Christchurch an Abundance of Opulent Architecture, Gardens and Charming Scenery

Itinerary

DAY ONE                                             L ,D 

If you are wanting to explore a revitalized Christchurch, take in the culture of the city and surrounding areas then this tour is for you! On our first day, we fly from Tauranga to Christchurch and arrive just in time for lunch at one of the airport eateries. All aboard the bus for an afternoon sightseeing tour , first stop being Scarborough Beach. Here we'll enjoy its long stretch of white sand which attracts surfers, swimmers and is a popular place for kite surfing and wind surfing, especially if an afternoon sea breeze sets in.  We will then carry on to New Brighton Pier to take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and stunning coastline. There will be time to walk along the pier and read about its history. After this final stretch of the legs and fresh sea air you will be wanting to discover your accommodation for the stay - Peppers Christchurch Clearwater Resort.  Here you can unwind from your day and explore the beautiful grounds overlooking the shimmering Lake Kaikainui, before heading to the on-site restaurant for dinner.

DAY TWO                                           B,MT,L, D 

Wake up to a scrumptious, cooked breakfast before heading to the delightful French settlement of Akaroa.The drive from Christchurch to Akaroa winds through stunning countryside and over mountains to reach the Banks Peninsula. Our first stop is at Fisherman’s Bay Garden, a haven in the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Banks Peninsula coastline.  Here we will enjoy morning tea and a tour of the garden. Its winding paths, varied landscape and stunning views of the coastal valley will be enjoyed by all.  Our next stop will surprise and delight.  The Giant’s House in Akaroa is well known for its quirky gardens and extraordinary sculptures.  Enjoy a visit through the historic art house, a talk with the artists and stroll around the seriously playful garden and gallery.  Then indulge in a scrumptious homemade lunch onsite while you take in the charm the surroundings offer.  After lunch there will be time to explore the village of Akaroa or take a walk down to the waterfront.  On our way back to Christchurch there may be time to stop in at the Little River Gallery.Then it’s back to our accommodation to freshen up, ready for dinner onsite at the resort.

DAY THREE                                         B,L,D 

Today’s adventures take us on a walk through history.  We begin at a unique New Zealand heritage site, the Victoria/Edwardian homestead of Riccarton House.  The house is fully restored, decorated and furnished in appropriate period style.  Here we will experience a guided tour and hear the history of the pioneering Dean family – their stories, dreams and promises, before heading to the Saturday farmers market onsite.  Take your time to look around and enjoy Canterbury’s finest local producers and artisans showcasing their wares or have a coffee or bite to eat if this appeals.  There may be time to explore the bushwalk and its 600-year-old trees or wind your way through the ancient forest and listen for the sound of native birds.  We will then have a lunch stop before heading to Otahuna Homestead to explore the magnificent gardens.  Here you will appreciate the century-old, manicured gardens, enjoying a tour providing insight into the history of Otahuna and Victorian times. As you meander around you will see a Dutch garden, Woodland, daffodil field, potager garden and more. Dinner will on-site at the hotel tonight.

DAY FOUR                                           B,L,D 

Another great day in Christchurch awaits. After breakfast we will head in to the CBD where we will take a private guided tour on the Tram of the City.  Offering a unique experience combining history and sightseeing, this tour explores the best of the central city. From here we'll grab a coffee or some morning tea, the choice is yours, before heading onto another iconic Christchurch activity- punting down the Avon River.  You will be expertly guided gently along the Avon, through the tranquil Botanic Gardens to view the inner city’s revitalised Avon River Precinct.  This eco-friendly way to relax is a lovely activity to enjoy Christchurch from a different perspective.  Once we have disembarked, we then head to Antigua Boat Sheds Café, to enjoy a delicious lunch in a serene and relaxing setting.  Next, we head to the green heart of the Garden City – The Botanic Gardens.  Climb aboard one of the all-weather electric vehicles and tour the gardens in comfort.  The informative and fully guided shuttle tour takes you on a journey through 75 acres of New Zealand’s most exotic, gorgeous, native plants. After our busy day we'll then we take the short drive back to our accommodation before enjoying dinner together.

DAY FIVE                                            B,MT,L, D 

We begin the day with breakfast then head to Christchurch’s top activity – The Gondola.  Soar suspended above the valley in your gondola and enjoy the breath-taking view of the Christchurch cityscape.  Once at the top it is time to take in the unmissable 360-degree views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour and beyond.  It is simply stunning!  Take a look around the summit and learn the history of the area in a Time Tunnel ride or enjoy a little shopping at the gift shop.  We will appreciate morning tea here while taking in a spectacular sight.  Then it is back into the gondola for our trip down the Port Hills and back to the bus. From here we will drive thorough the The Lyttelton road tunnel which runs through the Port Hills to connect Christchurch and its seaport, which has historically been regarded as the ‘gateway to Canterbury’ for colonial settlers – Lyttelton Harbour.If you haven’t had enough of the views, there is more to come when we dine at Sign of the Kiwi Café.  Another great spot to enjoy the harbour and city view. If you love detective novels, then you will love our next stop – Ngaio Marsh House.  Dame Ngaio Marsh resided here for 77 years, and it formed the backdrop to the life of this illustrious writer, theatre director and artist.  As we tour through the garden and house, we will experience the treasures and antiques she collected from around the world and see where her most famous works were composed.Tonight we enjoy a local restaurant off-site for dinner.

DAY SIX                                                B,L,D 

Today we will be visiting the gracious historical homestead of Amberly House, where we enjoy a tour of the picturesque garden, boutique horse stud and house.  The stunning homestead is nestled in the tranquil countryside and situated on a country estate.  In the valley beneath the house, lies the expansive lawns and garden.  Here you will enjoy wandering through the endless walkways to explore the glades, arboretum and more.  After all this exploring we will be ready for something tasty!  We head to Waipara Springs Winery and Restaurant to enjoy a delicious catered lunch and wine tasting.  Waipara Springs has its own microclimate and ideal conditions for growing the perfect grape and relaxing in the afternoon.  Next, we head to the rolling hills in North Canterbury to Tipapa Estate to enjoy a house and garden tour.  The homestead offers the feeling of both elegance and heritage and an oasis of privacy surrounded by its own parklike grounds.  Enjoy meandering through the beautiful gardens and you might stumble across the rustic historical woolshed that has become a popular wedding venue. Dinner will be on-site at the resort tonight.

DAY SEVEN                                         B,MT,L 

On our final day together, we will visit the delightful Frensham Garden.  Considered as one of New Zealand’s finest gardens, Frensham displays a relaxed country garden that started out with humble beginnings and is now a garden of national significance.  On the tour we will hear about the work that has gone into the garden, gardening tips and botanical information. After this we will visit The Tannery, a unique destination that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike who describe it as “Quirky, eclectic and worth finding” and “Old-time charm meets modern attraction”. With more than 50 boutique shops, restaurants, bars, take your time to grab a bite to eat or indulge in a little bit of retail therapy.

From here we will making our way to the airport to catch our flights back home, farewelling  the garden city.