Christchurch, internationally famed 'The Garden City' is an elegant, often called "the most English-feeling city outside England" with a refined sense of fun, is also the South Island's largest city and also has South Island's main international airport. Set around a cathedral, vibrant and cosmopolitan Christchurch boasts an array of theatres; modern art galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants are in abundance alongwith premium shopping areas, attractions and hosts festivals year round. Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers. You'll find plenty to do. Christchurch celebrates everyday - around every corner there are new surprises. Each day provides a new and different adventure when you visit here.

A unique blend of historic charm and exciting city life. A delicate balance of hustle and bustle with fresh tranquility. All the facilities and none of the frustrations. The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city. Christchurch is the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside and the natural attractions and activities of the Canterbury region, which stretches from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. The region has so many unique points of difference, from beautiful Garden City of Christchurch to its nine diverse districts, each offering you the experience of a lifetime, whatever the season. For the thrill seeker, try exhilarating bungy jumping, rafting or mountain-biking. The adventurer can explore breathtaking bush, lakes and mountains, hiking, skiing or climbing. The romantic can bathe in luxury hot pools, punt on the River Avon or visit world class wineries and gardens. For something truly unique, go whale watching, hot air ballooning or swim with the world's rarest dolphin. One day is not enough to experience all that the city has to offer.

Christchurch Gondola : The highlight for many visitors is a ride on the Christchurch Gondola. Take the gentle ride in the comfort of four person luxury passenger cabins for the 945-metre lift to the summit complex on the top of the Port Hills. Situated at 500 metres (1500ft) above sea level, the panoramic 360-degree spectacular views unfold including Christchurch city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. Visitors are amazed and intrigued with the expansive views that unfold as they rise to the summit complex. The Christchurch Gondola offers memorable dining options at either our Gondola Restaurant or Summit Café facilities.

International Antarctic Centre : The only attraction of its kind in the world. Experience Antarctic conditions including an Antarctic storm first hand, with temperatures dropping well below the zero... a great place to chill out and experience snow 365 days a year...even on a hot summer's day! Slide down a snow slope, explore a snow cave, feel icy wind-chills, or just let your body tingle with the exhilaration of being in Antarctic temperatures! Experience the four dramatic seasons which make up a year in Antarctica. Feel the chill of winter and watch daylight return as the Antarctic summer approaches after four months of darkness.

Christchurch Cathedral : An iconic focus for the centre of Christchurch city. Designed by English architect George Gilbert Scott in 1864, is notable for its intricate wood and stone carvings and significant works of art that document the history of the Canterbury area, the city's long connection with Antarctic exploration and the region's contribution to the 2 World Wars.

Southern Encounter Aquarium :The touch-tank allows you view a range of of underwater species with a whale-watching and swimming with dolphins. In the Acquarium of Discovery you can watch scuba divers feeding marine fish daily at 3 pm.

Orana Park : New Zealand's largest wildlife and conservation centre. A touch of Africa - and everywhere else where wild animals roam

Willowbank Wildlife : Reserve An eclectic mix of native New Zealand flora and fauna, with a Maori cultural perspective - don't miss "Ko Tane". Guaranteed experience NZ's native "Kiwi" - in the open.

Christchurch Tramway : Travel the city in the style and elegance of the last century, a unique way to experience the special ambiance and romantic atmosphere of the central city. This is an elegant and environmentally friendly way to see the city. The 2.5 km track takes approximately 25 minutes to complete and encompasses many of the city's 'must see sights' including Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, The Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, New Regent Street, The River Avon, and Victoria Square to name a few around central Christchurch with entertaining on-board commentary. You can also enjoy a unique dining experience on board on the Tramway Christchurch Restaurant. Sit back in the luxury of air-conditioned, colonial style, dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages that New Zealand has to offer.

Christchurch Art Gallery : Canterbury Museum Built in 1877 is world renowned for its collection of Maori artifacts and the Hall of Antarctica. Take a walk through the 19th century Christchurch streets. The comprehensive bird hall features some astonishing displays.

Christchurch Casino : New Zealand's first casino - and most say New Zealand's best!

