Begin after you arrive with an exclusive private tour of Christchurch to discover Canterbury and it's rich history through the eyes of a professional local host. Share in their stories and insight that cannot be encountered anywhere else. After an exclusive, gorgeous first night in the city in the beautiful accommodation we arrange for you, enjoy the following day on your own as we take you on a designed trip curated by us from afar.
Arrive into Christchurch
Choose through us how you arrive into Christchurch whether it is by air or land. We will ensure your travel preferences are in keeping with the arrangements we have made for you and we will make it easy to maximise the experiences you have chosen through us.
Our very special, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable host, local Geoff will be there to greet you personally and ensure your arrival runs to perfection. No delays in luggage or check-ins, everything is designed to run smoothly for you to maximise your journey with us.
As your luggage is stowed for you, sit back and relax and enjoy your private and very informative exploration around Christchurch with someone who can treat you to the “real” knowledge, the “real” stories, and the “real tips” on ensuring you know the Christchurch today, yesterday and through history.
Imagine after learning such interesting facts, arriving at your perfect evening retreat so you can freshen whilst Geoff arranges to have you taken and returned safely to your evening eatery when you are ready. Geoff as your personal concierge will have ensured the best table at the best place to dine all set up around his great knowledge of the local eateries and your favourites when it comes to cuisine.
Dine in the heart of the garden city and enjoy your company with each other before being returned to your gorgeous overnight escape with plenty of time to enjoy a great evening, a nightcap, and a perfect night’s sleep.
Day 2. Leave Christchurch for your self-drive day of sightseeing and discovery
Arise to a new morning with a gorgeous breakfast (included) and enjoy a morning of peace, tranquillity and service.
When you are ready, begin the next part of your adventure by popping into either your own car or the specially arranged car we have arranged outside from us so that you can self-drive the route we have specially designed to take in the 4 hour and 30 minute scenic route from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook.
Travel west by road in your luxury rental car across the mighty Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Southern Alps, home to the ski fields of Porters, Cheeseman, Craigeburn, Mount Dobson, Mount Hutt and Broken River. Make your way to the beautiful Rakaia gorge and stunning blue turquoise coloured waters of this very impressive braided river famous for salmon fishing. Following State Highway 79, continue on to Geraldine for the perfect mid-morning stop. A local farming community with an exceptional artistic streak. For vintage car fanatics, be sure to pop in to the vintage car and machinery museum. With several boutique shops, art galleries and gift-ware options this is the perfect moment to explore with a hot coffee or tea and take your time to discover those special unknown places and support our local business owners.
Replenished with newfound gifts in hand, continue on your journey to the eastern gateway town to the Mackenzie region, Fairlie. A popular ski town in winter, this quintessential rural town don’t do things by halves. An essential stop, in our opinion, is at the Lieber Bakehouse otherwise known as the Fairlie Bakehouse. A hand-made pie is not to be missed! With a constantly changing fresh local menu this is the perfect chance to refuel and get those much-needed car nibbles. Catering for vegetarians and gluten free requirements, there’s something for everyone.
Next, the incredible Burke’s Pass that takes you into the high altitude, tussock-covered expanses that characterise the region. The Mackenzie Country is named after James Mackenzie, the legendary Scottish sheep rustler who once roamed the hills. You’ll find a memorial to him in Fairlie’s town centre. Passing through Burke’s Pass Village where Sir Bill Hamilton rests, Kiwi inventor of the world-famous Jet Boat.
Emerge out of Burke’s Pass and descend towards the stunning Lake Tekapo and enjoy panoramic views of a turquoise-blue lake and in spring, view the bright purple lupins flowers. Stop at the lakeside Church of the Good Sheppard for a chance to stretch your legs and to take some memorable photo’s. Fancy a spa in the hot pools? We can arrange your Tekapo Springs pass for an afternoon or post dinner spa and relaxation.
Next, head to the beautiful Lake Pukaki (Maori meaning, “Lake of many streams’). This is New Zealand’s largest storage of water for our Hydro Electric schemes. A glacial lake famous for it’s milky-blue colour and a special film location for ‘The Hobbit’ movie. Take a visit to the local salmon farm and perhaps try their salmon that is globally sought after.
Continue on to arrive into the Aoraki – Mount Cook National park and World-Heritage site. The local Department of Conservation i Site Visitor Centre is well worth a visit.
After the most incredible self-drive day of discovery, relax tonight in your evening accommodation set in the heart of Aoraki Village and enjoy a Kiwi inspired dinner at The Old Mountaineers Restaurant, owned by local mountaineer Charlie Hobbs and wife well known author Mary – perhaps pick up one of her highly regarded New Zealand books! They pride themselves of providing fresh, organic local produce and beverage options. Open your taste-buds and try one of their organic wines or Hummingbird coffee. This is truly an eat good feel good experience.
Rest tonight in this iconic and magical alpine region of our mighty Southern Alps (30 peaks over 10,000ft/3,000mtrs) and ready yourselves for your following day of exploration and adventure.
