The inner city of Christchurch is a special place with many different things to see and do for locals and visitors alike. The best way to experience the magic of the central city, is from onboard these beautifully restored trams.

The 2.5 kilometre track takes about 25 minutes to complete and allows you to take in many of the "must see" attractions. These include Cathedral Square, Aquarium of Discovery, Arts Centre, Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Punting on the Avon, New Regent Street and Cathedral Junction to name just a few.

Tram drivers provide a live entertaining and informative commentary throughout the journey and guests are encouraged to hop on and off the trams at leisure to explore the sights up close.

Tram Stops:

• Cathedral Square
• Worcester Bridge
• Art Gallery
• Arts Centre
• Clock Tower
• Hagley Stop
• Cranmer Square
• Casino Stop
• Victoria Square
• New Regent Street
• Cathedral Junction

Tram and Gondola Combo:
This special offer allows you to visit two of Christchurch's "must see" attractions for a discounted price. You do not have to visit both attractions on the same day. Select the TRAM GONDOLA COMBO option at time of booking.

The 945 meter Gondola ride gently lifts visitors, in the comfort of 4 person passenger cabins, almost 500 meters (1500 feet) above sea level. Unique 360 degree views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit complex, on the crater rim of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano.

From Waipara you're only 40 minutes from the small alpine destination of Hanmer Springs, perfect for rest, relaxation or adventure. Hanmer Springs maintains a quiet peaceful atmosphere but has something for all tastes. Sit back and relax in natural outdoor thermal waters, surrounded by towering trees and a superb mountain backdrop, or experience a thrill seeking adventure by jet boat (optional) or bungy jump (optional). All optional tours must be pre-booked.

Relax and enjoy Hanmer Springs at your leisure before returning directly to Christchurch in the evening.

This tour takes you approximately 30 minutes from the center of Christchurch by road into the heart of Canterbury's farm land. Visit one of three working sheep farms all set in tranquil and picturesque locations. Enjoy the experience of watching sheep dogs work, rounding up the flock and penning them for you to touch, examine and photograph. A shearing demonstration has been arranged and if you wish, you can have a go. There are many other sheep farm activities for you to witness and enjoy, such as feeding the pets or milking the cow. Morning or afternoon tea will be provided.

On your return from the sheep farm, choose to include a visit to one of Canterbury's largest vineyards. A short tour of the winery has been arranged followed by a tasting of the various vintages.

After the sheep farm visit, choose to enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenically spectacular jetboat rides available in New Zealand. Jetboat the Waimakariri River Gorge through the foothills of the Southern Alps with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains.

The tour commences at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Here you will be treated to a truly memorable Maori welcome followed by a cultural performance with a Maori Concert consisting of action songs, poi dances and haka.

Following the performance, enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner at Willowbank. After dinner, you will be taken on a tour of the Reserve where you will see both native and introduced to New Zealand.

On returning to the central city you will be given a guided tour of the Christchurch at night prior to being returned to your accommodation.

The tour consists of groups no larger than nine people and will visit various significant sites in and around the Kaikoura township. The tour being an experience rather than a show and you will be given the opportunity to:

• Experience the uniqueness of being Maori in the modern day world
• Learn about the rich Maori history in the Kaikoura area and how that shapes their relationship with the environment
• Visit the Pa sites of pre European days and see the stories the land still tells today
• Explore one of the indigenous forest walkways and learn about the trees and plants and their traditional uses as food and medicine
• Participate in customs while learning Maori Protocol and key values
• Partake in light refreshments and receive a small memento to help remember your cultural experience

Enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenically spectacular jetboat rides available in New Zealand. Jetboat the Waimakariri River Gorge through the foothills of the Southern Alps with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains. You will travel from Christchurch by road through the rural pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps.

