Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts. It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.
Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible. Internationally famed as the 'The Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers.
The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Garden's the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city.
Christchurch and Canterbury are famous for natural beauty and a wealth of things to do. Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens, lots of sports facilities and good shopping.
Among the 'must sees' are the weekend Arts Centre market, the Art Gallery, Christchurch Cathedral, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre.
We have included a selection of half and full days tours of Christchurch which can include a Whalewatch Encounter in Kaikoura or swim with the Dolphins at Akaroa.
Contact Southern World New Zealand for further information or to book:
Note that rates for 2010/2011 have note as yet been sent. All the below rates are indicative only.
Please contact us for further details ipc@southern-world.com
Booking code CHC-1
Welcome Aboard the Christchurch Grand Tour, a great way to see some of Christchurch City’s leading tourist attractions and places of interest. Combining Punting on the Avon, Gondola, Tramways, Cathedral Square and the Cultural Precinct, Mona Vale and the Botanic Gardens into a guided day trip makes visiting Christchurch a breeze! Our driver will take you from the centre city to the beautiful gardens at Mona Vale, an historic Christchurch homestead. You will then be treated to a tranquil punt ride through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in one of our Edwardian punts. The next stop is the Christchurch Gondola, where you will be amazed by the 360 degree views that unfold as the gondola lifts you to 500 metres above sea level. At the Gondola top station you can visit the Time Tunnel ride, take a stroll on the Port Hills and soak up the magnificent views, before returning to your coach and visiting Lyttleton. Your next stop is Sumner, the seaside town at the foot of the Port Hills, then we head back to the central city to ride on the beautifully restored Christchurch trams. The tram will take you to many points of interest in the city, and you can jump on and off at any time. The Museum, Art Gallery and Art Centre are on the tram circuit, as well as Cathedral Square, the Casino and New Regent Street.
Cost NZD99.00 per person (subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 8.30am-3.30pm transfer back to accommodation (or continue using your tram ticket to explore the inner city)
Booking code CHC-2
International Antarctic centre + Hagglund Ride
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Christchurch Tram
The Air Force Museum
The tour commences at 9.00am daily visiting four of Christchurch's top attractions. First is the Air Force Museum at Wigram. This Attraction has 28 fully restored aircraft with static and interactive displays.
The next stop is the International Antarctic Centre, a winner of the New Zealand Tourism Board's award for 'Best Visitor Attraction'. The Centre recreates the atmosphere of Antarctica providing an interactive experience.
The tour then moves on to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve which contains a large variety of animal life both native and introduced. You will view the kiwi in its natural habitat and feed and pet the animals throughout the reserve.
Following, enjoy the Christchurch Tram with its 2.5km of track through the central city with an interesting on-board commentary.
The tour concludes with a drop off in the central city, or a return to the original pick up point.
(Tour price includes all transportation, admission to International Antarctic centre + Hagglund Ride, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Tram and The Air Force Museum)
Cost NZD130.00 per person (subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 9.00am-3.30pm
Booking code CHC-3
Experience the extensive local marine life of picturesque Lyttelton Harbour on a memorable two-hour wildlife cruise aboard a new catamaran. Watch the rare Hector's Dolphins found only in New Zealand. As well as dolphin watching you'll engage in a spot of sightseeing and hear about the history of the area. Only 15 minutes from central Christchurch. Free shuttle buses depart regularly from the Cathedral Square.
Only 15 minutes from the centre of Christchurch is Lyttelton Harbour. Unwind in the sea air as we whisk you away to experience the extensive local marine life including the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphins.
As we depart you will see the historic township of Lyttelton, which hosts a busy working port with a fascinating history. The 'first four ships' arrived here direct from the Britain carrying the first Canterbury settlers in December 1850.
The highlight of the cruise is undoubtedly the location of the Hector's Dolphin. The experience of the skipper and crew mean we can quickly locate the dolphins and spend time watching their antics. You'll also see a wide variety of coastal marine bird life.
Lyttelton Harbour is an extinct volcanic crater and we will point out the longest lava flow on the peninsula, volcanic rocks and massive erosion caused by storms over millions of years.
From more recent times you'll see old shipwrecks in the shallows as well as a 19th century fort which contains a number of disappearing guns.
The cruise is fully narrated by your Captain and we're sure you'll be entertained and enlightened by his commentary.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
If you are taking one of our Christchurch Wildlife Cruises you can catch a free shuttle bus from near the tram stop in Cathedral Square. Please let us know when you are booking. The shuttle departs at 12.55pm daily bound for Lyttelton.
Cost NZD62.50 per person (subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 2 hours, departs 1.30pm (free shuttle departs from Cathedral Square 12.55pm)
Booking code CHC-4
Visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. Lunch in the naturally picturesque setting of Akaroa Village. In the afternoon enjoy either the Akaroa Harbour Cruise on the Canterbury Cat. Alternatively simply explore and enjoy the charm and serenity of Akaroa.
Depart from your accommodation
Travel to Akaroa via Sign of Takahe, Sign of Kiwi, Governers bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Forsyth and Little River
Stop at the Hill Top to experience panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour
Visit the cheese factory at Barry's Bay and sample some fine New Zealand cheese
Lunch will be taken at a popular restaurant on the water front in the heart of Akaroa with a wide choice of New Zealand food available
Following lunch you have the choice of either a two hour cruise on the Canterbury Cat exploring the delights of Akaroa Harbour and sighting dolphins, penguins and seals, or a game of golf can be arranged on the picturesque Akaroa Golf Course, or simply explore the charm and serenity of Akaroa
On the return journey to Christchurch a stop will be made at Birdling Flat on the Kaitorete Spit. This stony beach at the entrance to Lake Forsyth provides a commanding view of the southern facing cliffs of Banks Peninsula. An interesting selection of pebbles and semi-precious stones can be found on the beach
Returned to your accommodation
(Tour price includes your choice of either the Akaroa Harbour Cruise or Golf including all golf equipment and lunch)
Cost NZD190.00 per person including lunch & cruise or golf
NZD160.00 per person excluding lunch
NZD100.00 per person excluding cruise & lunch (transport only)
(subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 9.00am to 5.00pm approx
Booking code CHC-5
Spend your day getting close to nature. Travel by road or train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea. Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins.
