Testimonials
The lady on reception went out of her way to help us when we had lost our passports.
Gavin, UK 04-03-2010
Create your own bone carving souvenir, take part in a Maori Haka, learn to make some silver jewellery incorporating authentic New Zealand green stone or spend a day with Arohanui or Simon learning to weave a traditional flax basket...visit creativetourism.co.nz to find out more.
Canterbury has over 10 ski field all within 2 ½ hours drive of the Christchurch International Airport! The closet ski fields to Christchurch are Mt Hutt and Porter Heights. Mt Hutt has a well earned reputation for having the longest and most consistent season in all of Australasia and is considered one of the world’s leading ski areas. Often there is transport available to these ski fields from the central city.
Approximately 1 hour north of Christchurch is an area known as Waipara. This area contains some of the best wine growing soil in Canterbury and has numerous wineries including: Pegasus Bay, Canterbury House, Camshorn Winery, Daniel Schuster Wines, Sherwood Estate and many others. Most wineries are open for cellar doors sales and some wineries (for example Pegasus Bay and Canterbury House) also have dining available.
The International Antarctic Centre opened on 28 September 1990. The Centre, developed by Christchurch International Airport Limited, was established to support Antarctic scientific programmes. Its architecture was inspired by the icebergs, ice shelves and glaciers of Antarctica. The centre includes many interactive displays and attractions. Experience the Antarctic at the ‘World’s Best Antarctic Attraction’!
Orana Wildlife Park specialises in getting visitors “up close and personal with the animals”. Some animal encounters are not offered anywhere else in the world! Hand feed a Giraffe! Meet White Rhinoceros in a face-to-face encounter! Watch a Cheetah sprint! , Pat a Llama!. Thrill seekers can participate in a wonderful experience, unique to the Park called the Lion Encounter Ride - ride on board our specially designed feeding wagon which travels with the Animal Keepers through the African Lion Reserve for close up views of these magnificent creatures feeding - a truly memorable experience! The park is open daily 10am – 5pm (except Christmas Day).
Riding the Gondola is a spectacular experience that is enjoyed by visitors to Christchurch and locals. The 945 metre Gondola ride gently lifts visitors, in the comfort of 4 person passenger cabins, almost 500 metres (1500 feet) above sea level. Unique 360 degree views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit complex, on the crater rim of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano. Nature walkways, a café and displays make this a great way to experience the region.
Step back in time at Ferrymead Historic Park. Built as an interactive museum and historical display of transport in early Canterbury, the park features an Edwardian Township complete with Picture Theatre, School House, Church, Bakery, Jail and Railway Station as well as a fascinating array of museum and heritage collections.
Approximately an hour out of Christchurch and situated on Banks Peninsula, the area was first settled by the French in the 19th century before New Zealand was officially claimed by the British. the main streets retain their French heritage and some of the early forms of architecture relate to those early days. Often regarded as the Riviera of Christchurch for its bays and cobalt blue waters Akaroa is a major vacation and weekend retreat with wonderful walks and relaxing cafes.
Jet boating, bungy jumping, mountain biking, awesome tramps and relaxing hot springs are just some of the delights in Hanmer Springs. Situtated approximately 1 ½ hours inland from Christchurch, it is the perfect destination for a day trip. Why not hire one of our picnic baskets to enjoy the beautiful native bush!
The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and is rated among the top train trips in the world!!!. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The engineering in the Otira Viaduct is some of the most unique in the world. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. The Tranz Alpine to Greymouth has a shuttle service. Free pick up from Dorset House at 7.00 am, but be ready 5 minutes prior to this time outside Dorset House.
The TranzScenic is another journey that is a scenic feast, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. The TranzScenic includes a buffet carriage, an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air. The TranzScenic to Picton also has a free pick up service. Please be ready and waiting outside Dorset House at 5.55 am in order to catch the shuttle.
