We are delighted to let you know about a number of excursions that we can offer which will not only save you up to 50% off the local ticket prices, but save you valuable time during your stay.
You can call us free of charge on 01737 646416 to book any of these trips & tours.
Christchurch
Discover Christchurch, half day sightseeing - £39 per person - Following the pickup from guests accommodation, the tour commences by covering the central city highlights, including Cathedral You will be collected from your Hotel/Motel, the tour then travels through the University of Canterbury, down to Riccarton House and Bush and then through Monavale Gardens where you will have a chance to have a short stroll with 5.5 hectares of richly landscaped gardens, ponds and fountains.
The tour then continues into the central city, through Hagley park, the boat sheds, Botanical Gardens Arts Centre in the historic Buildings that were once Canterbury University, past the Museum, Art Galley and Victoria Clock Tower before moving on to the Catholic Basillica, then onto the seaside suburb of Sumner, then to Lyttleton Harbour, a volcanic crater which is now the port of Christchurch.
The tour then ends with a visit to the Sign of the Takahe, situated on the volcanic ridges of the cashmere hills, provides spectacular views of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, you will be then returned to your accommodation.
Full day Hamner Springs - £189 per person See rural New Zealand at its finest with a visit to a farm followed a white-knuckle river adventure and a visit to the famous Hamner Springs thermal resort. And on the return journey, stop off at a winery for a tasting of brilliant local wines that are simply bursting with character.
Travel by road through the rural pastoral scenes of north Canterbury, taking in the beautiful scenery before arriving at a local sheep farm for short tour of complex and for a sheep shearing demonstration. Arrive at Thrillseekers Canyon, Hanmer Springs, and challenge the waters of the Waiau Gorge by jet boat or white water raft. Lunch at the Garden House Café at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort Pools. Since 1859 these thermal springs have attracted visitors seeking to unwind and ease their aches and pains in the soothing mineral waters. As an alternative to the jet boating or rafting at Thrillseekers, a therapeutic massage with steam or sauna can be arranged for your pleasure.
On the return journey to Christchurch, a stop will be made at a North Canterbury Winery for wine tasting. The tour includes lunch, admission to thermal pools, farm visit and wine tasting. Also included is a choice of one of the following: jet-boating, rafting or therapeutic massage.
Christchurch Wildlife Cruise - £45 per person Discover rare dolphins just 15 minutes from central Christchurch. Cruise the scenic Lyttleton Harbour aboard the sleek Canterbury Cat. You'll catch a glimpse of one of the world's rarest and smallest dolphins - the Hector or New Zealand dolphin. You'll also discover Little Blue Penguins and other coastal marine birdlife such as breeding spotted shags, white fronted terns and numerous species of gulls. As well as the natural wildlife, you'll see evidence of the harbours violent, volcanic past. Lyttelton has a fascinating history; your skipper will point out the many significant sites including those of the early Maori and European settlers. There are stories from the historic Lyttelton Township, the lengends of Ripapa Island and more.
Lord of the rings – Journey to Edoras - £139 per person Get well off the beaten track with this 4WD tour to the wide open spaces of remote Mt Sunday, which was transformed into Edoras for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Get well off the beaten track with this 4WD tour to the wide open spaces of remote Mt Sunday, which was transformed into Edoras for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
This tour by 4WD will take you racing through rivers and right onto Mt Sunday itself, showing you the stunning scenery of the remote Mt Potts high country station. You will enjoy a delicious champagne lunch in the crisp mountain air overlooking beautifully clear lakes and rivers, and have a full running commentary about the area from your local kiwi guide throughout the day.
There are plenty of behind the scenes photos and replicas, as well as unique Edoras merchandise, but you do not have to be a fan of the trilogy to appreciate the stunning mountains rising out of the alluvial plains carved by ancient glaciers in the immense wilderness surrounding you.
Kaikoura
Dolphin encounter Kaikoura, swim with dolphins cruise - £129 per person Swim with playful, acrobatic Dusky Dolphins in their natural environment in this experience-of-a-lifetime off the coast of Kaikoura.
