Christchurch, New Zealand - Australia & New Zealand Cruises

For an introduction to Christchurch, join this narrated drive featuring the main highlights of the ‘Garden City’.

Travel to the historic ‘Sign Of The Takahe’ lookout for spectacular views over Christchurch and Canterbury Plains. From the lookout point, your narrated city drive continues into the heart of the city, passing the Bridge Of Remembrance, the Anglican Cathedral and the Town Hall complex. Spend a little time at Victoria Square, which was once the commercial heart of the city. Known as Market Square, the statues of Queen Victoria and Captain Cook are situated here.

Stroll in the wonderful Botanical Gardens amidst mature trees gathered from all parts of the world and enjoy a rose garden, water gardens and splendid seasonal displays. The Gardens, situated on the Avon River, are the pride of Christchurch. During your self guided visit of the Gardens, you may also choose to visit the nearby Christchurch Arts Centre and where you may view and perhaps purchase quality gifts from a range of artisan shops and studios. Also located nearby is the Christchurch Museum, which houses interesting Maori and Antarctic exhibitions.

Note: There is approximately 30 minutes of walking involved on this tour. Additional walking within the Botanical Gardens is at guests’ discretion.

Combine the sights of the Weka Pass Railway, local Waipara Winery and the International Antarctic Centre.

A journey of approximately 1½ hours takes you north of Christchurch into the heart of one of the fastest growing wine regions in New Zealand. Upon arrival at the small township of Waipara, board the historic Weka Pass train, driven by steam or diesel engine. A two-hour round trip of the area by train is a perfect way to enjoy the magnificent scenery, to see the diverse agricultural pursuits of the area and to marvel at the weird and wonderful limestone rock formations.

After your memorable heritage rail journey, you will visit a local winery for luncheon and a wine tasting.

The highlight of your afternoon is a visit to International Antarctic Centre. Hands-on exhibits, video presentations, laser holograms and stereo sound combine to bring the frozen continent to life. Follow the Antarctic seasons, witness the Aurora Australis and observe life in a penguin rookery. The Centre’s real snow cave allows you to experience the actual temperatures of Antarctica.

Note: A diesel engine will be used instead of a steam engine for the heritage train ride if fire bans are in place during hot summer months. The tour involves approximately one hour of walking over mainly paved ground.

This tour includes some of the attractions that make the city of Christchurch so special and unique.

Arriving at the historic Antigua Boatsheds, you will receive a warm welcome before being invited to board your English-style punt. Your puntsman will take you on a leisurely boat ride on the Avon River, through the scenic Botanical Gardens, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of a garden paradise right in the heart of the city.

Following your punt ride, enjoy a short walk to the Curator’s House, a beautifully restored building which was formerly the residence of the Curator of the Botanic Gardens. The House is now a top class restaurant and café, where you may relax and enjoy refreshments in elegant surroundings.

A short walk then leads to Christchurch Arts Centre, a vibrant area for artists and entertainers with over 40 specialty shops for you to explore. You may also wish to visit the nearby Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum or Christchurch Art Gallery during your time here.

Included in your tour is a ticket to ride the historic tram, which travels in a loop around the inner city. Travel at your leisure, get on and off the tram as you please and explore some of the popular visitor sites such as Victoria Square, New Regent Street with its Spanish architecture, Cathedral Square and Worcester Boulevard.

Note: Guests must be sufficiently mobile to get into and out of the punts. The tour involves approximately 30 minutes’ walking.

Combine the best of the city sights with a delicious sparkling high tea onboard the colonial style tramcar restaurant.

Located high on the Cashmere Hills, your first stop is at the historical Sign of Takahe, built by Harry (H.G.) Ell as part of a series of staging points along the unbroken route to the Akaroa Summit. Enjoy a short photograph stop to capture the spectacular views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps.