On your arrival in Kaikoura you will be transferred to a whale watch tour; by boat, light aircraft or helicopter, the choice is yours. In the afternoon you will visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters.
On your return to Christchurch a stop will be made at a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure.
Depart from your accommodation
Travel by road or train through the rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea
On arriving in Kaikoura you will join a whale watch cruise. On the tour you may view the giant sperm whale and often other whale species, dolphins, seals and the Royal Albatross
Lunch at the Aromas Cafe & Restaurant (optional)
Visit a fur seal colony on the rocky shores which surround Kaikoura. This stop provides a great photo opportunity
Wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure at one of North Canterbury's fine vineyards, during your return journey to Christchurch.
Cost NZD310.00 per person including lunch & cruise
NZD275.00 per person excluding lunch
(subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 7.30am to 7.00pm approx
Booking code CHC-6
Join us on the Lord of the Rings Tour and journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday; and see how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Immerse yourself in the natural, unspoilt beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh, crisp mountain air.
This amazing day includes 4WD access onto Mt Sunday/Edoras itself, a delicious champagne picnic lunch, full running commentary from our friendly and knowledgeable kiwi tour guides and spectacular scenery you will never forget.
You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to enjoy this amazing day out!
Journey Highlights
-Exciting 4WD adventure through several small streams and right onto Edoras itself.
-Take a short guided walk to stand on the summit of Edoras and enjoy as Eowyn did, the breathtaking 360º views.
-Behind the scenes photos of Edoras under construction - exclusive to us!
-See the Misty Mountains and the area that formed the backdrop to Helms Deep.
-Enjoy a delicious champagne picnic lunch
-Informative and entertaining commentary from our local Kiwi guides
-Handle movie replicas - Aragorn's Sword, King Theoden's Sword, Gimli's Axe, Gandalf's Staff and Flag of Rohan.
-Selection of merchandise available for purchase.
-See for yourself why the actors and crew fell in love with this stunning location.
Cost NZD215.00 per person (subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 9.00am to 6.00pm approx
Booking code CHC-7
Looking for some fun, thrills and excitement?
The 4wd Jetboat Adventure is the half-day version of the Alpine Safari Tour and includes a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains, jetboating, 4-wheel-driving and lunch but does not include the drive to Arthurs Pass or the TranzAlpine train like the Alpine Safari Tour. This is the perfect option if you have already done the full day TranzAlpine experience or you are short on time but still want to experience the Canterbury high country.
Your day begins with a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains to the Waimak Gorge where you will board the famous Hamilton jetboat for an exciting 45 minute jetboat ride on one of New Zealands most spectacular rivers.
On return from the jetboat we board an off-road vehicle for a scenic 4-wheel-drive adventure across Mt Torlesse Station. This station is a 10,000 acre working sheep and cattle farm situated in the spectacular foot hills of the Southern Alps. You will get to experience the thrill and excitement of off-roading while taking in the spectacular alpine scenery and learning about the farm.
After an exciting morning we will stop at quaint country café for a delicious lunch, after lunch you will be returned to Christchurch.
Journey Highlights
-Informative and entertaining commentary from our local Kiwi guides
-Exciting and scenic jet boat ride
-Experience the thrill and excitement of 4-wheel-driving
-Breathtaking alpine scenery including lakes, rivers and mountains
-Delicious lunch in a quaint country café
-Two exciting adventures!
Cost NZD235.00 per person (subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 8.00am to 2.30pm approx
Booking code CHC-8
Join us for a spectacular one day tour into the breathtaking Southern Alps of New Zealand. This tour has it all! Four types of transport, three unique adventures, two course café lunch, one entertaining Kiwi tour guide, this equals the ultimate Alpine experience!
Coach - Jetboat - 4-wheel-drive - TranzAlpine Train
Your day begins with a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains to the Waimak Gorge where you will board the famous Hamilton jetboat for an exciting 45 minute jetboat ride on one of New Zealands most spectacular rivers.
On return from the jetboat we board an off-road vehicle for a scenic 4-wheel-drive adventure across Mt Torlesse Station. This station is a 10,000 acre working sheep and cattle farm situated in the spectacular foot hills of the Southern Alps. You will get to experience the thrill and excitement of off-roading while taking in the spectacular alpine scenery and learning about the farm.
After an exciting morning we will stop at a quaint country café for a delicious lunch. After lunch we continue our journey through the Canterbury high country to Arthurs Pass stopping along the way at Lake Pearson and passing one of the filming locations from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
At Arthurs Pass you will board the world famous TranzAlpine train, sit back and relax with a glass of beer or wine and enjoy the spectacular scenery on your journey back to Christchurch. You will be collected from the Christchurch railway station by your guide and returned to your accommodation.
Journey Highlights
-Informative and entertaining commentary from our local Kiwi guides
-Exciting and scenic jet boat ride
-Experience the thrill and excitement of 4-wheel-driving
-Breathtaking alpine scenery including lakes, rivers and mountains
-Delicious lunch in a quaint country café
-Scenic drive over the historic SH73 to Arthurs Pass
-Enjoy a relaxing journey on the world famous TranzAlpine train
-Three exciting adventures all in one day!
Cost NZD375.00 per person (subject to change. 2011 rates yet to be set)
Duration: 8.00am to 6.30pm approx
