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Suggested Itineraries > City/Resort Stopovers > Christchurch

New Zealand City/Resort Stopover

Christchurch
(4 days/3 nights or optional 5 days/4 nights)

Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, lies on the eastern edge of the Canterbury Plains at the foot of Banks Peninsula with its sea-flooded crater harbours of Lyttelton and Akaroa. The city's special character is reflected in its glorious parks and gardens, as is its English heritage in the Gothic Cathedral, the buildings, tall English trees and the willow-lined River Avon. The changing colours of the seasons add to the understated elegance and charm of this, "the most English city outside England". Christchurch was a planned Anglican settlement almost entirely orchestrated by John Robert Godley. First settlers arrived in 1850 and it wasn't long before colonial life necessitated a relaxation of the English ecclesiastical ideals. Today restaurants and cafes boast world class cuisine specialising in local produce, seafood and wines.

The compact city centre is host to a variety of attractions - punt or canoe on the meandering Avon, wander through the spectacular Botanic Gardens, ride the restored trams or explore the historic Arts Centre's craft galleries and cafes. Christchurch has a close connection to Antarctica, ever since Scott wintered his dogs at nearby Quail Island in preparation for his ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1912. Today the International Antarctic Centre Visitor Centre pays tribute to past pioneers as well as today's scientific explorations. See some of New Zealand's wildlife close up at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, including the cute, nocturnal kiwi.

Vacation Highlights

3 or optional 4 nights in Christchurch, with accommodation as selected
Christchurch morning sightseeing tour with Pacific Travel
The TranzAlpine Experience with Pacific Travel
Optional 1 day extension including Mount Cook day trip.

Stopover Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch. Your tour arrangements commence on arrival at your selected accommodation.

Day 2: Christchurch Sightseeing
Christchurch Highlights Sightseeing Tour with Pacific Travel.
Departs at 9.00am and returns at 12.00pm.
Visit the central city, the many parks and gardens for which Christchurch is internationally acclaimed and the Cashmere Hills for panoramic views over the City. Highlights include: Avon River, Cathedral Square, Christ's College, Provincial Government buildings, Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park and Mona Vale. As a finale visitors are taken up the Port Hills to the Sign of the Takahe, built to commemorate the construction of the Summit Road. Here spectacular views can be seen of the city, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps in the distance.
Accommodation pick ups on request.

Free Afternoon to explore at leisure. We provide an Action and Attraction Pass, which allows you to visit:

The International Antarctic Centre, Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre at the Antarctic Attraction, located next to Christchurch International Airport allows you to experience Antarctica in a fun, exciting all-weather environment. Included is the first Antarctic Snow and Ice Experience. Enjoy exploring a snow cave, sliding down a snow slope and feel 'genuine' Antarctic wind chill. Learn about the penguins, seals, whales in Antarctica. The café and bar is open for lunch and great souvenirs are available at the Antarctic Shop.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Willowbank is a nature reserve with an emphasis on touching and feeding the animals. It has developed a unique and award winning concept - 'Wildlife by Night' and the 'Kiwi House' which allows you to observe the kiwi and other rare fauna in their natural environment. Dine in the award winning restaurant, partake in the sumptuous New Zealand cuisine and take advantage of the 'Wildlife by Night' tour after dark where you are guaranteed to see kiwi under the stars. Open 7 days 10am - 10pm.
Christchurch Tramway
Experience the heritage of Christchurch by tram. Ride on one of the beautifully restored trams and you not only experience a bygone era, you are also right on the doorstep of some of the best attractions that Christchurch has to offer. In the evening, dine on the Tramcar Restaurant.

Day 3: Day Excursion - The TranzAlpine Experience with Pacific Travel
Departs at 8.00am and returns at 6.30pm.
The TranzAlpine Experience is an exciting coach, jetboat and train journey across the Canterbury Plains into the heart of the Southern Alps. Travel through numerous tunnels, across viaducts, up remote river gorges and over high mountain passes to the rain forests of Arthur's Pass National Park. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Chalet Restaurant, followed by a brief forest walk. Afternoon tea is with the Deans Family (descendants of the first settlers in Christchurch) followed by dog trials and sheep shearing at their hill country farm.

Day 4: Christchurch or Optional Extension
For the 4 day package, your tour arrangements conclude this morning upon check out from your accommodation. For the optional 5 day package, your tour arrangements continue with a day trip to Mount Cook.

Mt Cook Day Tour with Pacific Travel and Newmans Coachlines
Departs at 8.20am and returns at 7.45pm.
Travel by air conditioned coach to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest peak at 3754 metres. On a clear day stunning photographic opportunities abound. Highlights include: the Canterbury Plains, Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, Church of the Good Shepherd, Mt Cook National Park and Mt Cook.
Lunch is an extra cost.

Day 5: Christchurch
Your tour arrangements conclude this morning upon check out from your accommodation.

Your Accommodation Options
Choose from:

For more information about the operators and services included in these suggested itineraries, please refer to the accommodation, transport and sightseeing pages in this site.

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