As an alternative you can choose the Waimak Gorge Jet Boating Safari. Travel to the upper Waimakariri Gorge, to areas which are otherwise inaccessible. From its birthplace in the rugged Southern Alps, the snow fed waters of the Waimakariri enter the canyons and gorges where steep rock faces are lined with native forests. The spectacular scenery makes this more than just a jet boat experience.

When time is limited but you still want to experience the thrill of jet boating then this option satisfies those requirements. A thrilling jet boat option in the shallow river flats of the snow fed Waimakariri River. Experience the thrills of jet boating through the shallow, shifting, ever-changing courses of shingle bottom streams.

This tour comprising of the mid afternoon and early evening, visits two of Christchurch's leading attractions - the International Antarctic Centre and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

The International Antarctic Centre, a winner of the New Zealand Tourism Board's award for 'Best Visitor Attraction', recreates the atmosphere of Antarctica and provides the visitor with an interactive exciting experience of this Southern Continent which very few people have the opportunity to experience first hand. Whilst at the International Antarctic Centre (and included in the tour) is a 40 minute ride on the Hagglund all-terrain snow mobile. The ride includes a visit to the U.S. Clothing Warehouse, the special Antarctic Departure Terminal and an exhilarating off-road adventure course to test the Hagglund's unique capabilities.

The tour moves on to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you will enjoy a wonderful five course New Zealand carvery style buffet dinner. Prior to dinner there will be time to explore the farmyard and zoo area of the reserve. Following dinner, take a tour of the Reserve where you will see kiwis in the open, eels, keas, deer, possums and other birds and animals both native and introduced to New Zealand. The tour concludes with the return to your Christchurch accommodation.

Visit the beautiful unspoiled old French whaling depot of Akaroa. Travel by road to Akaroa via Sign of the Takahe and Sign of the Kiwi, Governors Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth, Little River and the Hill Top. A stop will also be made at the cheese factory at Barry's Bay, where you can sample some fine New Zealand cheese.

On arriving at Akaroa join the 'Canterbury Cat Too' for a cruise on the Akaroa Harbour sighting dolphins, penguins and seals. Prior to your departure you will be equipped with wet suit, mask, snorkel and flippers. After locating a pod of Hectors Dolphins you will enter the water to swim with these rare and endangered mammals. Following your return to Akaroa village, time will be available for lunch (additional at own expense) and to explore the many fine craft shops and old French colonial buildings prior to your return to Christchurch.

This great day out includes 4WD access onto Mt Sunday itself, a delicious champagne picnic lunch, fully running commentary from a friendly and knowledgeable kiwi tour guide and spectacular scenery you will never forget. You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to enjoy this amazing day out!

Highlights Include:

• Stand on the summit of Mount Sunday (Edoras) enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree views
• Exciting 4WD adventure through several small streams and right onto Edoras itself
• Spectacular scenery including rivers, alpine lakes, mountains and high country farm land

Visits four of Christchurch's main attractions: International Antarctic Center, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Gondola and a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram through the central city.

Stop at the International Antarctic Center, a winner of the New Zealand Tourism Board's award for 'Best Visitor Attraction'. It recreates the atmosphere of Antarctica and provides you with an interactive exciting experience of this Southern Continent, which very few people have the opportunity to experience first hand.

You will then move onto Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you can explore the farmyard, feed the animals and see a wide variety of birds and animals both native and introduced to New Zealand including the Kiwi in its natural habitat, Eels, Keas, Deer and Possum.

As you travel back to the central city enjoy a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram with its 2.5km track through the central city. The 25 minute ride includes a guide to the city's 'must see' attractions and a full on-board commentary.

Visit the Christchurch Gondola and ride the cable car ride to the summit the visitor will be treated to breathtaking 360 degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula. The tour concludes with a drop off in the central city, or a return to your Christchurch accommodation.

