Christchurch is known as New Zealand's Garden City with its 740+ parks, including the large165ha Hagley Park located in the central area of the city and the nearby Botanical Garden with the electric 'Caterpillar' shuttle garden tours.There are many activities to accommodate all personal interests. Some suggestions being, The Canterbury Museum, The Air Force Museum, Heritage Parks, Punting on the citys picturesque Avon River, or views of the city and beyond from the look-out of the Port Hills.
For the more adventuresome, there is 'thrill seekers' river Jet Boating, The Antarctic Centre with its interactive and visual experiences along with the penguin encounter, or the full on and exciting Hagglund ride, If that is not enough there is Wildlife Reserve with its many native birds including the New Zealand Kiwi or an open range Wildlife Park and its animals.
There is also opportunity to travel the Volcanic Peninsula area with its many scenic bays and harbours. Winery tours into the nearby Waipara Valley wine region, or the option of some retail therapy within the South Island's largest shopping centres.
A very popular option with our overseas visitors is a visit to a New Zealand sheepskin clothing and footwear manufacturer for purchases at factory direct prices, experience the opportunity of purchasing high quality Merino wool garments, shopping at its best.
There are a variety of multi-day tours that we can highly recommend.
These private tours can be structured as required, and are especially suitable for couples or small groups who prefer to avoid large coach travelling conditions and the associated hassles and contraints.
Our private tours are extremely popular with overseas groups and families when visiting New Zealand. These tours are available using our small luxury vehicles, accompanied through-out by our driver/guide.
Tours involve overnight accommodation at various must see locations available along the way. The tours can be planned exclusivley with the cost to fit within all budgets.
To multi-day tour and see the many attactions throughout New Zealand, does not necessarily mean a large expense.
Day 1. On the day of your arrival into the South Island of New Zealand you will be met at Christchurch Airport by your driver/guide for transfer to your accommodation and depending on your arrival time, take an optional tour of Christchurch city and its surrounds folllowing your check-in.
Day 2. Depart Christchurch for travel to the West Coast region and to the township of Franz Josef. The day inculdes travel over inland rural Canterbury Plains into the picturesque Southern Alps to travel two spectaular road passes. Visiting the West Coast town of Hokitika with options of visiting the regions Greenstone (Pounamu - Jade) product manufacturing factories, a Kiwi wildlife centre, a Possum fur products shop. A visit to a picturesque river gorge walk formed by an ice glacier many years ago, or an all inspiring Tree Top Walk structure amongst the canopy of a New Zealand native forest, before continuing the travel to the village of Franz Josef. (Overnight Franz Josef)
Day 3. Before departing Franz Josef the option of a scenic helicopter flight into the Southern Alps Mt.Cook region to experience a snow landing along with a walk on the ice and snow. Travel to Lake Wanaka, on route taking in views of the Franz Josef and or Fox Glacier. Take a easy walk around the shore of the reflective waters of Lake Matheson that provide a view of Mount Cook (3754m/12,300+ ft.). Travel through the scenic rain forest region of South Westland including the spectacular Haast Pass highway with stops that include some not so strenuous but most picturesque native forest walks, and while on route stops for photos at the large fresh water lakes of Wanaka and Hawea.(overnight Wanaka)
Day 4. Explore the tranquil township of Wanaka and take in the views of the Mount Aspiring National Park along with a photo opportunity of the famous 'Tree In The Lake' before departing for Te Anau travelling over New Zealand's highest public highway 'The Crown Range', travel the Devils Staircase along the shore of picturesque Lake Wakatipu. In the evening an option of a cruise on lake Te Anau (the South Island largest lake) to the 12,000 year old under-ground cave system located on the western side of the lake that is home to 1000's of tiny glow worms.(overnight Te Anau)
Day 5. Depart Te Anau to travel to Milford Sound taking in the spectacular mountain scenery on route including the (1.2km,0.75 mile) Homer Tunnel that leads into the scenic Fiordland region and Milford Sound. At Milford be captivated by a cruise on the mountainous bush clad Milford Sound and its famous Mitre Peak, before departing Milford for the tourist mecca of New Zealand, Queenstown (overnight Queenstown).
Day 6. Spend the day in and around Queenstown with the many options to visit the likes of the quaint and historic Arrowtown village with its numerous boutique shops and their high quality products, plus time to include the world famous New Zealand jet boating experience on the Shotover river, bungy jumping either physically or visually, the vineyards and cheese of the Gibbston valley, not forgetting an evening within the friendly township of Queenstown with its numerous restaurant options including the must try 'Ferg Burger' take-a-way. In addition experience the town's large variety of retail shops. (2nd overnight Queenstown).
Day 7. Depart Queenstown travelling the scenic Kawarau River Gorge into the central Otago region, Cromwell town and over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie country and on to Mt Cook and its alpine village. If feeling energetic one may partake in some of the alpine walking tracks. (overnight Mt.Cook or alternatively overnight at Tekapo should one wish to experience the famous 'Night Sky'.
Day 8. Depart for Christchurch along the shoreline of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, travel by vehicle up Mt.John to the Astro Café with its 360 degrees spectacular panoramic views of the region, continue the journey to Christchurch by way of the rural towns of Fairlie and inland Geraldine before saying farewell to your Call Jeeves driver/guide at the end of the day in Christchurch either at the Christchurch Airport or altenatively overnight Christchurch before your flight the following day.