Day 3. Your day of Adventure
Why not take your pick at one of our adventure and discovery options to add to your journey to spend your day the way you want to and allow us to organise all the behind the scenes details so we can customise your Aoraki / Mount journey to perfection. Perhaps cross off some bucket-list experiences or try something new! This is your day to get outdoors and into the most beautiful parts of alpine nature and witness environmental wonders found uniquely in New Zealand. Here are two of our must do experiences:
Tasman Glacier Explorer Trip (from early September to late May):
A truly remarkable, out of this world experience over the course of two and a half hours. Leaving from the Iconic Hermitage hotel, you’ll be transported to the Tasman Valley for a 30 minute Alpine walk through the moraine and National Park. Board the custom built MAC boat and enjoy the ever changing scenery. See uninterrupted views of the Tasman Glacier ice face from a safe distance and icebergs of all shapes and sizes with the opportunity to touch and taste the 300-500 year old ice crystals. Your glacier experience includes return transport, life jackets and incredibly knowledgeable, caring and professional guides. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket, suitable footwear, your camera and attitude for adventure! A must-do experience during months of operation.
Hooker Valley Track:
A 3 hour return walking track and the most popular in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Walk amongst an ancient rugged landscape of ice and rock that leads up to the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker river, opening out at the glacier lake, soak in the incredible views of Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,764 metres). Your exploration takes you across three swing-bridges where you will encounter picturesque icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Make sure to bring appropriate and comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing in the winter months! A scenic, easy walking track that anyone with a moderate level of fitness can achieve.
Included in your magical day, is an evening stargazing experience. Let your imagination run wild as you discover Aoraki’s night sky including the Southern Cross, seasonal ecliptic objects, planets, stunning star clusters, moons, distant galaxies and the spectacular Milky Way.
For more adventure options, take a look at our menu of additional experiences below. Don’t forget to visit our very own Sir Edmund Hillary’s Alpine Centre attraction, located in the iconic Hermitage hotel (ground floor) a “must see” in our view.
Day 4. Christchurch Return
Included in your day is a truly special half day local tour around Twizel and the surrounding area. Allow your local guide Wally, a personal friend of professional host Geoff to take you on a truly authentic half day local tour in and around the beautiful Twizel (nearby town). A local character loved by all, Wally will show you his incredible backyard including stunning world famous Lord of the Rings scenery. And – Jill, Wally’s lovely wife, will pack a gorgeous picnic lunch for you to enjoy.
Afterwards, take the scenic road which we have curated for you to enjoy on your self-drive return journey to Christchurch. Travelling through the beautiful ski resort village of Methven, following the road through Darfield, returning to Christchurch after an incredible three night – four day getaway in which you will not only know Christchurch much more intimately but you will have been able to take our level of experience, networks, and hosting skills and incorporate the same into a journey like no other.
Alternatively, your experience with us does not have to end there! Extend your journey through us by visiting other destinations including Kaikoura, Akaroa, Arthurs Pass and Hanmer Springs / Maruia for the best way of maximising your time in the South Island. Please note this journey can be shortened or lengthened to suit any time-frame, simply ask us.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Discover New Zealand’s most English like city and its distinctive history from Gothic revival-architecture, the significant series of earthquakes over 2010-12 to the city’s most newly built structures. Christchurch has a unique story to tell, this story is best told by our trusted and professional host Geoff. A true local, he will share his very own passionate and personal experiences with you. Whether you have already visited Christchurch or are yet to arrive, this is a truly memorable tour of exclusive insight and background of the histories that have shaped the city and the surrounding Canterbury region – insight and value you simply cannot encounter on your own.
Stand and re-trace the steps where the first-ever European Pilgrims landed on the 16th of December 1850. Following the pilgrims path and local Maori history, Geoff will take on a special visit to Rapaki Bay, Lyttelton Harbour and view a unqiue Maori Marae in a beautiful tranquil setting.
On Saturday’s visit the Lyttelton Farmers Market which Geoff personally founded in 2001 and rated by Lonely Planet as one of New Zealand’s best before being driven to the picturesque Governors Bay, home to world-acclaimed children’s author Margaret Mahey. Fall in love with this beautiful settlement with one of the best Chocolaterie shops in New Zealand.
Explore the vast Canterbury Plains with a special visit to the Sign of The Takahe. An English styled Manor house designed by J.G Collins, one of the oldest architectural firms in New Zealand before being completed by Englishman Harry Ells in 1949. Appropriately named after the flightless native New Zealand bird, the Takahe.
Going on to visit ‘Deans Bush’ and the historic homestead, the only remnant of the original forest that covered the Canterbury plains, escaping huge fires that swept across the province during the Moa hunting period over 600 years ago.
Move into the 21st century and view the brand new, vibrant Christchurch as Geoff takes you through the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 visiting the moving White Chair memorial and temporary cardboard Anglican Cathedral built in place of the city’s much beloved Christchurch Cathedral. Importantly, also passing by Al Noor Mosque showing our respects and meeting one of the most inspirational survivors of the Mosque Shootings – Farid Ahmed. His story and resilience will leave you in awe.
