Christchurch, the most English of New Zealand cities, known as the Garden City, is also the largest in the South Island.  The ships berth at Lyttelton Harbour, a short drive through the Port Hills Tunnel to the main city. Popular tours are to the French style town of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsular, farm and wine tours to the Canterbury plains, or the famous Trans Alpine scenic train journey over the Alps. There's also the new Antarctic Centre out by the airport as well as the Maori Village at the Ferrymead Historic Park. See below for destinations in the Christchurch district.

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We offer luxury Harbour and Nature cruises and cater for the top end of the market. We take small groups of people (maximum 22) for a more personal and intimate experience. During the cruise guests will get the chance to see the Hectors Dolphin, the smallest and rarest dolphin in the world, as well as NZ fur seals, little blue penguins, a variety of sea birds and much, much, more. Our luxurious catamaran is smaller than competitors which allows us to visit extraordinary sea caves, volcanic cliffs and rock formations. Guests will receive a complimentary drink of award winning astrolabe wine, organic juice, tea, coffee etc. and some fresh home baking. Our family history dates back to 1838 and as your hosts we are able to give you detailed commentary of the history, wildlife, geology and Maori traditions.

Operating from Methven, "New Zealand's Finest Ballooning Location".  Pristine views are obtained of Mt. Cook and the National Park Mountains.  Nestled well inland from the seacoast, being very central over the Canterbury Plains, and positioned alongside Mt. Hutt International Ski Field.  Methven is away from the restrictions of an International Airport and Christchurch City, and offers a full 300km panorama of the entire plains farm land from south of Timaru, to well north of Christchurch City.  Also the world's finest example of a braided river system is viewed, the Rakaia River. Commencing at daybreak, allow up to 4 hours of which about 1 hour is the actual flight concluding with a buffet "Champagne style breakfast", offered as a picnic in the farmer's field where the balloon lands.  A non-flying ground fare is available for any one who does not wish to fly in the balloon.  A Tranquil, Romantic, Enthralling and Exciting Air Adventure.

Enjoy an entertaining Inner City Tour on beautifully restored heritage trams. Explore the "must see and do" attractions on the tram route. Accompanied children under 16 are FREE! Also offering a unique á la carte dining experience on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.

Here's one of those once in a life time moments: join a tour with Dolphin Experience and swim with one of the smallest and rare dolphins, the New Zealand Hector Dolphin. Akaroa is a small township 80km from Christchurch, renowned for its special French flair. It is the only place in the world that you can swim with these wild dolphins. Viewing also available. Dolphin Experience has been operating since 1991 and enjoys taking small groups to see and swim with the Hector Dolphins. We supply all the equipment including wetsuits, mask, snorkel and fins. All you need to bring is swimming suit, towel and a smile.

What better way to experience the natural beauty of the Lyttleton Harbour and the Port Hills than from a majestic Classic Yacht on Lyttleton Harbour? Jack Tar Sailing offers a variety of chartered sailing trips in and around Lyttelton Harbour, one of two major harbours on Banks Peninsula. We can cater for groups of up to 6 people on full and half day trips. Charters generally sail past Rapaki or Quail Island and explore the sheltered bays around Lyttleton Harbour. If on a full day sailing, you will get a chance to explore one of these idylic spots as you enjoy a picnic lunch break. While out sailing with us, you will have the chance to see many dolphins, sea birds and other marine wildlife. All trips are made on the classic Gaff Rig Yacht "Oyster" one of the oldest boats in survey in New Zealand.

Exciting Jet boating is only 30 minutes from the Port of Lyttelton. We have 3 purpose built Jet boats that have a capacity of about 36 in total. We offer 4 tour options with morning and afternoon departures and free shuttle service from Lyttelton. A: 30 minute "Braided Blast" all spins and spray and shallow water excitement. B: 60/75 minute "Blast Plus" A slightly more leisurely trip up with informative commentary photo opportunity and a stop at the top for a well deserved cuppa. Then a fast and exciting trip back to blow out the cobwebs! C: 90 minute "The Jet Trek" A leisurely 60 minute horse trek among farmland trails and river stream crossings. All levels of competency catered for. We combine the Trek with our "Braided Blast" trip. D: 50 minute "Helijet" An exciting 2 part Helicopter flight over the Canterbury plains out the Waimakariri River for a 30 minute Blast then fly back over the City to Christchurch Airport.

Pohatu-Flea Bay is a small coastal bay nestled between dramatic volcanic headlands and part of Pohatu Marine Reserve. It is home to the largest little Penguin colony on the Mainland. Francis and Shireen Helps help protect and look after the White-flippered Penguin Colony at Pohatu-Flea Bay. Penguin Tours enable you to see the penguins unobtrusively and Kayaking allows you to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Pohatu Marine Reserve

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Challenge yourself and plummet from a plane thousands of feet above earth with a Tandem Skydive over Christchurch City.  Freefall at speeds of 200 kmph.  The adrenaline of freefall, followed by the amazing silence when your parachute is deployed makes Tandem Skydiving an experience never to be forgotten.  

Take in the world-class views from the Pacific Ocean to the snow capped mountains while your instructor guides you back to earth.  Photographic options are available to capture your experience.  We operate 7 days a week weather permitting.  A courtesy coach is available from the central city or from Lyttelton Harbour.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch is one of the top New Zealand visitor attractions where you will experience New Zealand wildlife first hand and the learn about the diversity of this country's natural environment and history. Willowbank prides itself on its conservation and rehabilitation of rare & endangered New Zealand species. We invite you to watch, touch and feed our unique native wildlife, become friends with our farm animals and learn about the introduced pests that have influenced New Zealand's bio-diversity.

Ko Tane Maori Cultural Performances

For those nocturnal come after dark and enjoy a cultural experience the Ko Tane Maori Cultural Performance and New Zealand Wildlife Tour. You'll be enchanted by the experience in its natural surrounding and delighted by the extensive display of native birds, animals and fish that make up Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
Our guide explains how South Island Maori lived as one with nature, takes you on a journey through our village with a powerful challenge by our fearsome warrior and you learn the day to day activities of a hunting village. You then enjoy an interactive concert with traditional dancing, the haka and poi and feel the emotions of the waiata aroha (love song).

Performances are every evening and we provide complimentary transport from the city centre.