This full day tour departs Christchurch in the morning, and travels through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains before heading inland to the small farming township of Geraldine for a morning tea break. Leaving Geraldine and its rolling green valleys, the tour continues further inland as the road starts to climb and travel across the historic Burkes Pass. The views are breathtaking as you descend towards the stunning, glacial fed Lake Tekapo. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd standing in picturesque solitude on the foreshores of the lake.

From Tekapo, your coach will travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki at the foot of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mount Cook. As you arrive at the Mount Cook village, you will be mesmerized by the alpine surroundings of this truly unique region. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding walking tracks or experience an ultimate scenic flight by helicopter or skiplane (scenic flights not included).

On departing Mount Cook, journey further south through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin with its hydroelectric system of lakes and canals. Stop for a short afternoon tea break in the farming community of Omarama before beginning the ascent over the Lindis Pass into the historical gold mining region of Central Otago. On your arrival at the small town of Tarras, transfer to a shuttle service which will take you on the last leg of your journey to picturesque Wanaka, located on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka.

Spend the day getting close to nature. Travel by coach through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea (a journey of approximately 3 hours by coach). Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins.

On arrival in Kaikoura you will be transferred to a whale watch tour by boat. On the tour you may view the giant sperm whale and often other whale species, dolphins, seals and the Royal Albatross. Following the tour, lunch has been arranged at the Craypot Cafe and Bar. There will be the opportunity this afternoon to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters. On returning to Christchurch this afternoon (a journey of approximately 3 hours by coach), a stop will be made at a a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure.

Visits four of Christchurch's main attractions: International Antarctic Center, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Gondola and a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram through the central city.

Stop at the International Antarctic Center, a winner of the New Zealand Tourism Board's award for 'Best Visitor Attraction'. It recreates the atmosphere of Antarctica and provides you with an interactive exciting experience of this Southern Continent, which very few people have the opportunity to experience first hand.

You will then move onto Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you can explore the farmyard, feed the animals and see a wide variety of birds and animals both native and introduced to New Zealand including the Kiwi in its natural habitat, Eels, Keas, Deer and Possum.

As you travel back to the central city enjoy a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram with its 2.5km track through the central city. The 25 minute ride includes a guide to the city's 'must see' attractions and a full on-board commentary.

Visit the Christchurch Gondola and ride the cable car ride to the summit the visitor will be treated to breathtaking 360 degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula. The tour concludes with a drop off in the central city, or a return to your Christchurch accommodation.

Only 15 minutes from the Centre of Christchurch is Lyttelton Harbour. Unwind in the sea air as you whisk you away to experience the extensive local marine life including the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphins.

As you depart you will see the historic township of Lyttelton, which hosts a busy working port with a fascinating history. The "first four ships" arrived here direct from the Britain carrying the first Canterbury settlers in December 1850.

The highlight of the cruise is undoubtedly the location of the Hector's Dolphin. The experience of the skipper and crew mean you can quickly locate the dolphins and spend time watching their antics. You'll also see a wide variety of coastal marine bird life.

Lyttelton Harbour is an extinct volcanic crater and you will point out the longest lava flow on the peninsula, volcanic rocks and massive erosion caused by storms over millions of years.

From more recent times you'll see old shipwrecks in the shallows as well as a 19th century fort which contains a number of disappearing guns. The cruise is fully narrated by your Captain and we're sure you'll be entertained and enlightened by his commentary. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenically spectacular jetboat rides available in New Zealand. Jetboat the Waimakariri River Gorge through the foothills of the Southern Alps with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains. You will travel from Christchurch by road through the rural pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps.

As an alternative you can choose the Waimak Gorge Jet Boating Safari. Travel to the upper Waimakariri Gorge, to areas which are otherwise inaccessible. From its birthplace in the rugged Southern Alps, the snow fed waters of the Waimakariri enter the canyons and gorges where steep rock faces are lined with native forests. The spectacular scenery makes this more than just a jet boat experience.

