CHRISTCHURCH 2021 HOLIDAYS AND GROUP TOURS

Tour outline

Your stay in Christchurch starts with a personal meet and greet and transfer to our centrally located tour hotel. On group tours meet that evening with your tour leader and fellow travellers. The next day visit the Antarctic Centre the highlight being a ride on the amazing all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle that has been built to conquer the rough terrain on the ice. After lunch (own cost) return to the city for sightseeing and a gondola ride.  The following day travel to Arthurs Pass on the Tranz-Alpine train returning by coach.  The section, between Springfield and the township of Arthur’s Pass, is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering and is the section for which the Tranz-Alpine is most famed. The following day is free for you to explore the city at your own place. The next day enjoy a vintage tram tour with stops at several attractions along the route.

OPTIONAL AKOROA DAY TOUR AND NATURE CRUISE (Day 6) Travel to/from Christchurch by coach. At Akaroa we board the 60 ft Black Cat for a 2:30 hr nature cruise. On the return coach trip, we make several stops at points of interest including the Barry Bay Cheese Factory.

ITINERARY

Day 1: MEET AND GREET

Both Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer frequent flights to Christchurch. On arrival at Christchurch you will be met and transferred to our central city  hotel. On group tours meet that evening with your fellow travellers and your tour leader who will provide a tour orientation.

Day 2: ANTARCTIC CENTRE VISIT   

Our visit to the Antarctic Centre features an amazing all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle that has been built to conquer the rough terrain on the ice. After lunch (own cost) enjoy a gondola ride before returning to the city.

Day 3: CHRISTCHURCH – ARTHURS PASS  ON TRANZ ALPINE (SCENIC CLASS)

The section, between Springfield and the township of Arthur’s Pass, is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering and is the section for which the Tranz-Alpine is most famed. The route firstly heads north-east to join the Waimakariri River gorge. This aqua-blue river will appear and disappear out of your window several times as the Tranz-Alpine clings and climbs up the cliffs above it. During the ascent to the high plains of Craigieburn, there are 15 short tunnels and four dramatic viaducts, including the 72-metre high Staircase Viaduct. We  return to Christchurch by coach.

Day 4: FREE DAY
Your chance for some retail therapy or explore Christchurch at your own pace.

Day 5: VINTAGE TRAM TOUR
We explore central Christchurch by vintage tram. You will be provided with a hop-on hop-off full day pass with optional activities including Punting on the Avon, Botanic Gardens Tour, and the Cardboard Cathedral.

Day 6: RETURN TRAVEL
Our Christchurch tour ends after breakfast  Today. Airport transfers are included.

OPTIONAL AKAROA DAY TOUR & CRUISE

For those that would like to spend more time in Christchurch a day tour to the old French settlement of Akaroa which is situated around 90 minutes from Christchurch. We travel both ways by coach with full commentary. At Akaroa we board the 60 ft Black Cat for a 2:30 hr nature cruise. On the return coach trip, we make several stops at points of interest including the Barry Bay Cheese Factory.