After a chance to freshen up at your accommodation, enjoy a gorgeous evening meal at a restaurant of your choice where you pre-booked table is awaiting your presence. Indulge in fine dining and the best of Canterbury cuisine before Geoff chauffeurs you back to your evening accommodation for the perfect evenings rest, the Britten Stables. A refurbished boutique luxury bed and breakfast where Kiwi mechanical engineer John Britten built his famous V1000 model motorbike. Relax in the contemporary ambience and allow your warm and knowledgeable hosts to share with you their unique family story, an iconic slice of kiwi history.
Geoff has been involved in Tourism since August 1992. He is a past member of the Canterbury Tourism Council where he represented the local Adventure Tourism Industry operators. Geoff is extremely passionate and caring about what he does, and together with fellow awesome Kiwi staff, promises to give you the very best holiday experience possible while you explore our beautiful land, Aotearoa – New Zealand. Geoff is a past competitor in the famous “Coast to Coast” Endurance Race – World Championship event and has competed in numerous Marathons and Multi-sport races. Geoff absolutely loves our world – famous great outdoors, our majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and rivers, fiords, glaciers, ancient rain forests, golden sandy beaches, our unique Maori Heritage and much more. Geoff feels privileged to be able to share New Zealand’s beauty and special uniqueness with you.
Professional Host Geoff Venning
This is an experience that has been designed to take the heavy lifting out of trying to decide where to go and what to do. Instead Love My New Zealand makes it easy within our huge network of premium partners along with our superb hosting skills to deliver an already designed journey that you can simply go and enjoy. Here is what we include:
Luxury Accommodation
Beautiful and private luxury accommodation is included in your journey. An evening dinner is fully inclusive on night two and three and subsequently breakfast on day two, three and four. Please note dinner on evening one is at your discretion.
Private Concierge and Professional Host
Private and professional concierge Geoff who will personally meet you either as you arrive into Christchurch airport on a regional flight or indeed at a predetermined location if you are driving in your own vehicle. Settling in at your accommodation before your professional host drives you through the history of Christchurch in either our vehicles or even your own, it really is at your discretion but a time to allow your knowledge of Christchurch to be expanded.
Organisation and On-going Service
A private booking system to ensure you have the perfect table at a restaurant that suits your culinary desires and that you are taken there and returned privately so that you can enjoy a wine or even two without the worry of driving or indeed that you have the same person who really cares about your experience making sure you arrive back safely.
Car Hire
If transport is required it will be served up in a luxury modern air-conditioned vehicle (designed for your comfort and safety) whether you have flown in and require Geoff, your local professional to host you in our gorgeous vehicle or indeed if you need us to provide one of our hire vehicles with great industry rates we shall pass on to you, which by the way, will be delivered to you for the morning of day 2. Please note this option is only included if required, simply let us know.
Your Chosen Adventure / Activity Option
Choose from our select menu of experiences from walking, hiking, glacier tours, kayaking, scenic helicopter flights and much more. The Aoraki – Mount Cook area is abundant in incredible activities therefore, we will work with you to personally tailor this day to your needs and desires to do the activities you most want to do. Simply enquire below in our booking form and we will take care of the rest. Please note: The indicated journey cost below includes your half day local tour of Christchurch and Twizel.
Half Day Local Tour
Your authentic half day tour with local guide Wally is included in your journey experience. A delicious picnic lunch and snacks are complimentary thanks to Wally’s wonderful wife Jill! Enjoy this amazing private tour and allow yourself a break from driving! Discover Twizel and the surrounding areas most famously featured in the Lord of the Rings movies.
Stargazing Experience
Your evening stargazing experience on night three is included in your journey. The perfect way to experience the luminous stars that line the dark sky of the Mackenzie region, an official Dark Sky reserve accredited by UNESCO World-Heritage and operated by Ngai Tahu Tourism- what better place to look up at the stars and learn things you never before knew.
Not Included:
Love My New Zealand can tailor any element of your journey to your wishes. Choose from our menu of experiences below and enquire about how we can customise your experience with us.
We also offer Multi-Day Tours to Akaroa, Kaikoura, Arthurs Pass and Maruia. We can tailor any South Island journey to suit you and extend your experience with us, please indicate your interest in the booking form below.
Turquoise Lakes Credit Camilla Rutherford
Exquisite Glaciers
National Park Credit Miles Holden
Lake Pukaki Credit Will Patino
Spa Pool Stargazing
Gorgeous Meals
Amazing Walks Credit Miles Holden
Accommodation In The Heart Of Mount Cook
Beautiful In All Seasons
The Hermitage Hotel Entrance
Plenty Of Sweet Treats
Hooker Valley Track Credit Tourism New Zealand
The Perfect Picture Stop Credit Vaughan Brookfield
Exploration and Discovery
Look Up To The Stars
Out Of This World Views