When time is limited but you still want to experience the thrill of jet boating then this option satisfies those requirements. A thrilling jet boat option in the shallow river flats of the snow fed Waimakariri River. Experience the thrills of jet boating through the shallow, shifting, ever-changing courses of shingle bottom streams.

Tailor-made packages offering you the chance to ski at Mount Hutt.

Mt Hutt sits high on the eastern rim of New Zealand's awesome Southern Alps. With a stunning backdrop of range after range of snow clad peaks and staggering views across the patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean, Mt Hutt captures the essence of the New Zealand skiing experience.

Mt Hutt arguably the best ski field in the Southern Hemisphere, because of its light dry powder snow which makes it a playground for skiers, in conjunction with its long season and reliable snow coverage. Mt Hutt also offers modern snow making facilities, giving the mountain a season from the beginning of June to the end of October.

Skiers Package:

• Transportation to and from Christchurch
• Full Day Lift Pass (all runs)

Skiers Package with Equipment Hire:

• Transportation to and from Christchurch
• Full Day Lift Pass (all runs)
• Full kit of recreational skiing equipment

Ski Evolution Package:

• Transportation to and from Christchurch
• Full Day Novice Lift Pass (platters only)
• Full kit of recreational skiing equipment
• One ski lesson designed to meet the needs of the novice skier (1 1/2 hours)

Skiers Starter Package:

• Transportation to and from Christchurch
• Full Day Novice Lift Pass (platters only)
• Full kit of recreational skiing equipment
• Two skiing workshops designed to meet the needs of first time skiers (1/2 hour each)

Travel from Christchurch via Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook Village for lunch (optional) and be mesmerized by the alpine surrounds of this region before departing for your destination of Dunedin.

Highlights Include:

• Canterbury Plains - rich pastoral farmland
• Geraldine - for morning tea (own expense)
• Lake Tekapo - a stunning glacial-fed lake
• Church of the Good Shepherd - a famous New Zealand icon
• Lake Pukaki - situated at the foot of Aoraki / Mt Cook
• Aoraki / Mt Cook and National Park - Australasia's highest mountain
• Mount Cook Village - be mesmerized by the alpine surroundings of this unique region
• Waitaki Valley - crystal blue lakes and hydro electric power scheme
• Oamaru - preserved Victorian heritage buildings
• Elephant Rocks - intriguing geological formations

Ride the comfortable and gentle ride to the summit complex, on the top of the Port Hills. Along the way, take in the spectacular panoramic 360-degree views, which include Christchurch city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. You'll be are amazed and intrigued with the expansive views that unfold as they rise to the summit complex.

There is plenty to do at the summit complex including:

• The Heritage Time Tunnel: Step back in time to discover the fascinating history of the area. Learn about the volcanic origins of the area, early Maori life and the European (English) arrival.
• Nature Walkways and Mountain Biking: Explore the easy walk ways around the crater rim. For the adventurous, mountain bike cross-country options are available.
• Pinnacle (Gondola Restaurant) and Summit Café: Enjoy lunch in the Summit Café, or savor the best of Canterbury cuisine while taking in the extensive views from Pinnacle Restaurant.
• Shop at the Top: Browse through the selection of local souvenirs and gifts, including Gondola mementos, jewelry, clothing and much more. A wide range of product for all ages and budgets!

Tram and Gondola Combo:
This special offer allows you to visit two of Christchurch's "must see" attractions for a discounted price. You do not have to visit both attractions on the same day. Select the TRAM GONDOLA COMBO option at time of booking.

Christchurch Tramway is a quality inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historic buildings with the culture of the Garden City. The full route is approximately 25 minutes and include all the major sights including Cathedral Square, Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, River Avon, Cathedral Junction and much more! You can hop on and off the trams at leisure.

Travel via the seaside suburb of Sumner where you will see the local landmark of Cave Rock, before you journey Evans Pass for panoramic views on your way to Lyttelton Township. On your return to Christchurch enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee and the chance to explore the Canterbury Museum.

