by minivan
• Escorted by Marie Coles
• Entry fees and sightseeing – Brighton hot pools, Tram, Punting, Jenny Gillies, Quake City, O’Kains Bay Museum, Giants House, Hanmer Springs hot pools, Antarctic Centre
• Akaroa Harbour Cruise
• Gindulgence entry

 

Exclusions:

• Transport/Flights to & from Christchurch
• Meals not specified
• Items of a personal nature

Group size:  Minimum 7/maximum 10

 

RTA