From the lookout point your tour heads into the city. In 1993 Christchurch was awarded the world title as the best ‘Garden City’ and It is easy to understand why, as you stroll through Mona Vale, the 13½ acre gardens and landscaped lawns which gently roll down to the Avon River. Before boarding your tram for high tea, enjoy the scenes in Cathedral Square, the Christchurch Cathedral, the striking First World War Memorial and Neil Dawson’s ‘Chalice’ sculpture and man-sized chess.

Then it is all aboard the luxury colonial-style dining tram for high tea, which includes a glass of sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, delicate sandwiches and cakes served with tea, as the sights of Christchurch glide slowly past your window.

Note: The tramcar tour takes one hour and there is approximately 40 minutes of walking included on paved pathways.

A wonderful introduction to Christchurch by coach and tram.

Your tour begins with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre where you can experience the beauty and mystery of the ice continent. Focusing on modern-day Antarctica, the Centre provides an insight into the continent’s environmental significance, incredible wildlife and spectacular scenery through high-tech sound and light shows and hands-on exhibits.

Afterwards, enjoy a ride on the Christchurch Tramway and learn about the past and present of this delightful city. Starting at Cathedral Square you will travel past many of the city’s historic sights and cross the lovely Avon River on your exclusive tram trip.

Considered one of the finest in the Southern Hemisphere, the Canterbury Museum exhibits early colonial life, Antarctic discovery and the three voyages of Captain Cook. A new gallery, ‘Ancient People New Land’, features displays of the now extinct Moa (a large bird), the early Polynesians who hunted them, and three life-size diorama.

Located in the centre of Cathedral Square, the Alchemy Restaurant, at the award-winning New City Art Gallery, is the perfect spot for a Devonshire tea. As you sip your tea you may find yourself agreeing that Christchurch is indeed New Zealand’s most English city.

Note: This tour involves approximately two hours of walking; flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Combine stunning scenery with the excitement of a jet boat adventure.

The first jet boat was invented in New Zealand by William Hamilton in 1957. This exhilarating experience has since become a great Kiwi activity, which has opened up many otherwise inaccessible areas, one of these being the glacier-fed Waimakariri River.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Christchurch and along the rugged Canterbury plains. The Waimakariri River, or the Waimak as it is called by the locals, was named by a native New Zealand Maori tribe meaning ‘River of Cold Rushing Water’. Your jet boat driver will skilfully pilot the boat through areas you would never imagine possible, performing high speed 360° Hamilton spins - guaranteed to thrill. Have your camera ready as you zip across the crystal clear waters, you may be lucky and catch a glimpse of the salmon and rainbow/brown trout that inhabit the river.

Note: The jet boat ride will be approximately 30 minutes. This tour is not suitable for those with back or neck injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate. A t-shirt, with swimwear underneath is recommended; you will get wet. Please bring a towel. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Take one of the world’s great rail trips to Arthur’s Pass National Park and enjoy a visit to a working farm.

After a short coach journey to Lyttelton Railway Station, step aboard the famous Tranz Alpine Express train for a spectacular journey into an area of unrivalled scenery. This spectacular train ride takes you into rolling hills, through tunnels, viaducts and remote river gorges to the rainforests of Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival at Arthur’s Pass Station, disembark and visit the National Park Information Office and marvel at the magnificent mountain scenery. A simple, picnic-style luncheon will be served onboard the train.

In the Sandown district, a visit will be made to Deans Farm, the owners of which are direct descendants of the first settlers in Christchurch. The farm is a fascinating place, set in eight acres of woodland. You will have an opportunity to see a demonstration of sheep shearing and have some free time to browse for souvenirs in the craft shop. Afternoon tea will be served at the farm.

Your return drive by coach takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through parts of Christchurch. En route you will see the impressive Anglican Cathedral, Botanical Gardens and Christchurch Arts Centre.

Note: Guests must be sufficiently mobile to step on and off the train. The tour involves approximately 45 minutes of walking over both paved and rough ground. Flat, comfortable shoes and a warm jacket are recommended. The itinerary may operate in reverse order.