Things to do in Christchurch, South Island: The Best Day Trips from

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that provide exquisite views. Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd & Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo. Admire Lake Pukaki & the stunning views of Mount Cook from a distance. Soak up & unwind in Tekapo Springs offering Hot Pools, Spa, waterslide & aqua play area for kids. Tour Highlights: • Sample award-winning cheese at a local cheese factory in Geraldine • Visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd and Bronze Sheepdog Statue in Lake Tekapo • Admire Lake Pukaki, the largest lake in Mackenzie region, and stunning alpine scenery • Visit to a Salmon Farm. • Drive to the summit at Mt. John Observatory. • Soak in the renowned Tekapo Springs with alpine scenery.

Inclusions: Private tour (i.e. only for one party), Professional guide., Transport in luxurious van (2017 or late model Mercedes Benz), Hotel Pick up and Drop Off., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI., Complimentary light refreshments., Hotel pickup and drop-off., Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Meals.

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet boat ride or a relaxing 90-minute hot stone massage. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs nestled in the Southern Alps • Savor Pinot Noir and Riesling with wine tastings at three Waipara wineries • Soak in the renowned thermal waters of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa • Thrill yourself with 360-degree spins on an optional and exciting jet boat ride • Pamper yourself with an optional traditional hot stone ritual massage

Inclusions: Private Tour (i.e. only for one party), Hotel pick-up & drop-off., Wine-Tasting at 3 Wineries., Jet Boating (if option selected), 30 minutes use of Private Indoor Thermal Pools., 90 minutes Traditional Hot Stone Ritual Massage (if option selected), Professional guide., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz vans., Complimentary light refreshments., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI.

Exclusions: Meals.

Guided walking tour on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano within 30 minutes of Christchurch. Experience world class views and see some of New Zealand's most stunning coastlines with our experienced local guides.  Transport and catering included, magnificent photo opportunities and a day to remember forever.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local guide, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Bottled water, Walking poles

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

As you journey from Christchurch, courtesy of Maossie Tour's extremely comfortable 4x6WD luxury bus, on your way to your destination - a fully-fledged working sheep station in New Zealand's high-country - take in the breath-taking scenery of the Southern Alps including sites from "Lord of the Rings" Middle Earth. Braided rivers, green pastures, forests, deer, horses, sheep, hidden tracks, and absolutely remarkable mountain scenery. Fully inclusive price includes pick up from major Christchurch city hotels, scrumptious special lunch, morning and afternoon tea, luxury coach travel including onboard WIFI and USB - and a lively, entertaining and highly knowledgeable tour guide who can relate all the history, myths and legends! As an option, be transported back in time enjoying enjoy a truly unique experience: a nostalgic but comfortable wagon ride pulled by some “gentle giants” - a team of Clydesdale horses - into the spectacular Aotearoa back-country highlands.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Lunch, Morning & Afternoon tea, coffee, snack, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel drop-off and pick up (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Clydesdale Horse Wagon ride (optional extra)

Travel in a small group from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious buffet lunch at the Hermitage Hotel and enjoy a scenic walk in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the Alpine Lavender farm in a pristine environment of crystal clear skies; snow capped mountains, and turquoise colored lakes of glacial melt.

Inclusions: Approximately 3 hrs of free time in Mount Cook National park., Bottled water., Buffet Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook., Complimentary light refreshments., National Park fees., Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel / apartment in Christchurch included., Transport by air-conditioned late model Mercedes Benz Minivan.

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Journey through the beautiful Canterbury Plains set against the remarkable mountain scenery of the southern alps. Enjoy the luxury & comfort of a top-of the range Mercedes Benz AWD bus. On your way to different farms (up to three) you will take in the wonder of this diverse landscape containing tussock, braided rivers, plateaus, hills & mountain lakes. An enormous variety of farm types in the region include horse studs, deer, cereal crops, poultry, orchards, vineyards, vegetables, forestry, pigs, & flower growing: but the juggernauts of sheep farming (mutton, wool) and cattle (dairy farming, beef) dominate. Fully inclusive price includes pick up from major Christchurch city hotels, scrumptious special lunch, morning & afternoon tea, luxury mini-coach travel incl. onboard WIFI & USB, & an entertaining / highly knowledgeable tour guide who can relate all the agricultural facts, figures & history of this unique countryside!

Inclusions: Lunch (select your preferences when booking), Morning & Afternoon tea, coffee, snack, Driver/guide, Live professional commentary / guide on board, Hotel pickup & drop-off (selected hotels only), Up to three farms visited (dependant upon season, farm program, passenger preferences), Transport by luxury air-conditioned 4WD mini-coach, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Godley Head is an exciting and wild place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the east coast of the South Island. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Lunch

Exclusions:

On this stunning journey to Packhorse Hut, we visit all four of the historic “rest houses” that were once part of a grand walking experience over the Port Hills. The hut is situated on a saddle above Lyttelton Harbour with unforgettable views of the Harbour and Banks Penninsula. This scenic drive and walking tour start in Christchurch by driving up the Port Hills following the historical track up Dyer’s Pass road before heading south along Summit Road to Gebbies Pass. Our walk starts and finishes at Gebbie’s pass, is approximately 11km (6.8 Mi) and takes most groups 3-4 hrs of walking to reach the hut and return to Gebbie’s Pass. The track follows a gravel road before heading into pine forests. After 45mins we break out of the trees into open tussock grasslands. Reaching Packhorse Hut, you will time to explore the area while your guide prepares lunch. On the return journey, we return to Gebbies Pass then follow the scenic coastal road back to Christchurch.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Private transportation, Snacks

Exclusions:

Enjoy the luxury and comfort of a top-of the range Mercedes Benz 4x4 bus as you journey from Christchurch proceeding into the rugged splendor of Banks Peninsula, You will really love stopovers at quirky Little Akaloa, Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum, and the award winning Barrys Bay Cheese factory. At your final destination, undertake a unique nature safari incorporating a wild penguin colony in their natural habitat, in the spectacular, award winning Wild Side Conservation area! Learn about the area’s native flora and fauna and Pohatu’s unique penguin conservation program. Be greeted by the farm’s friendly pet sheep and see wild White-Flippered penguins as Pohatu monitor nesting sites. Fully inclusive price includes pick up from major Christchurch city hotels, special lunch, morning & afternoon tea, nature safari, luxury mini-coach travel including on-board WIFI and USB & an entertaining, knowledgeable tour guide.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Morning & Afternoon tea, coffee, snack, Beverages, Lunch, Live commentary on board & local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (central Christchurch hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach

Exclusions: Gratuities