On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Christchurch, New Zealand’s garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore is to take the double decker hop on/hop off bus for an easy way to see the sights – or ride a historic tram across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral.

Following the 2011 earthquake that razed its centre and much of the outlying suburbs, Christchurch is well into a billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains bordering the edge of the pacific ocean, New Zealand’s newest city is an ideal gateway to exploring the middle of the South. For those keen to see everything this Garden City has to offer we recommend the Christchurch Pass – a one stop shop to three main attractions. Pay once and catch the Gondola to the ring of an extinct volcano Mt Cavendish, tour the Botanic Gardens and hop aboard a historic tramcar.

A visit to the world’s only Cardboard Cathedral is a must, as is a day’s outing to the French settlement of Akaroa. While you’re there jump aboard a harbour cruise for the chance to catch a glimpse of the rare hector’s dolphin.

Play explorer and head to the International Antarctic Centre for an indoor blizzard like no other. Save on flights to Africa and head out on Safari at the Orana Wildlife Park. Be sure to book the ‘Lion Encounter’ for a thrilling experience inside a lion enclosure. Go wine tasting in the Waipara Valley and end your visit with a stop at Quake City, an informative, multi-sensory attraction detailing the devastating Canterbury earthquakes.

Escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating effortlessly over an ever changing landscape. Your day will begin with an early start. Ballooning is best at sunrise, when the weather is calmest and to make the most of the beautiful morning light. Hot air ballooning is a hands-on experience and you will be encouraged to assist with the setup and pack away of the balloon itself. Before leaving the ground, the pilot will give you a briefing. During your flight you will experience spectacular views and have fantastic photo opportunities. Chilled champagne, orange juice and a light snack then be served.
Allow approximately 4-5 hours for this remarkable experience; the actual flying time is approximately one hour.

This tour explores 4 of North Canterbury’s boutique vineyards. Travel 45 minutes north of Christchurch through the New Zealand countryside to the Waipara Valley, well known for its warm, dry climate and rich alluvial soils, ideal for superior wine production. Over 40 vineyards and wineries pepper the landscape of the valley, with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating local plantings. You will stop for tastings at Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs, Greystone Winery and Waipara Hills Winery. If for any reason one of these wineries is closed on the day or your tour an alternative winery in the Waipara Valley will be included. This activity also includes lunch at Waipara Springs Winery. The platter lunch includes tastes of both a regional and New Zealand flavour and is the perfect accompaniment to some of these wineries fine wines.