OVERVIEW

Treat your inner adventurer to an exhilarating multi-transport survey of the Southern Alps high country by coach, offroad touring vehicle and jet boat. It all starts sedately enough, as you head out by motorcoach into the fertile earthen patchwork of the Canterbury Plains – where the island grows its wheat and grazes its cattle. But don’t get too comfortable; the scenery changes dramatically as you reach Rubicon Station on the banks of the spectacular Waimakariri river gorge and make the switch into rugged offroad touring mode. Piloted with skill around Mt Torlesse Station, bouncing heartily across a spectacular landscape framed by jagged Southern Alp peaks and gorges, you’re bound to fill your camera with social media friendly shots. A well-deserved stop for lunch provides a break from the action, but it won’t last. Soon enough, you’ll shift back into thrill gear as you board a lightning-fast jet boat capable of 360-degree spins and strap in for a ride up the steep-walled Waimakariri River gorge to Staircase Viaduct. Learn more about Kiwi Jetboating thanks to the persistence of Bill Hamilton in perfecting the water jet and providing a new way to explore parts of back country New Zealand at the Jet Boat World museum. After that little jaunt, the coach drive back to Lyttelton will feel like slow motion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience adventure without exhaustion on a thrilling, multi-vehicle tour of the Southern Alps.
• Travel by coach across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Springfield Adventure Centre and a switch into offroad mode.
• Buckle up for a rollicking drive through rugged high country terrain framed by mountains and gorges.
• Hold onto your hat again later as you zoom up the majestic Waimakariri river gorge on a jet boat nimble enough to make 360-degree spins.
• Enjoy lunch at midday and return back to port with spectacular photos and memories.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing including a water-resistant jacket.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Tour a captivating museum filled with Royal New Zealand Air Force planes and memorabilia, then explore a one-of-a-kind experiential museum dedicated to all things Antarctic. Located in Christchurch on the site of a former base, the Air Force Museum showcases the country’s long and valiant aviation history through hands-on exhibits – including dozens of vintage aircraft, WWI-era aviation barracks, rare uniforms and medals, and moving stories of the proud men and women who have served in the New Zealand and Allied flying services. After a leisurely guided visit, leave the museum behind as you move into cooler surroundings. Much cooler. At the International Antarctic Centre, you can experience an indoor blizzard, visit a snow cave, endure life at Scott Base and learn about other intrepid Antarctic explorers, even watch rescued Little Blue Penguins – smallest of their kind – cavort in a plush indoor/outdoor habitat. You can also take a virtual voyage down to Antarctica in the 4D Extreme Theatre and experience an epic thrill ride in the Hagglund, a genuine amphibious Antarctic transport that doesn’t let anything stand in its way. A drive back through central Christchurch reveals how well it’s recovered from the devastating 2011 earthquake.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a 30-minute narrated coach drive from Lyttelton to the outskirts of Christchurch.
• Tour the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, home to a vast collection of meticulously preserved aviation memorabilia including dozens of historic aircraft and a vintage barracks.
• Enjoy an immensely fun, guided tour and interactive experience at the International Antarctic Centre, next best thing to traveling to the South Pole yourself.
• • Survive an ice storm, learn about life in modern Antarctica and visit historic Scott Base, watch Little Blue Penguins play, and crawl over an obstacle course inside a Hagglund amphibious vehicle.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Journey to a stunning and recognizable Lord of the Rings filming location in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, then enjoy a central Christchurch orientation drive. Departing Lyttelton by panoramic coach, you’ll travel through the patchwork green farmland of the Canterbury Plains, stopping in a country town for morning tea. Heading inland into the heart of the Alps, you’ll pause for a photo opportunity at Lake Camp where the views across the lake to the mountain range that forms the South Island’s backbone are outstanding on a clear day. But that’s before you encounter this tour’s true showstopper vista – the terrain at remote and beautiful Mt Potts High Country Station. The moment you set eyes on this location you’ll understand why it was chosen as the setting of Edoras in the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Even if you’re not a Tolkien aficionado, you’ll be taken breathless by the unspoiled beauty of this landscape of rugged mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, blue rivers and brisk alpine air. After free time to explore and photograph this magical place, you’ll relax over a rustic lunch before heading for Christchurch city and an orientation drive covering its must-see sights.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a panoramic coach drive across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps.
• Enjoy morning tea in a country town and stop at a stunning alpine lake for photos and awe.
• Visit Mt Potts High Country Station, a setting magical enough to double for mythical Edoras in the Lord of the Rings films.
• Enjoy free time to explore this astounding place on earth, even pose for photos with replica swords.
