Christchurch
A trip to Christchurch gives you the chance to see history in the making, in a city that has been rebuilt in the most innovative and unique way. Discover some of the unusual hideaway alleys that are home to high end fashion and food precincts, or explore the shops housed inside a shipping container in Cashel Mall: an icon of present-day Christchurch. The city is also renowned for its gardens and is home to the International Antarctic Centre, where you’ll catch a glimpse of life on the southern continent. Less than an hour’s drive north is the Waipara Valley, home to wineries such as Pegasus Bay. Christchurch is also the starting point for the famous TranzAlpine rail journey, where you can stop-off at Arthur’s Pass en-route to Greymouth on the West Coast.
Kaikoura
Located on the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the seaside settlement of Kaikoura is shrouded by majestic mountains which are snow capped for many months of the year and its setting often leaves visitors in awe. In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, making it an ideal place for getting up close and personal with nature, with a number of whale and wild dolphin watching tour options. We’d also recommend taking a guided tour to experience the area’s Maori culture.
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Akaroa is the only French settlement in New Zealand, hence the delectable eateries offering distinctly French influence. Nestled in an ancient volcano, it’s a laid back charming village sitting just an hour from Christchurch by car. There are activities here to suit everyone, whether it’s enjoying the view from a local waterfront café, swimming with the tiny Hector’s Dolphins, or exploring the harbour by sea kayak. To discover more of Banks Peninsula, take a thrilling penguin colony safari to Pohatu Bay.
Canterbury
Nestled on the eastside of New Zealand's South Island, Canterbury is an adventure paradise with beautiful coastal stretches, snow-capped mountains and crystal clear lakes that pivot around the picturesque city of Christchurch. Dominated by vast plains that sweep from the towering Southern Alps to the east coast, Canterbury's relatively new wine regions are expanding, becoming well known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. To the east of Christchurch are the wineries of Banks Peninsula, to the south are those of Burnham, and to the north is the rapidly developing Waipara region-internationally recognised for its good quality Riesling wines.
