Self Drive Itineraries

9 Days

Top of the South Island – Coastal Discovery

Follow the South Island's dramatic coastline by road or rail; the scenery will surprise you around every corner. 

 From wild and rugged beaches to sheltered golden bays with endless views - have you ever experienced the tranquility of having the coastline all yourself? The time is now.

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2 Days

The Best of Christchurch

New life has been breathed into one of Christchurch's oldest precincts and South of Lichfield (SOL) is quickly becoming THE place to shop, dine and drink.

Beyond South of Lichfield more local legends await - discover Christchurch as it's known to residents, by exploring their favourite bars and eateries, including the ever-popular Dux de Lux.

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3 Days

Urban Culture in Christchurch

Treat yourself and your friends to some contemporary Christchurch culture throughout the heart of Christchurch city.

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3 -5 days

A Family Frolic

Choose from a wide range of fun activities in and around Christchurch - guaranteed to delight children of all ages!

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3 Days

World Class - Ski Mt Hutt

With its International Airport, Christchurch is not only the gateway to the South Island, but an ideal starting point for your 'Ski & Board' experience, with the nearly Southern Alps just a 90 minute drive from town!

 The Canterbury ski seasons runs from approximately mid June - October.

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3 Days

Local Favourite Porters Ski Area

The closest ski area to Christchurch city, Porters Heights lies just 89 kilometers from Christchurch International Airport, approximately an hour's drive. If you have never had a winter ski or snowboard experience, Porters is a great place to start, with facilities for all levels of skiing and riding.

Check out What's Hot for special 'ski & board' deals in the Canterbury region. The Canterbury ski seasons runs from approximately mid June - October.

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3 Days

Alpine Escape - Ski Hanmer

Hanmer Springs is a friendly, fun and spacious ski area. Only 90mins from Christchurch, in its mountain surrounds it feels as though it could be another world away.

Hanmer is also quickly becoming recognised as a 'well-being' hub in Canterbury... to find out why, make sure you check out the natural thermal pools while you are here!

The Canterbury ski seasons runs from approximately mid June - October.

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3 days

Methven – Ski and More!

Methven and Mount Hutt is a world-class winter destination, attracting ski and board enthusiasts from around the world. It's easy to associate this special area with ski, board and winter.

Yet there's so much more to this region, which surprises visitors in so many ways.

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9 Days

Top of the South Island Itinerary – Autumn Harvest

With long, warm days the South Island landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of Autumn colours. It's the ideal time to sample some of New Zealand's finest vintages in the country's Great Wine Capital vineyards.

 Enjoy the season's freshest produce showcased in local restaurant and café menus; indulge, relax, and soak in the plentiful scenery.

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4 Days

North Canterbury Food & Wine Trail

Experience local seasonal flavours straight from the land, from roadside stalls, produce and farmers' markets to exquisite cafes, restaurants and award winning wineries…take your pick!

Just outside of Christchurch, the Waipara Valley, New Zealand's fastest-growing wine area, is a "must-see" year-round.

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3 days

A Guide to Rugby World Cup 2011 in Christchurch – for non-rugby fans!

From 9 September to 23 October 2011, Rugby World Cup will be in full swing throughout Christchurch and Canterbury - the home of New Zealand rugby. Thousands of people will join us here from all corners of the planet to follow the match excitement, whilst others will sample the region's non-rugby delights. If you are one of those "non-fans," let the excitement of this spectacular region take over and follow our "beyond rugby" recommendations.

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3 Days

Ellerslie International Flower Show

Every year in March, the Garden City of Christchurch hosts the annual Ellerslie International Flower Show. Thousands of visitors to the Flower Show indulge in outstanding horticultural exhibits - including gardens.  This is a great event not to be missed during your stay in Christchurch city!

For deals on accommodation and activities, find out "what's hot" in Christchurch and Canterbury!

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3 days

Steeped in History

Explore Christchurch & Canterbury's rich heritage and discover how the past shaped the region we know and love today.

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4 - 5 days

Amp up the Adrenaline!

Fall from the heavens, set your heart racing on one of New Zealand's best racehorses - or take your pick from a range of pulsating activities.

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3 days

Ultimate Wine & Dine

Treat your taste buds and dine in luxury at some of the most exclusive city eateries.  Find out where to go and what to order, as you wine and dine your way through the extensive range of delectable menus on offer in Christchurch.

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2 Days

The Best of Christchurch - Close to Nature

Discover native New Zealand wildlife and an Antarctic experience within 20 minutes of Christchurch city. Combine a visit to New Zealand's leading kiwi breeding facility with a trip to the International Antarctic Centre, followed by a harbour wildlife cruise, giving you greater insight into this special part of the world.

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3 Days

Banks Peninsula's Best

Lyttelton Harbour is the flooded crater of an extinct volcano, providing spectacular views, boating, sailing, and swimming.

It was the landing place for the first Canterbury Settlers, the First Four Ships arriving late in December 1850.
Lyttelton is now a working port, transporting many thousands of tonnes of goods. Homes crowd around the natural amphitheatre, many of them restored cottages and houses from the first settlers.

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2 days

Discover Ashburton

Famed for its ski experiences, the Ashburton District has a diverse range of year-round activities: white-water rafting, skydiving, enjoying a country golf course, visiting gardens of blazing blooms, uncovering relics of aviation and transport history, hiking or mountain biking, nature trails or enjoying traditional rural hospitality.

A cluster of high country lakes lure avid fly fishers, a hot air balloon or heli flight provides a bird's eye view of a patchwork landscape, and a 4WD adventure can take you on a journey into the high country wilderness. Heritage trails, craft markets, art galleries, country festivals and farm tours will fill your time with memorable New Zealand experiences.

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3 Days

Kaikoura Ultimate

The Kaikoura town ship is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from farmland beneath the mountains.

In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds.  Several different species of whale can be seen off Kaikoura at different times of the year, but almost always the huge sperm whales.  The orca is often sighted in Kaikoura, and schools of pilot whales are occasional visitors. Dusky dolphins and fur seals are plentiful.

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3 Days

Selwyn & The Great Alpine Highway

Stretching from the sea to the Southern Alps, and across the Canterbury Plains, spectacular Selwyn holds mountain vistas, a Lord of the Rings film location, and is home to New Zealand's highest altitude settlement, Arthur's Pass.

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.

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9 Days

Top of the South Island – Coastal Discovery

Follow the South Island's dramatic coastline by road or rail; the scenery will surprise you around every corner. 

 From wild and rugged beaches to sheltered golden bays with endless views - have you ever experienced the tranquility of having the coastline all yourself? The time is now.

> Read More

24hours

24 Hours - Christchurch & Canterbury Extreme Itinerary

Phil Keoghan has been visiting Sydney and singing the praises of his home region, Christchurch and Canterbury - he knows firsthand there's no better place to stop and smell the flowers.

While he's passionate about stopping to smell the flowers, he's just as familiar with "extreme" itineraries - this is an idea of how to make the most of 24 hours in our "Amazing Place."

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