• Lunch in Mt Somers Village and enjoy a Christchurch orientation drive that covers its top sights.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Board a catamaran for a refreshing discovery cruise around scenic Lyttelton Harbour, an extinct volcanic crater and gateway to the Antarctic. Your vessel skims the seas gracefully as your skipper provides fascinating commentary about the sights you’re seeing and their ties to the region’s earliest Maori and European settlers. Sip a warming cup of tea or coffee, learn of the legends of Ripapa Island, and go in search of playful Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest oceanic dolphin – only found in New Zealand. Gray with black-and-white markings, these petite cetaceans are often seen leaping and frolicking around these waters. You’ll also see ample evidence of the harbor’s violent, volcanic origins. This entire sheltered body of water lies in the caldera of an extinct volcano. Your journey will reveal that much of the jagged coastal terrain left behind now serves as nesting habitat for marine birds such as spotted shags, white-fronted terns and several species of gulls. After about two hours on the water, you’ll return to the pier with a keen understanding of this scenic New Zealand seaport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a couple delightful hours cruising picturesque Lyttelton Harbor by catamaran and discover the history and wildlife that inhabits these waters.
• Enjoy colorful commentary as your skipper points out landmark sights and recounts stories from the early Maori and European settlers.
• Learn of the harbor’s dramatic geological heritage, go in search of tiny dolphins, and see coastal terrain where abundant seabirds gather and nest.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

On this panoramic voyage, you’ll circle volcanic harbors and lakes, cross the Canterbury countryside, visit a working sheep farm, and see the sights of urban Christchurch. It all begins with a spin around Lyttelton Harbor – the massive caldera of an ancient volcano – then winds past idyllic Governors Bay on the Banks Peninsula before entering the lush patchwork landscape of Canterbury Plains, where white sheep dot the green hills. New Zealand is famed for its sheep farms and at Manderley Farm, you’ll get the chance to tour one up-close. After a warm greeting and morning tea, farm hands will lead you to a demonstration at the shearing shed and a lively performance by the operation’s most dedicated herders – its talented sheepdogs. Marvel at their talents and agility as they gather a flock from nearby hills, bringing the sheep down to their master and responding to whistled commands from great distances away. Your return journey traces the shore of vast Lake Ellesmere en route to Christchurch for an orientation drive through areas damaged by the 2011 earthquake as you see how the city is rebuilding and restoring some of its most iconic heritage buildings.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a fascinating half-day experiencing the sights of both town and country by panoramic coach.
• See harbors, lakes and lagoons formed by prehistoric volcanos and cross idyllic green pasturelands.
• Visit a working sheep farm, meet the farm hands and watch champion New Zealand sheepdogs herding the flock by whistled command.
• Take a drive through central Christchurch and learn about its recovery from the 2011 earthquake.
• Return via a historic mountain tunnel that reigned as New Zealand’s longest for over 50 years.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

This survey tour of Christchurch and its surrounds has it all – must-see central city sights, informative commentary, garden walks, and spectacular views from the Port Hills, all from the vantage of your double decker coach. Your Kiwi guide will bring the stories of the “Garden City” vividly to life – from its 1850 founding to the devastating back-to-back earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and the impressive rebuild that’s been underway since. Drive by everything from the Arts Centre’s cluster of reviving Gothic Revival buildings to the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral. Observe the magnificent ruins of Christchurch Cathedral, yet to be rebuilt more than a decade on from the destructive seismic activity. Stretch your legs on a meander through stunning Mona Vale Gardens along the Avon River. Head for the hills and the Sign of the Takahe, a Tudor-style manor house high in the Port Hills. Named for a flightless New Zealand bird, this venue offers true eagle-eye views of the city, mountains and ocean.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See all the Christchurch must-sees as you tour the city and its outskirts by panoramic coach.
• Visit areas damaged by the 2010-11 earthquakes and see how the exciting recovery still underway.
• Pass landmarks like the Arts Center and Christchurch Cathedral, and take a stroll among rhododendrons and azaleas at Mona Vale Gardens.
• Travel up into the hills above Christchurch for sensational city, sea and mountain views.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Zip down the Waimakariri River in a jet boat for an absolutely thrilling ride at white-knuckle speeds. On the drive to the launch site, you will pass through the fertile Canterbury Plain with the Southern Alps – the river’s source – in the distance. The Waimakariri is unusual in that its wide lower reaches are braided, meaning they are full of gravel and sediment from the alps that build up and form ever-changing crisscrossing channels. Only one type of boat can easily navigate through this rare shallow river system: your Hamilton jet boat, a Kiwi invention revered for its superior handling, even at high speeds. You will experience that maneuverability firsthand as the captain races through the braided channels, skimming over just a few inches of water at hair-raising speeds. The captain may even intentionally make the boat fishtail every so often just for fun. It will be a nonstop exhilarating experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race across the braided channels of the Waimakariri River in a specially designed jet boat.
• Experience one thrill after another as you zip across the shallow braids at high speed.
• Recognize the jet boat’s ability to maneuver through waters that other boats can’t.