Tour Highlights Include:

• Botanic Gardens - A fine collection of exotic and indigenous plants.
• Port Hills - Offering superb views of Christchurch and Lyttelton
• Mona Vale - a homestead surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens owned by the people of Christchurch
• Sumner - absorb the beach views in the boutique seaside village of Sumner situated in one of New Zealand's leading lifestyle cities.
• Lyttelton - Visit the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand and a world class supplier of port services.
• Christchurch Arts Center - A vibrant and exciting venue for a huge range of New Zealand made art, crafts, shopping, education and entertainment.
• Canterbury Museum - explore New Zealand's rich culture and natural history and enjoy a complimentary tea of coffee.

Add to your morning tour a visit to the International Antarctic Center. Experience the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica, with an interactive, fun and exciting experience in the "Great White South".

The tour commences at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Here you will be treated to a truly memorable Maori welcome followed by a cultural performance with a Maori Concert consisting of action songs, poi dances and haka. Following the performance you will be taken on a short tour of the Reserve where you will see the New Zealand native Kiwi in its natural habitat.

We then travel across town to the Port Hills and the Christchurch Gondola, providing breathtaking 360 degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula. Included in the tour price is a delicious dinner at the Gondola Restaurant located in the top station of the Christchurch Gondola. On returning to the central city you will be given a guided tour of the central city at night prior to being returned to your accommodation.

The majestic beauty of the South Island is a must for any visitor to the South Island and one of the best ways to view the spectacular scenery is aboard a Great Sights luxury coach. This tour takes you from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd.

Your tour continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand's tallest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook. There is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand's Adventure Capital, Queenstown.

Today's first stop is the International Antarctic Center, a winner of the New Zealand Tourism Board award for "Best Visitor Attraction". The Antarctic Center has recreated the atmosphere of Antarctica and provides an interactive exciting experience of this Southern Continent which very few people have the opportunity to visit first hand.

You will then move onto Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you can explore the farmyard, feed the animals and see a wide variety of birds and animals both native and introduced to New Zealand including the Kiwi in its natural habitat, Eels, Keas, Deer and Possum.

As you travel back to the central city enjoy a ride on the historic Christchurch Tram with its 2.5km track through the central city. The 25 minute ride includes a guide to the city's 'must see' attractions and a full on-board commentary.

Next stop is the Christchurch Gondola for a cable ride to the summit, experience the breathtaking 360 degree views of the city, Canterbury Plains, and Banks Peninsula.

After your exhilarating Gondola Ride, join a relaxing two hour cruise with the 2002 Tourism Award winning company, Christchurch Wildlife Cruises.

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for pelagic (ocean going) birds. This tour accompanies the Kaikoura Whale Watch Tours from Christchurch. Within close proximity of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, range a considerable array of albatross, petrels, shearwaters, terns, shags and gulls.

Kaikoura has one of the largest number of different types of seabirds within a small area than anywhere along the New Zealand coastlines. On your arrival in Kaikoura you may enjoy either an early lunch or have free time to explore Kaikoura before being transferred to Ocean Wings Albatross Encounter. Experience the sensation of getting close to the mighty albatross, one of the world's largest flight birds.

There will also be the opportunity during the day to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters.

Depart Christchurch and travel through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains before heading inland to the small farming township of Geraldine for a morning tea break.

Leaving Geraldine and its rolling green valleys, the tour continues further inland as the road starts to climb and travel across the historic Burkes Pass. The views are breathtaking as you descend towards the stunning, glacial fed Lake Tekapo. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd standing in picturesque solitude on the foreshores of the lake.

From Tekapo, your coach will travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki at the foot of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mount Cook.

As you arrive at the Mount Cook village, you will be mesmerized by the alpine surroundings of this truly unique region. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding walking tracks or experience an ultimate scenic flight by helicopter or skiplane (scenic flights not included).

