There are many fantastic day trip options just outside
Christchurch. Hanmer Springs has often been enjoyed by Robbie Deans
(Wallabies Head Coach),whose mother Joy Deans (nee Stewart) grew up
on Banks Peninsula, in Pigeon Bay.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith is known to holiday
around Akaroa and Banks Peninsula - and calls in to the
local Visitor Centre to say hello.
This four-day itinerary has been created as one example for
Rugby fans who wish to make the most of their trip. Don't hesitate
to ask the locals questions when you venture to "off the beaten
track" places; they may have been part of an All Black's history -
and could have some great stories to share.
Day 1
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Alchemy Restaurant, located
at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Once
your hunger is satisfied, stroll down to Christ's College, just
five minutes away, where flanker Jock Hobbs (#836 /
1983-1986) spent his school days. Christ's College was modelled on
the Public Schools of England and is renowned in Canterbury.
Jock Hobbs was an All Black during the 1983-1986 period and
has served as chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Next, make your way to Apex Car Rentals to pick up your
vehicle. Their office is located in town, an easy 20 minute walk
from Christ's College. Once behind the wheel, head to Linwood Rugby Club,
established in 1886. Here, halfback Graeme Bachop
(#885 / 1987-1995) and fullback Fergie
McCormick (#653 / 1965-1971) honed their Rugby skills. This
Club has also been selected as a training facility for the
RWC2011.
For lunch, drive to Riccarton House, home to
Canterbury's pioneering Deans family, the first Europeans to settle
on the Canterbury Plains in 1843. Bob Deans and his
grandnephew Robbie Deans come
from this famous family, both All Black legends. Further to having
lunch at the Taste at Riccarton
House Restaurant, you may want to stretch your legs in
Riccarton Bush, an ancient forest, right in the heart of the city
and on the same location.
Continue your journey to High School Old Boys Rugby
Club, established in 1900. This is where centre three-quarter
Bob Deans (#129 /
1905-1908), second five-eighth Aaron Mauger
(#1013 / 2011-2007) and first five-eighth Daniel Carter
(#1034 / 2003-present) began their Rugby careers. You will find the
High School Old Boys Rugby Field just across
the road, located at North Hagley Park.
Speaking of Daniel Carter, we now suggest you venture out of
Christchurch City and visit Southbridge, his hometown. This small
town, with a population of 720 people, is popular with families
seeking tranquility and serenity. Once you've found the Rugby
field, drive further south all the way to Ashburton. You will then be arriving in Fergie
McCormick's hometown.
Check in at your accommodation for the night, Hotel Ashburton, where we suggest you
have dinner at Clearwater
Garden Restaurant. It is a relaxing yet sophisticated setting,
with a reputation for professional service and warm hospitality.
Should you want to see more of Ashburton in the evening, we
recommend you visit Ashburton Domain, a
37.54 hectare park referred to as the "jewel in the crown" of the
town.
Day 2
This morning is dedicated to one of the best Rugby players in
the world, Flanker Richie McCaw
(#1014 / 2011-present). Kick off your day with a tasty breakfast at
your accommodation and head south on SH1. Ladies, you may want to
stop in Temuka, home of Temuka pottery since 1930. Cantabrians
consider this town as the regional "pottery capital." Continue your
journey to Waimate, where we recommend a stop to see the wallabies
at EnkleDooVery
Korna.
From here, you are just a 45-minute drive from Richie McCaw's
grandparents' hometown, Kurow. (At this point, we know you're a
loyal fan!) Richie McCaw was brought up in the neighbouring Hakataramea Valley;
in fact, this is where he played his first Rugby. (The Valley is
only 19km from Kurow - however it takes an hour to reach by
car).
