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There are numerous tours offered to all the areas listed below. Enquire about tour arrangements at the Reception Desk.
- Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula is a magnificent mass of volcanic hills to the southeast of the city, famous for its quaint former French settlement of Akaroa. Mountain biking, rockclimbing and walking on the peninsula are popular weekend activities, and Akaroa is a wonderful destination summer or winter, with its fine 19th century buildings, restaurants and speciality shops. Black Cat Cruises offer swimming with the dolphins at Akaroa, and Nature Cruises on the Akaroa Harbour, Lyttleton Harbour and Diamond Harbour.
- Alpine Playground
Outside the city limits, follow the West Coast Road inland to Arthur’s Pass, taking time to stop and look at Castle Hill and Cave Stream, or get on the TranzAlpine railway at the Addington Railway Station and enjoy the magnificent alpine landscape over the Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. Same day return excursions are available.
Mt Hutt Skifield is an easy 90 minute drive from the city. With excellent skiing facilities, set on the slopes of the Southern Alps, Mt Hutt is often said to be the best skifield in New Zealand. It’s also the site of the only ski/snowboard bungy in the world!
- Wine, Whales and Thermal Springs. The Alpine Pacific Triangle Route joins the towns of Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and Amberley in a tourist route remarkable for its natural beauty, world-famous thermal springs and spa, and featuring outstanding walks and wildlife experiences, particularly Kaikoura’s whale, dolphin and seal watching experiences. Close to Christchurch, the Waipara district is one of the best winegrowing areas in the country.
- Jetboat on the Waimakariri. This magnificent braided river, typical of the South Island, runs through a scenic gorge from the Southern Alps to the sea near Christchurch. Based at Springfield, near Porter’s Pass, Waimak Alpine Jet offers jetboat and 4WD tours in the foothills of the Alps.
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