Christchurch
Christchurch, the international gateway to the South Island, is famous for its natural beauty and huge range of attractions and activities. With the centrally located 161ha Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park, leafy avenues, and spectacular gardens like Mona Vale on the banks of the Avon River, Christchurch certainly lives up to its internationally recognised title of “The Garden City”.
Christchurch has an abundance of activities and attractions, festivals, art and culture, stunning parks and gardens, 19th Century buildings and unique and diverse retail outlets. Experience a multitude of must–see attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, the Arts Centre, and Art Gallery, take a tram through the city or ride the Gondola for magnificent views of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.
Other varied attractions include the International Antarctic Centre, Orana Wildlife Park, cruising on Lyttelton Harbour or a stroll through the Cultural Precinct – education, art, science, government, religion, history and recreation all within an area of less than a square kilometer in the heart of the city.
The surrounding area is a largely undiscovered playground. The varied landscape includes rugged ocean beaches, wide braided rivers, spectacular gorges, fertile plains, and beyond to the majestic Southern Alps. From bungi–jumping, jet boating and skiing for the thrill seekers, to hiking in the Port Hills, visiting award winning wineries or punting on the Avon for those wanting a more relaxing holiday, Christchurch has it all.
Day Trips
Enjoy a scenic drive from Christchurch with breath–taking views of the harbour bays as you drive over the summit of the Port Hills to Akaroa. Spend the day enjoying the many cafés, restaurants, art & craft shops and galleries, or take a cruise on the beautiful harbour and view a variety of stunning wildlife including seals, penguins, birdlife and the endangered Hectors dolphins.
To the north of Christchurch is Waipara, a rapidly growing wine region producing world class wine ranging from rich, spicy Pinot Noir to aromatic, dry Riesling. With 24 wine producers in the region, including 11 cellar door operations and 3 vineyard based restaurants, there are ample opportunities to sample the local wine & food or tour a vineyard.
Continue inland to Hamner Springs and relax in the hot pools at the Hamner Springs thermal reserve, or continue north to Kaikoura where you can take a Whale Watch tour, swim with the dolphins or sample the local delicacy of fresh crayfish.
Auckland
Auckland, ‘City of Sails’ is New Zealand’s largest city. Sprawling over a narrow neck of land between the Waitemata and Manakau Harbours it is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, tranquil holiday islands, outstanding food & wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife.
Auckland is the world’s largest Polynesian city, it is a melting pot of South Pacific and Asian cultures as well as a strong indigenous Maori heritage, and its growing popularity as an international education destination has seen an explosion of ethnic restaurants and shops.
The region is dotted with 48 volcanic cones, with Mt Eden and One Tree Hill offering spectacular views over Auckland. With the Waitemata and Manakau Harbours dominating the landscape, there are an abundance of cruises, sightseeing expeditions and fishing charters on the harbour, or further a–field to the Hauraki Gulf, for you to experience.
For those wanting breathtaking views and adventure, visit the imposing Sky Tower in the middle of the CBD where you can stand on the glass floor and experience unrivalled views of the city, and take the short route down with ‘Sky Jump’. Or you can climb to the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge for views of Auckland Harbour and the city, and then bungy off.
Auckland is a diverse cosmopolitan city, brimming with vibrancy and diversity, with a vast range of shopping options to experience. For a true taste of Pacific arts & crafts, traditional Maori carvings and funky jewelry as well as delicious cuisine and live entertainment a visit to the Aotea Square Market in the heart of the city is a must. For a more contemporary shopping experience visit Newmarket for the best in style, fashion and design, or Parnell Village, Auckland’s trendy oldest suburb, famed for its art galleries, cafés, restaurants and charming boutique shops.
Only a short drive over the Harbour Bridge takes you to the North Shore, known for its coastal and lifestyle attraction. With Pohutukawa lined white sandy beaches and 140km of urban coastline, Takapuna with its trendy cafés and restaurants and Devonport where you will find a diverse range of art galleries and a more relaxed atmosphere are definitely worth a visit.
Day Trips
Waiheke Island, a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves is only 35 mins from Auckland by ferry in the Hauraki Gulf. There are a great range of activities including mountain biking, sea kayaking, arts & crafts, walks, and plenty of cafés and wineries where you can sample of one of the many award winning wines produced at the islands many wineries.
Great Barrier Island is a more isolated destination taking 4 ½hrs by ferry or 30mins by air. It is an unspoilt paradise, rugged and beautiful, where beaches are pure, sandy and often deserted. For a lazy break take a walk on the beach; or for a more energetic break try fishing, bush walking, mountain biking or surfing on the popular east coast beaches.
Head west from Auckland through the lush rainforest of the Waitakere ranges to Titirangi and Piha where the stunning wild, black sand beaches are popular surfing, swimming and fishing destinations. The suburb of Henderson is Auckland’s original wine growing district and as you travel to Kumeu you will notice an abundance of new and old wineries most open for tastings and meals.
To the south of Auckland is an appealing blend of urban and rural spaces. Visit significant landmarks and attractions in Manakau City (one of the most multicultural centres of NZ), including the Otara markets and Mangere mountain before heading toward the coast and forests, lakes, waterfalls, sand cliffs and stunning views of the Manakau Heads.
