Christchurch & Canterbury

A self drive day trip to Akaroa via the scenic Banks Peninsula is an enjoyable way to spend a day. Akaroa was originally settled by aspiring French colonists who had somehow never been informed that the English had already assumed sovereignty over all of New Zealand before their arrival in 1840. Their legacy lives on in street names and cafes and other influences dating back to their presence. If you select this option we will also arrange a harbor excursion on the Black Cat catamaran for an encounter with one of the world's most beautiful and endangered dolphins, the Hector's Dolphin.

From $77 USD per person

The Alpine Pacific Triangle is an exciting new 3 day driving route that encompasses the beauty of the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, starting in Christchurch and ending in Kaikoura where dolphin, sea lion and whales are found. Drive north from Christchurch and after an overnight stay in Hanmer Springs where you can enjoy the thermal pools and spa continue north via Waiau to Kaikoura where you will spend your second night. Next morning experience the thrill of a whale watching tour then return to Christchurch down the Pacific coastline one of the best scenic coastal drives that the South Island has to offer.

This full day guided tour takes you across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri River where you visit the 10,000 acre property of Woodstock sheep station and in time to enjoy morning tea while viewing the fast moving river below. Then enjoy a 10 mile scenic river cruise deep into the heart of the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge. At Flock Hill sheep station board a luxury four wheel drive for a unique experience travelling for 15 miles through one of New Zealand's largest farms, a vast 35,000-acre property with spectacular views of river gorges, rugged high country and the jagged peaks of New Zealand's Southern Alps. After a sumptuous lunch relax before proceeding to the Arthur's Pass National Park and the Otira Gorge, passing mountain lakes, waterfalls, crossing many rivers and driving under canopies of native forest. Then journey back to Christchurch on the world famous Tranz-Alpine Train.

From $238 USD per person

Enjoy a quintessential Christchurch experience, a 30 minute sojourn through the city in a custom built beautifully upholstered punt. Your boatman guides you along the tranquil Avon through parks and tree lined avenues as you sit back and enjoy the views (and admire the balancing skills of your boatman)

From $14 USD per person

This is a truly delightful driving experiences, travelling through the golden brown hills, glacial lakes, waving tussock grasses and the rainbow colored lupin world of the Mackenzie Country. It's a remote region where few prople live and where you will discover small towns and miles of easy driving roads where the sky seems always to be a clear blue during the idyllic summer days. The outstanding feature of the region is Aoraki Mt Cook the highest mountain in New Zealand, dominating the sorrounding Southern Alps. A not to be missed route when travelling south of Christchurch.

At 12,316 feet this is New Zealand's highest mountain, rising right in the heart of the South Island's Southern Alps and surrounded by impressive mountains and glaciers. There are numerous walks and hikes from the base of the mountain lasting from an easy half hour duration to the more challenging that last for days. Helicopter and Scenic flights, some including glacier landings, give you spectacular views of the Southern Alps and the vast snowfields.

This is your opportunity to experience alpine walking in safe and enjoyable circumstances although it involves crossing two swing bridges over the Hooker River which might not appeal to the less adventurous. But for those who persevere there are great views of the mountains and glaciers. Starting point is the Alpine Centre at Mount Cook village and walking duration is around 4 hours round trip.

A breathtaking helicopter flight gives you unequaled views of the pristine alpine environment in the Aoraki/Mount Cook World Heritage Park. View vast snowfields, glaciers and New Zealand's highest peak Aorangi/Mount Cook. Land high above the glaciers and step out onto a carpet of snow to snap that special photograph and enjoy close up views that would otherwise be restricted to the most adventurous mountain climber. If you select this option we will arrange a scenic helicopter flight of 20 minutes a genuine 'Must Do' experience.

From $147 USD per person

Take advantage of the very clear skies of this region to explore the southern sky with a knowledgeable guide and to view the stars and planets. See amazing sites such as the Milky Way Galaxy, the Southern Cross, Alpha-Centauri - our closest neighbouring star at only 4.3 light years away, and Sirius - the brightest star in the southern sky. View and learn about neighbouring galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, which grace the night sky along with constellations such as Orion the Hunter and Scorpius. You may also have the opportunity to see star clusters like the beautiful Jewel Box, awe inspiring planets, immense clouds of gas and dust, and distant galaxies which test the limits of human imagination.

From $48 USD per person

This is an experience that is difficult to capture on film - the sheer size of these magnificent mammals, their grace and their beauty has to be seen to be really appreciated. Kaikoura benefits from having whales "in residence" throughout the year so sitings are common. Depending on the season, you may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins the Wandering Albatross, Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and and Southern Right Whales. The world's largest dolphin, The Orca or Killer Whale (yes this is actually a dolphin!) can be spotted, as well as the world's rarest and smallest dolphin - the Hector.

From $91 USD per person

As you travel around New Zealand there are opportunities to learn about Maori history and customs from a local perspective.That's why we have tried to include a Maori experience in every region of New Zealand. Of all the tours available this one has established a reputation throughout New Zealand for the way it communicates with visitors and how it embraces them into the world of the Maori in Kaikoura. We strongly recommend this as one of the best.

From $77 USD per person