For those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, this is a truly unique experience. All vessels are purpose built for the comfort of passengers and have adequate covered areas out of the weather; approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours is spent out on the water. This is an opportunity to interact with the dusky dolphins at play while gaining wonderful views of these spectacular and acrobatic mammals. These dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round. Other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins are sometimes also seen and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the trip.
Whale watch Kaikoura - £99 per person Get up close and personal with giant Sperm Whales in their natural habitat on this dream encounter.
Due to a complex marine eco-system which supports a variety of wildlife, including the largest concentration of pelagic birds in New Zealand, fur seals, dolphins and many species of whales, Kaikoura is the perfect place for you to see marine mammals in their own environment.
Onboard you will see the magnificent Sperm Whale as it comes to the surface after hunting for giant squid at depths of up to 3,200 metres. Humpback, Pilot and Southern Right Whales also call Kaikoura home and although the Sperm Whale can be seen year round, it is likely that you will spot many other species out at sea, including pods of up to 800 Dusky Dolphins cavorting in the water around you!
Your local crew know the area and the whales themselves, and so are able to provide you with a fascinating commentary as you enter into the habitat of the amazing array of wildlife that call this area home. Come and see these amazing creatures in their natural environment and experience the magic of being close to them.
Kaikoura Albatross Encounter - £79 per person Experience the sensation of getting close to the mighty Albatross, one of the world's largest flight birds.
Although famous for its resident whales and dolphins, Kaikoura's best kept secret is its incredible diversity of pelagic (ocean going) birds. Kaikoura is the albatross capital of the world with up to 14 different species visiting the area throughout the year. Experience the sensation of getting close to the mighty Albatross, one of the world's largest flight birds. This tour involves feeding and observing the large pelagic birds of the Kaikoura coastline, including Northern and Southern Albatross, Petrels and occasionally some varieties of Penguins. Travel time out to where you begin to see seabirds can be anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes.
Blenheim
Full day wine experience – Marlborough region - £79 per person On this exclusive tour, you will travel to the heart of New Zealand's primary wine-making district famous for floral sauvignon blancs, chardonnays and fruity reislings.
On this exclusive tour, you will travel to the heart of New Zealand’s prime wine-making district and visit 6 or 7 local vineyards. Marlborough is NZ’s biggest wine-producing area and is particularly famous for floral sauvignon blancs, chardonnays and fruity reislings. Your guide and the enthusiastic local owners will assist you in learning how to fully appreciate white wine and how to tell the subtle differences in the grape.
Hell’s Gate mud bath and spa - £59 per person Perfect for experienced fishermen or absolute beginners, enjoy the tranquillity of Marlborough's sheltered waterways and abundance of game fish including snapper, hake, barracouda and blue cod.
Perfect for experienced fishermen or absolute beginners, this tour lets you enjoy the tranquillity of Marlborough’s sheltered waterways and an abundance of fish. The region is famous for snapper, hake, hapuku, trumpeter, butterfish, ling, barracouta and blue cod. You can choose to keep whatever you catch and have it filleted ready to be cooked for supper - your entertaining captains will advise you on which fish are best to eat. Many of the local restaurants will cook your fish which you can enjoy with one of the marvelous local Sauvignon Blancs.
Nelson
Abel Tasman Seals & Beach - £69 per person Spend a leisurely day exploring New Zealand's finest coastal National Park as you cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Abel Tasman Voyager and also wander around spectacular Bark Bay estuary.
Covering just 22,520 hectares, the Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park but perhaps the best known due to its 91km of beautiful coastline. Just north of Motueka, the park is popular with nature lovers visiting the seal colony, trampers who want to explore the lush subtropical forest, kayakers taking to the crystal clear waters in search of dolphins and day trippers who simply want to relax on one of the golden sand beaches.
Head to Kaiteriteri, where you board Abel Tasman Voyager, a state-of-the-art, 140-passenger catamaran with two decks; one lower covered deck and one open viewing deck. Cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve, pausing to watch the antics of its resident Fur Seal Colony. Land at historic Tonga Quarry beach to walk 2-2½ hours (4.1 kms, 2.5 miles) over a forested saddle and around spectacular Bark Bay estuary with its cascading waterfalls. Reboard your vessel at the sheltered golden cove, Medlands Beach, for a return cruise to Kaiteriteri.