• Be awed by the natural beauty of the Canterbury Plains and the distant Southern Alps.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic drive around Christchurch in an historic, open top, double-decker bus and then ride through the Botanic Gardens in an open-air trolley. In both venues, guides will point out and describe the attractions to give you an excellent understanding of what makes them so special. While traveling through the heart of Christchurch, you will pass cultural landmarks such as the Arts Centre, a collection of Gothic-style heritage buildings that house art studios and galleries. New Regent Street, one of the main shopping and dining complexes, is also on the route. The focus will turn to the natural world in the Botanic Gardens, which was founded in 1863 with the planting of a single English oak. Today, the gardens display a vast tapestry of plants where something is always in bloom. No matter what your interest – whether azaleas, roses or water plants – you will find a garden specific to it.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the highlights of Christchurch while traveling through town in a double-decker bus.
• Ride through the Botanic Gardens in an open-air trolley that offers unobstructed views.
• Listen to enlightening and entertaining commentary at both venues.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive into the high country for a look at life on a remote station, the word commonly used Down Under for a ranch that raises livestock. To reach the high country, you will travel across the Canterbury Plains – the largest stretch of flat farmland in New Zealand – before ascending into the Southern Alps. A stop at Lake Camp will present a snapshot of this storied landscape. Mt. Sunday, which film buffs may recognize as the setting for the city of Edoras in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Upon reaching Erewhon Station, which sprawls over 35,000 acres atop the Rangitata Gorge, you will climb aboard a horse-drawn wagon and ride across the paddocks. Meet the station owner, who will share stories of daily life on their remote ranch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get an authentic look at daily life on a remote station in the high country.
• Meet the ranch owners, watch working horses in action and see merino sheep being sheared.
• Take in the enormity of the property while riding across it in a horse-drawn wagon.
• Pause for photos of Lake Clearwater and Mt. Sunday in the rugged Southern Alps.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on the journey of a lifetime into the heart of the Southern Alps, passing through some of the most breathtaking countryside in all New Zealand. You will travel across the vast Canterbury Plains, through the golden tussock-covered high country, past braided rivers and deep gorges, and on into the towering alpine peaks that mark the South Island. Although every moment will be memorable, there will be highlights such as crossing the Staircase Viaduct – a 235-foot-high bridge wedged between two tunnels – and riding along the precipitous cliff that follows the turquoise Waimakariri River. The train will pass through at Cass, a vantage point at the far end of Craigieburn Straight that presents a stunning view of Mount Binser, a prominent peak in the alps. Another brief stop will be made at your destination of Arthur’s Pass, the highest railway station in New Zealand. Keep an eye out for native kea, a large parrot that is endemic to that area.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel on board The Mountaineer Train into the Southern Alps to New Zealand’s highest railway station.
• Pass through a breathtaking alpine landscape, past braided rivers, and deep gorges.
• Follow the steep cliff that parallels the bright turquoise Waimakariri River.
• Once in a lifetime photo opportunity of the alpine peaks and at the sky-high Arthur’s Pass station.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a natural trail around Godley Head, an incredibly scenic wild landscape at the entrance to Lyttleton harbor. The terrain will vary throughout, starting with open farmland with views of the deep-blue Pacific in one direction and the Southern Alps in another. High above the seaside cliffs, you will pause at the observation deck on Scott’s Cabin, a historical landmark with ties to explorer Robert Falcon Scott’s failed Antarctic expedition in the early 1900s. You will pass a WWII-era coastal defense battery before descending to Boulder Bay, a beautiful cove dotted with rustic cottages known as baches. Following a delightful break for tea, you will continue to an area that offers spectacular views of the harbor, Pegasus Bay and the volcanically formed Banks Peninsula. Throughout the walk, the guide will point out and describe the headland’s flora and fauna, which will likely include nesting white-flippered penguins, a species only found in the Canterbury region. On your way back to the port enjoy travelling through the historic Lyttleton Tunnel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along the mostly coastal trail that winds through Godley Head.
• Gaze out over a gorgeous landscape of seaside cliffs and open farmland.
• Pass a World War II defensive battery decorated with local artwork.
• Enjoy local snacks overlooking the sea at a cabin associated with an Antarctic expedition.
• Hear fascinating commentary about the headland’s indigenous flora and fauna.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours independently exploring the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, where you may soak in its soothing thermal pools or perhaps just browse the charming downtown at your leisure without a set destination in mind. Tucked into the foothills of the Southern Alps, the village is primarily known for its mineral-rich geothermally heated pools, whose silky-smooth waters have therapeutic benefits that may ease rheumatic and skin conditions. Take advantage of those revitalizing waters – whose temperatures range between 91°F to 108°F – at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, an attraction with re-energizing sulfur pools, saunas, and a luxurious spa. Leave some time to meander about the village at your own pace. There are plenty of fine boutiques, art galleries and restaurants that may pique your interest. A narrated drive through Christchurch will follow, providing you with a perspective of the region’s largest urban center.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours of free time exploring Hanmer Springs on your own and at your own pace.
• Enjoy the casual atmosphere of this alpine village in the foothills of the Southern Alps.
• Soak in the village’s renowned geothermally heated pools if you like. Entry is included.
• Browse the shops and dine on your own.
• Enjoy a narrated driving tour through Christchurch, a vibrant metropolis nearby.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.