Enjoy lunch at River Cafe Restaurant in Kurow,
established in 1973, and head toward Lake Benmore
where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery before moving
on to Mt
Cook Alpine Salmon. Mt Cook Alpine Salmon is located on the
Tekapo-Pukaki hydro canal between Lakes Tekapo and Lake Pukaki,
signposted from State Highway 8, a scenic 1.5 hours drive from lake
Benmore. Salmon lovers will be delighted by the Alpine Salmon on
offer there, the most majestic of all salmon. Perfect for afternoon
tea! From there, 30 minutes will suffice to get to Lake
Tekapo, home of the Church of the Good Shepherd, which was built to
commemorate the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
Check in at Peppers Bluewater
Resort, a reflection of the surrounding Mackenzie Basin
landscape combined with exceptional facilities and services.
On-site, the Rakinui Restaurant
offers a wide selection of international cuisine and hearty local
fare in elegant surroundings with spectacular views across Lake
Tekapo. To cap off your evening, what about a star-gazing tour? Earth & Sky is the expert and offers
a 2-hour tour at Mt John Observatory to observe the star in one of
the clearest sky of the Southern hemisphere.
Day 3
Kick off your day with a succulent breakfast at the
Rakinui Restaurant and make your way towards
Geraldine. Once in Geraldine, take SH72 to Methven, where hooker Tane Norton (#694 /
1975, 1977) was educated. Carry on your journey on SH72 until you
come across the Terrace Downs sign, just after the
Rakaia Gorge. We propose the Tilley's
Bar & Brasserie located on-site for lunch. The menus
feature a wide range of hearty meals, from antipasto platters to
share, tasty daily soups to more substantial salads,
sandwiches, pastas and grills. Following your meal, why not
jumping aboard a Discovery Jet jet
boat and blast along the ever-changing Rakaia River? An
adrenalin-pumping experience you'll never forget!
The rest of the day allows you to take it easy until your final
destination, Pete's Farm Stay. Follow SH72 to
Glentunnel and then a 5 minutes drive on up the road will take you
to Homebush, location
of Homebush Stables.
On-site, you will find a museum that has a memorabilia of Bob Deans All Black
Days. He has also lived and worked in this small township.
After leaving Homebush turn left and follow SH72 to SH73 (The
Great Alpine Highway). Leaving The Great Alpine Highway follow SH72
to Oxford take some of your time to have a delicious afternoon tea
at Seagars
at Oxford. Then check-in at Pete's Farm Stay and take the
opportunity to visit Rangiora afterwards, situated 15 minutes from
your accommodation. Rangiora is the hometown of lock and loose
forward Todd Blackadder
(#947 / 1995-2000) and also where he has been schooled. Todd
Blackadder is now coach of the Canterbury Crusaders, a Super 14
team.
Back at Petes' Farm Stay, you can enjoy a traditional Kiwi BBQ,
go for a walk around the farm and experience firsthand the
quietness and tranquillity of the area, or simply stargaze the sky
before retiring to your room.
Day 4
Start your day with your breakfast provided by Pete's Farm Stay
and then head towards the Waipara Valley. Once there, follow SH7
and a 15-minute drive will take you to Waikari, hometown of Tane Norton. If you
get a chance, visit the site of Maori cave art and rock drawings in
the Weka Pass Reserve
located nearby.
After your visit to Waikari, drive back to Waipara and turn left
on SH1. A 50-minute drive takes you to Cheviot, birthplace of
fullback Robbie Deans (#841
/ 1983-1985). Robbie Deans is today's Wallabies coach, Australian
national team playing in Christchurch on 11th September
and 1st October 2011 during RWC2011.
From here, you have the option to visit Kaikoura, an hour north, or go back to Christchurch. Should you choose
Kaikoura, we suggest you take a Whale Watch tour, the award-winning
ultimate marine adventure, to view the Sperm Whales. Bendamere House B&B is our pick in
terms of accommodation. If you'd rather go back to Christchurch
that day, don't miss out the Mud House Winery and Pegasus Bay Winery, both located in
the Waipara Valley. The ideal place to conclude your tour is with
dinner and a night at the Hotel Grand
Chancellor, in the heart of Christchurch City.
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.