Arrive Christchurch

Fondly dubbed “The Garden City”, sparkles all year round and is sure to charm its many visitors. A lively blend of English tradition and contemporary New Zealand culminate in Christchurch offering a vast array of unique attractions and experiences. 

Starting with a gentle pace, take a stroll through one of Christchurch’s many public parks to appreciate the city’s natural beauty and diversity – there’s the expansive Hagley Park, the resplendent central Botanical Gardens, the elegant homesteads and gardens of yesteryear – Mona Vale and Riccarton House/Bush – and the ecological restoration programme, Travis Wetlands, to name just a few. 
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase some of the flora of New Zealand and other parts of the world.

Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree, the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand.
Towering majestic trees – many over 120 years old – dominate the Gardens, forming a striking backdrop to the extensive themed plant collections and sweeping lawns.

Dominating Christchurch’s skyline is the gothic architecture of the Arts Centre (the original home of ‘Canterbury College’, now a major hub of artistic and cultural creativity), the Anglican Cathedral in Cathedral Square (the official city centre), the renaissance-style Catholic Cathedral and, in stark visual contrast, the ultra-modern Christchurch Art Gallery. 
Using one of the city’s fun and alternative modes of transport can leave an indelible memory – punt down the Avon River, weave down Christchurch’s streets and alleys on the historic tram or view the city from the skies in a Gondola or hot air balloon! 

From buskers to opera, boutiques to Ballantynes (the iconic department store), Christchurch’s vibrant city life offers the visitor first-rate daytime and evening entertainment – shops (Cashel Mall), galleries, theatres, cinemas, museums (Canterbury Museum and Southern Encounter Aquarium/Kiwi House), restaurants and cafes (the ‘Strip’) cater for all tastes.

Often used a gateway to exploring the South Island and even Antarctica (International Antarctic Centre); Christchurch is bordered by geographical wonders and breathtaking scenery – the Pacific Ocean to the east, the volcanic slopes of the Port Hills to the south, the Southern Alps mountain range to the west and the vast Canterbury plains and magnificent braided rivers to the north. 

Travel to Franz Josef Glacier

Punakaiki to Franz Josef 
Driving distance: 224 km / 139 miles 
Driving: Approx 3h14m 

Following the coastline south from Punakaiki, SH6 is not only breath-takingly beautiful and utterly unique, it is also dotted with many wonders and fun opportunities. Try knife-making at Barrytown ; gold-panning at Shantytown, the restored town from the gold-rush era; and glass-blowing at Hokitika. 

Okarito is known for its white herons; whilst the many lakes and beaches invite rest and reflection before arriving at the stunning Glaciers.

Activities

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Guided Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk

Franz Josef Glacier at its most dynamic! Your Glacier Valley Walk will take you up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed following the glaciers path of retreat in this remarkable landscape. Here you will learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere. Near the terminal face, after a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing terminal face of the glacier.

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Full Day Queenstown

An adventure playground extraordinaire, Queenstown is both beautiful and bountiful: even the mountain range framing the town is called “The Remarkables”. Add to this Lake Wakatipu and lush forestation, its no wonder Hollywood film-makers frequently visit. Home to the first commercial bungy jumping enterprise, Queenstown is known for its many adrenaline-filled activities. Nearby Skipper’s Canyon and Arthur’s point commemorate the discovery of gold in the area. 

A stunningly beautiful and compact town, walking around Queenstown from eatery to entertainment, from parties to performances is all too easy – and being the unofficial adrenaline capital of New Zealand, you might want to pace out your days! Mountain skiing is immensely popular at Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone; with cross country skiing at the Waiorau Snow Farm (near Cardrona). Other adventure possibilities include jet boating, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skateboarding, tramping, paragliding, canyon-swinging, sky diving, river surfing and fly fishing!

If a calmer pace suits you, Queenstown has a great shopping and commercial scene and there is an equally vibrant night-life. Take in Queenstown’s incredible scenery over a leisurely lunch and a locally produced Pinot noir from, apparently, the world’s southernmost wine region! Bars are a-plenty, whilst there is a constant buzz of street (and indoor) entertainment and live music. Queenstown is home to the coal fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw; hosts an annual International Jazz  Festival and a Winter Festival and also makes a great base for exploring the inland lakes (Lake Hawea, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Wanaka).

Travel to Christchurch

Mt Cook Village to Christchurch 
Driving distance: 332 km / 206 miles
Driving: Approx 4h50m 

Leaving behind the peaks of Mount Cook National Park and heading towards Christchurch, SH80 and then SH8 offer some magical and scenic places to stop along the route. Firstly Lake Tekapo with its tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd, crystal clear lake and distant snow capped mountains, is truly wondrous. 

The Mackenzie Country, vast and barren, is famously moody and scenic and Geraldine is a delightful town with some unusual museums. The route then crosses the Rakaia, river, passes small Glentunnel, a reminder of New Zealand’s mining history, and traverses the plains of Canterbury before leading to Christchurch.