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventure - £149 per person a day of fun and relaxation awaits, as you board a beautiful catamaran and set sail along New Zealand’s coastal paradise.
Experience the pristine clear waters, secluded sandy coves, mysterious islands and lush native forest of the Abel Tasman National Park on this fun-filled sailing trip aboard a spacious sailing catamaran. Enjoy a great day on the water combining sailing and sightseeing with stops at a number of the golden beaches for which the coastline is renowned. Above all, there is plenty of time for relaxing – although you are more than welcome to get involved in the sailing. Highlights include Split Apple Rock, and a visit to a New Zealand fur seal colony. A café prepared lunch is taken on the hour long stop at beautiful Anchorage beach.
Abel Tasman Kayak, Seals and Walk Tour - £69 per person Discover the natural beauty of the amazing Abel Tasman National Park as you cruise, kayak and wander along the magnificent coastline.
Covering just 22,520 hectares, the Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park but perhaps the best known due to its 91km of beautiful coastline. Just north of Motueka, the park is popular with nature lovers visiting the seal colony, trampers who want to explore the lush subtropical forest, kayakers taking to the crystal clear waters in search of dolphins and day trippers who simply want to relax on one of the golden sand beaches.
Your tour will start with a full briefing on safety procedures and kayaking techniques before you take to the turquoise waters and explore the secret inlets and islands along the granite coastline.
After returning to shore you will board the Vigour Taxi speedboat and head off over the waves to Onetahuti beach, visiting the New Zealand fur seal colony at Tonga Island along the way. Relax on this golden sand beach for a while and then take your time on the track through native forest on the way to Bark Bay where your boat waits to return you to your starting point.
Fox Glacier
Heli Hiking fox glacier - £239 per person - This unrivalled experience combines an exhilarating helicopter flight with the thrill of exploring the gleaming icy sculptures and caves of this spectacular glacier that would otherwise be virtually inaccessible.
The fly-in, fly-out helihike combines the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier with the thrill of helicopter flights. By flying in the guests are able to access and explore a part of the glacier where its forces work hardest and often create spectacular ice caves and arches. Equipped with sturdy leather boots and other equipment, the guests board the helicopter for their first flight over the pinnacles of the lower icefall. Here, the ice is in constant motion. They then circle the upper icefall and Victoria Falls before landing. The landing site on the ice is a remote and exceptionally beautiful part of the glacier. At this stage, the guide outfits participants with crampons specially designed for these ice conditions and they then follow the ice steps cut by the guide as they explore the amazing formations and ice caves which are only seen here. Each departure is a true voyage of exploration. There are so many changing features that the guides always find something new.
Both your flight to the glacier and your hike on the mighty river of ice take place under the guidance of expert pilots and guides to ensure that you get the utmost enjoyment, safety and comfort from your exciting trip.
Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier - £199 per person - Fly over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers before touching down on the at the head of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Take advantage of the terrific photo opportunities of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman while landed on the snow.
The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are New Zealand’s most well known glaciers, perhaps due to their striking sapphire tinged ice and crisp, white appearance. Because the West Coast experiences such heavy snowfall, the ice crystals fuse and form the clear ice that makes these two glaciers so pristine.
Flying over these two glaciers is an exhilarating experience and you will delight at the breathtaking panoramic views as you soar over the pure white ice peaks and canyons below. You will land at the head of either the Franz Josef or the Fox Glacier and enjoy the overwhelming view of the glacier as it winds down from the towering mountains behind you into the steep valley below. This valley was created by the incredible movement of the ice and the extraordinary natural ice sculptures you will see are testimony to this powerful force.
Fox Glacier Snow Landing Helicopter Flight - £139 per person - Experience the true untouched beauty and awe inspiring scenery of one of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers on this 20-minute scenic flight over majestic Fox Glacier.
Board your sightseeing helicopter and sweep above Westland National Park as you explore the Fox Glacier to 6000’ before landing in the snow to enjoy exceptional views across the Fox Glacier Neve to Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and the views of the majestic Southern Alps. Snow landings last for around 8 - 10 minutes and are provided as a fantastic photo opportunity for participants to capture the breathtaking alpine surrounds for picture perfect opportunities.
