Christchurch Trip Overview
On this exclusive private 4 day tour you will experience the stunning beauty of the Alpine Triangle. Highlights include: Kaikoura- a dolphin and whale-watching paradise, Christchurch- The Garden City, the beauty of the Pancake Rocks with an overnight stay in Punakaiki and a trip through the majestic Alps via the Tranz- Alpine Train. The best part is that you will discover the best that the region has to offer with the luxury of your own private driver and vehicle.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 days
Starts: Christchurch, New Zealand
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
Explore Christchurch Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand
On this exclusive private 4 day tour you will experience the stunning beauty of the Alpine Triangle. Highlights include: Kaikoura- a dolphin and whale-watching paradise, Christchurch- The Garden City, the beauty of the Pancake Rocks with an overnight stay in Punakaiki and a trip through the majestic Alps via the Tranz- Alpine Train. The best part is that you will discover the best that the region has to offer with the luxury of your own private driver and vehicle.
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch Arrival
Stop At: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch New Zealand
This morning you will be collected by private driver and from here the day is free to explore Christchurch, known throughout New Zealand as ‘The Garden City. We will take a Christchurch city tour which will include a stroll in the botanic gardens and drive around the bays of Christchurch taking in Lyttelton which was the gateway for many of Christchurch and the Canterbury region’s first settlers. We will also experience the magic of going for a punt on the Avon River as well as taking a trip up the Christchurch Gondola. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner together in Christchurch’s Iconic Monday room.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 4 star option- Rydges Christchurch (or similar)
Day 2: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Stop At: Whale Watch Kaikoura, Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7340, New Zealand
YOUR DAY
190 km, 2 hours and 30 minutes driving.
Today you will head north through the wine growing area of Waipara to Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a sea life paradise which boasts whales, seals, albatross and dolphins. There are over 17 species of whale to be found in Kaikoura all within 8 km of the coastline. Early afternoon you will take a whale watching boat tour (included activity- one person only. (Guide can take member not doing activity to scenic spots around Kaikoura. Keep a look out for Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales and Orcas as well as many species of Dolphin. Spend the night in the seaside village of Kaikoura.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4 star option- White Morph (or similar)
Day 3: Kaikoura to Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)
Stop At: Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, State Highway 6, Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki 7873 New Zealand
YOUR DAY
360 km, 5 hours driving
Today you will head through the Lewis Pass to the South Island’s West Coast, known by many as an isolated paradise featuring rugged coastline and native bush. Your stop tonight is Punakaiki where you can explore the pancake rocks and blowholes situated right next to the village; a bizarre, rugged, rocky landscape, which impresses thousands of visitors each year with its powerful forces of nature. En the way we will stop at the alpine village of Hanmer Springs and get the chance to take a dip in the thermal pools (at additional cost). Tonight upon arrival in Punakaiki, you have the option of enjoying a true blue New Zealand pub meal this evening before calling it a night (optional – extra cost).
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4 star option Punakaiki Resort (or similar)
Day 4: Punakaiki to Christchurch Via Tranz-Alpine Train
Stop At: TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch – Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
YOUR DAY
45 km, 45 minutes driving, 5 hour train journey
Today you will drive South back to Greymouth where you will ride the magnificent Tranz-Alpine Train through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. This was voted one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Keep a look out for the Bealey River with the towering Alps above and try to spot our native parrot; the Kea, along the way. The scenery is truly breath-taking. Upon arrival into Christchurch you will be collected at the train station and transferred to your onward travel arrangements. ‘We Trust that you have had a memorable exclusive tour with us’.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
