Relax and Unwind ( 5 Days Tour )

Spend the first day of your journey exploring the fast-changing and funky city of Christchurch, South Island's largest city. Old English gardens contrast with pop-up bars and innovative precincts in this enduring centre. Favourite activities include punting down the Avon River, biking in the Port Hills, visiting Sumner Beach, or taking a day trip out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa. For a truly magical experience try hot air ballooning over the patchwork Canterbury Plains.

Accommodation: 1 night, 4 or 5 star hotel

Meal : Breakfast

The trip north from Christchurch takes you past surf beaches, wineries, and farmland, finishing with the impressive scenery of the coastal ranges.

Kaikoura is the perfect place to enjoy a Maori cultural tour. Learn the storytelling and spiritual traditions of Ngai Tahu – the South Island's largest Maori tribe.

Spend the afternoon experiencing Kaikoura’s amazing marine life. See the whales from above on a scenic flight or get out on the water and watch them from the comfort of a catamaran. For a truly unique encounter, try swimming with dusky dolphins. In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood-inspired restaurants. 

Accommodation: 1 night, 4 or 5 star hotel

Meal : Breakfast

Since 1859, the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs has attracted visitors wanting to relax, unwind and ease their aches and pains in the soothing mineral waters.

Spend some time bathing in the hot pools or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. In the afternoon, take a wander around the town and enjoy the quaint gift stores and stylish fashion boutiques. 

Accommodation: 1 night, 4 or 5 star hotel

Meal : Breakfast

Waipara is a picturesque valley just 45 minutes north of Christchurch. This is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions - pinot noir and riesling grapes do very well here.

Visit one of the vineyard restaurants and the many tasting rooms. To add to your gourmet experience, there are olive groves, nut farms and fields of lavender.

Waipara is a great place to stretch your legs, either on the cycleway between the wineries, or on one of several beautiful walks. Enjoy wandering through Iron Ridge Quarry Park; this disused quarry has been converted into an art gallery with enormous steel sculptures.

Accommodation: 1 night, 4 or 5 star hotel

Meal : Breakfast