Punting : Go punting on the Avon River. Sit back and relax in a punt as a boatman guides you past the sights of the central city

Hot Air Ballooning : There is no other place in the world where it is possible to fly from the centre of the city, in view of the sun rising out of the ocean, toward snow-capped mountains. Fly In Christchurch with One Of The World's Most Experienced Ballooning Companies. Take advantage of the best value balloon flights in the world!  New Zealand offers some of the most spectacular scenery from above, and is the cheapest place in the world to take advantage of these views. Ballooning in New Zealand costs substantially less than in Canada, the UK and USA

Air Force : Air Force World brings you face to face with 28 classic aircraft, thousands of artefacts, artworks and stories of famous aviators.

The TranzAlpine Train : The TranzAlpine Train, rated one of the World's top six most scenic train journeys, travels from Christchurch to Greymouth over Arthur's Pass, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. The TranzAlpine carriages are centrally heated in winter and air conditioned in summer, with 'Airline' style reclining seats and 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating. Both styles allow you to experience the amazing views through large panoramic windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An unforgettable and life time journey, from your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. There's a lot to look forward to! The world famous journey is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres

Kaikoura : The name meaning "meal of crayfish", overlooked by majestic mountains, this unique combination of ocean and alpine scenery never fails to leave visitors to the area in awe. Kaikoura is famous for its resident sperm Whales. Discover the Whales & Dolphins tour, provides a fantastic day trip for people who love the sea and marine mammals, and is full of variety for everyone to enjoy. Our tour takes you through beautiful rural pastoral scenes, Kaikoura Coastline, Whale watch Cruise, Seal colony, Winery visit & tasting. 3 hour cruise with Kaikoura Whale watch (giant sperm whale and the dusky dolphins) has won many international awards for tourism excellence and marine conservation.

Hanmer Springs:-Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is the natural place to unwind - a world class spa experience set in a unique alpine environment. Just a 90 minute drive from Christchurch, nestled in the magnificent South Island high country, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve has, for 125 years, attracted visitors seeking the benefits of its natural mineral waters and clean, clear alpine air. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains, the award-winning Thermal Reserve offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from soothing indulgence to exciting family fun. The Thermal Reserve has seven open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private thermal pools, as well as a sauna/steam room. A fresh-water, heated pool and a popular family activity area, complete with water slides and water toys and picnic area, ensure the Thermal Reserve offers something for everyone. The pools range in temperature from 36-42° Celsius, perfect for soothing away aches and pains or for just unwinding. The Hanmer Springs geothermal water is drawn from a bore adjacent to the Reserve complex, providing natural water of the highest quality.

Mt.Cook (Aoraki) National Park:- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Australasia's highest mountain at 3754 metres, justly known to the Maori as "the Cloud Piercer" is sacred to the Ngai Tahu tribe of the South Island. At Mount Cook Village you will be mesmerised by the alpine surroundings of this truly unique region. Besides Aoraki Mount Cook, there are 27 other peaks in this alpine backbone which peak at over 3050 meters e.g. Mt.Hicks, Mt.Tasman, Douglas Peak and Mt.Sefton. etc., and hundreds of others not far short of that - all making up the famous Southern Alps. There are numerous walks, hikes, Heli and Scenic Flights, some including glacier landing give you spectacular views of the Southern Alps, remarkable turquoise blue lakes, valleys of emerald green and the vast snowfields. A magical experience you will always remember.

Activities / Sightseeing

DWCG-1 : Christchurch Explorer (Half Day) by Luxury Coach
Cost : $49.00 Per Person
Central City landmarks and historic sites, Christchurch Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, the Avon River and Canterbury Museum. Famous parks and gardens including Mona Vale Gardens and Hagley Park, Port Hills for spectacular views over the city and Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, Sumner and Lyttelton.
Include : Pick up/Hotel Drop Off + Taxes

DWCG-2 : The Garden City Tour (Half Day) by Luxury Coach
Cost : $84.00 Per Person
Central City landmarks, Christchurch Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, the Avon River and Canterbury Museum. Mona Vale Gardens, Hagley Park, Port Hills and includes the World fame “International Antarctic Centre”.
Include : Pick up/Hotel Drop Off + Admissions + Taxes

DWCG-3 : Hanmer Springs Thrilling Tour (Full Day) by 4WD + Jetboat
Cost : $245.00 Per Person
Includes a visit to working New Zealand sheep farm demonstration, Thrillseekers Canyon - Waiau Gorge by jet boat or raft, Lunch at the Garden House Café, Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort pools, Wine tasting at the Waipara Valley.
Include : Pick up/Hotel Drop Off,  Taxes, lunch, admission to thermal pools, farm visit and wine tasting. Also included the choice of one of the following; jet boating, rafting or therapeutic massage.

