Ski one of the six ski fields, visit Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora)
New Zealand's largest coastal lake brimming with birdlife, or Lake
Coleridge, a natural wilderness described as one of Canterbury's
best-kept secrets.
Day 1
Pick up your rental car in Christchurch and hit the road. Drive
the Great Alpine Highway (state highway 73) until you reach the
township of Springfield, this journey will take just over an
hour.
Once you have arrived in Springfield head to Alpine Jet
where you will travel by jet boat through the foothills of the
Southern Alps on one of their famous Canyon Safari Tours. Later,
enjoy lunch at Ned's Cafe and Bar on the same location.
In the afternoon continue making your way up SH 73 until you
reach the Castle Hill Rocks. Stop to take photos and explore the
stunning landscape... don't be surprised if it conjures up memories
of 'Middle Earth' as this scenic area was one of the Lord of the
Ring's film locations!
Spend the evening nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps at
your accommodation, Grasmere Lodge. Gourmet dinner here is
included.
Day 2
Start the day with breakfast at Grasmere Lodge. Then take some time to
relax in their Mountain Spa.
Feeling rejuvenated, drive up to Arthur's Pass village in Arthur's
Pass National Park. Once you have arrived, stretch your legs and
walk through native New Zealand forest up to the stunning Devil's
Punch Bowl Falls - 45 minutes return.
Getting back on the road, head down south to the Rakaia Gorge,
stop for photos and a short walk. Then make your way to your lunch
venue and accommodation for tonight, Terrace Downs Resort.
After enjoying a late lunch at Tilley's
Bar & Brasserie/Café, spend the afternoon enjoying the
resort's wide range of activities - why not challenge yourself and
try something new? Choose from golf, archery, clay-bird shooting,
fishing, horse riding... and more.
Tonight treat yourself to the culinary delights of the resort's
award winning cuisine in Avoca
Fine Dining Restaurant.
Day 3
After enjoying breakfast at Terrace Downs Resort, it's time to
hit the road and head back into Springfield.
Once in Springfield make your way to Rubicon Valley Horse Treks,
where you will experience a special 2 hour tour of the
foothills and mountains of Canterbury through Rubicon Farm, a 2000
acre high country sheep farm situated in Kowai Bush.
On your way back into Christchurch don't miss a lunch stop
at Darfield Bakery, a local favourite!
1 Day Option
If you only have one day, a great way to experience the Selwyn district is by train. The
TranzAlpine
leaves Christchurch at 8.15am, and arrives
at Arthur's Pass alpine village at
10.42am.*
After your scenic train journey spend the day exploring Arthur's
Park National Park, walk through New Zealand native forest,
enjoy lunch at a cosy cafe, and spot a cheeky Kea (native NZ
mountain parrot).
The TranzAlpine
departs Arthur's Pass at 3.57pm and arrives back in Christchurch at 6.05pm. You can get a
free transfer from your accommodation to the Christchurch railway
station - and vice-versa - with Canterbury Shuttles.
* Please note these times may change, please check the TranzScenic
website for the most up to date timetable.
Key Links
- The Christchurch i-SITE is your ultimate source of
itinerary advice and trusted local knowledge. They offer a FREE
booking service for accommodation, activities and transport
throughout Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand.
- Being New Zealand's largest independent car rental company,
Apex Car Rentals offers a large fleet of new and late model car
hire options. Contact Apex for car rental
information and booking.