Arrive into Christchurch and collect your car hire at the airport. Make your way into the city and check into Quest Cathedral Junction. This hotel is in the centre of the CBD with front door access to the tram. From here you can explore the Riverside Markets, Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, the Avon River, and Hagley Park.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling inland to the ski town of Methven. This afternoon enjoy a soak in the newly opened Opuke Hot pools just across the road from your hotel. Step into their adults only pools and let the stress soak away. Truly feel on holiday as explore the network of interconnecting pools including the star lit caves and cold relief tub. The swim up bar offers exclusive pool side canape and beverage service.
Today you hit the slopes with a complete ski or snowboard starter pack. This includes equipment rental, clothing, learner area lift pass and lessons. Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort seven years running at the World Ski Awards. You’ll see spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains out to the Pacific Ocean while enjoying one of the locals favourite playgrounds.
Depart Methven for the seaside village of Akaroa. This French inspired town sits in the heart of an ancient volcanic basin and is home to an array of wildlife. This evening discover local cafes, restaurants and bistros that serve local produce, wines and microbrewery beers. Akaroa has a number of eateries for every palette and every occasion.
Heading out on to the harbour with Black Cat cruises your Nature Cruise will highlight the history of the region and seek out some of the locals such as NZ Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins, and the Hector Dolphin. This Hector Dolphin is the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin and they are only found in the South Island of New Zealand. After your Nature Cruise continue your journey north to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. This charming town offers golf, mountain biking, skiing, hiking and hot pools. Enjoy a soak in the thermal hot pools as the sun goes down.
Travelling east to another coastal town, Kaikoura – where the mountains meet the ocean. The Kaikoura coastline has been dramatically changed since the earthquake in 2016, the seabed has risen creating a different landscape to the shoreline and region. If you like crayfish here is the place to have a sample.
Cruising only a few kms from shore to come up close and personal with the gentle giants of the sea. Travelling with Whale Watch Kaikoura will be a true highlight of your trip. Encounter a variety of marine life from albatross, NZ fur seals, dolphins, and whales. Kaikoura enjoys visits from many whale species including the sperm whale, humpback, and orca.
Returning to Christchurch today gives you the opportunity to venture through the Waipara wine region, it’s a great region to stop for a relaxing vineyard lunch before arriving back into the garden city.
Today is yours at leisure. You may want to explore Christchurch more. Head out to the beaches at Sunmer or New Brighton, to the Port Hills and Christchurch Gondola or even going punting on the Avon River.
After you check out of your accommodation says farewell to Christchurch and the South Island, return your rental car and depart for your onward journey.
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Advertised price is per person double share and is priced in Australian Dollars. If twin-share is required, an additional AUD$55 per person will apply. Prices are correct at time of publication, are subject to availability and can change at any time without notification due to fluctuations in charges, taxes, and currency. Offer is valid on new bookings only. All discounts and savings have been applied to the price. Valid for travel from 01 July – 30 September 2022. Book by 30 June 2022. Car hire is subject to an airport fee and excess at time of collection. Flights not included. Ski products are non-refundable at time of payment. Blackout periods may apply. Surcharges may apply over special event periods and over school holidays. Inclusions are subject to change based on superior operational capabilities. Your personal travel manager may charge additional service fees. Other restrictions may apply. Please check current COVID-19 travel restrictions for the destination you wish to visit before departure. Other conditions apply. Please view the TravelManagers general terms and conditions here and contact your personal travel manager for more details.
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