DWCG-4 : Discover the Whales & Dolphins (Full Day) by Luxury Coach + Cruise
Cost : $255.00 Per Person
Kaikoura Coastline, Whale Watch Cruise and encounter with the giants of the sea, Visit to Fur Seal colony, Winery visit & tasting in the Waipara Valley.
Include : Pick up/Hotel Drop Off + Taxes

DWCG-5 : The Alpine Safari Adventure (Full Day) by TranzAlpine Train+ Luxury Coach +Jet Boat+4WD
Cost : $370.00 Per Person
With four modes of transport this tour will appeal to adventure lovers! Enjoy Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri Gorge, River canyon jet-boat, Arthur's Pass, 4WD exp. through a rugged high country station and emerge from the river valley, The TranzAlpine train- rated one of the top six train journeys in the world
Include : Pick up/Hotel Drop Off + Taxes, Informative Commentary

DWCG-6 : Lord of the Rings Tour (Full Day) by 4 WD
Cost : $199.00 Per Person
Journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, and see how this peaceful station was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in Lord of the Rings trilogy. This amazing day out includes 4WD access onto Mt Sunday/Edoras itself, a delicious champagne picnic lunch, full running commentary from friendly and knowledgeable Kiwi tour guides and spectacular scenery.
Include : Pick up/Hotel Drop Off+ Taxes, Informative Commentary

DWCD -7 : Christchurch Hot Air Balloon Flight                                    
Cost : $290.00 Per Adults, $250.00 per Child
Highlights : 4-4.5 hours from start to finish, An early start!, Hands-on help in preparing the balloon, Approx 1 hour long flight, Spectacular views and photo opportunities, A celebratory glass of chilled champagne (or fruit juice) after landing in a farmer's field, An in-flight photo of the flight available for purchase as a keepsake, Courtesy transfers to and from central Christchurch hotels

DWCG-8 : Mt.Cook & Queenstown (Full Day) by Luxury Coach
Cost : $224.00 Per Person
Canterbury Plains, Lakes Tekapo & Pukaki, Church of the Good Shepherd, Mount Cook National Park, Mt.Cook, Lindis Pass, Cromwell Orchards.
Include : Pick up/Hotel Drop Off+ Taxes, Informative Commentary

DWCD -9 : Christchurch Gondola
Cost : $22.00 Per Person
Include : Gondola Ride, Free parking at the terminal

DWCD -10 : Christchurch Gondola with Buffet Dinner (5 pm till late)
Cost : $59.00 Per Person
Include : Soup of the day with freshly baked breads, followed by choice of Entrees, Choice of Hot Dishes, Desserts and Afterwards. All menus inclusive of Gondola Ride, Free parking at the terminal

DWCD -11 : Christchurch Tramway
Cost : $14.00 Per Person
Include : Hop on and off Tram tour 2.5 kilometer track takes about 25 minutes to complete and allows you to take in many of the "must see' attractions like Cathedral Square, Aquarium of Discovery, The Arts Centre, The Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Punting on the Avon, New Regent Street and Cathedral Junction, just to name a few.

DWCD -12 : Christchurch Tramway with "4 Course - The Rolleston Dinner" including a welcome drink + tea/coffee (7.30 pm)
Cost : $85.00 Per Person
Include : Welcome Drink from an extensive beverage selection, including quality New Zealand wines, Beer, Soft Drink or juice, Starter- selection of home baked breads, choice of Entrees, Choice of Mains, Desserts and Freshly brewed Tea or Coffee. All menus inclusive of Tramway Ride.

DWCD -13 : Christchurch Tramway + Gondola Combo
Cost : $30.00 Per Person
Include : This special offer allows you to visit two of Christchurch's "must see" attractions for a discounted price.

DWCD -14 : International Antarctic Centre Combo                   
Cost : $48.00 Per Person
Include : Admission to International Antarctic Centre + Hagglund Drive + Souvenir Booklet