Your tour concludes in Mount Cook, please note accommodation should be pre-arranged, as hotel availability can be limited in this area.

Experience the pleasures of horse riding on the Banks of the Waimakariri River, with magnificent and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. You will be collected from your accommodation and taken approximately 25 minutes from the city center of Christchurch. An experienced teacher will accompany you on the trek and is available to provide advice and assistance. There are treks and horses available for both the beginner and experienced rider.

You can also choose to enjoy one of the most exhilarating and scenically spectacular jetboat rides available in New Zealand. You will jetboat along the Waimakariri River Gorge through the foothills of the Southern Alps with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains.

In addition, you can choose to visit one of three working sheep farms all set in tranquil and picturesque locations. Enjoy the experience of watching sheep dogs work, rounding up the flock and penning them for you to touch, examine and photograph. Enjoy a shearing demonstration and if you wish, you can have a go. There are many other sheep farm activities for you to witness and enjoy, such as feeding the pets or milking the cow. Either morning or afternoon tea is included.

The tour commences by covering the central city highlights, including Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, Thomas Edmonds former band rotunda and the Avon River, Town Hall, the floral clock, Law Courts, Provincial Chambers, Christ's College, Museum, Botanical Gardens, Arts Center, Worcester Boulevard and the Bridge of Remembrance.

On leaving the city the tour travels around Hagley Park, arriving at the Mona Vale homestead and gardens. From Mona Vale the tour travels across town towards the Port Hills viewing the Catholic Cathedral on your way to the hillside suburbs. From Mt Pleasant you enjoy the city and beach views. Carry onto the seaside suburb of Sumner where you stop at Cave Rock. Return to Christchurch via the Lyttleton tunnel and travel back to the city center via the Eastern suburbs, with a drop off in the central city or a return to your Christchurch accommodation.

This evening, you are collected from your accommodation and transferred to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you will be treated to a truly memorable cultural performance with a Maori Concert consisting of action songs, poi dances and hakas.

Following the concert, there will be the opportunity to view New Zealand's native Kiwi in its natural habitat… Willowbank is the only privately owned reserve in the world where Kiwis can be viewed in the open.

Spend the day getting close to nature. Travel by the Tranz Coastal train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea (a journey of approximately 3 hours by train). Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins.

On arrival in Kaikoura you will be transferred to a whale watch tour by boat. On the tour you may view the giant sperm whale and often other whale species, dolphins, seals and the Royal Albatross. Following the tour, lunch has been arranged at the Craypot Cafe and Bar. There will be the opportunity this afternoon to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters. On returning to Christchurch this afternoon (approximately 3 hours by coach), a stop will be made at a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure.

Travel by road to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest mountain, through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains. A short stop at either the Tin Shed (an old shearing shed selling discount sweaters) or at Barkers Winery (the largest fruit winery in NZ) for tastings of wines, sauces and jams. Continuing through the foothills of the Southern Alps from Geraldine to Fairlie and through the MacKenzie Basin, with its brown snowgrass-covered landscape which has an almost desert like aspect, to Lake Tekapo. There is the opportunity to take an idyllic photograph of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo with its backdrop of magnificent alpine scenery.

Next, it's onto Lake Pukaki where the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin with Mount Cook and the surrounding snow covered peaks in the background. Lunch is at the Hermitage in the Mount Cook National Park. Following lunch an alpine flight over the National Park can be arranged with Mount Cook Airlines (optional at additional cost, payable direct). Glacier landings by ski planes are also available (optional at additional cost, payable direct). Please note scenic flights are subject to suitable weather conditions.

Next, you'll explore the Tasman Glacier where a twenty minute climb by foot will take you to the top of the terminal moraine, this vantage point provides views of both the Tasman Glacier and the newly formed Lake Tasman. Return by coach in the afternoon, stopping at the Canterbury high country town of Fairlie for late afternoon tea.

Once in the air it takes only a short time to see why this region is so unique and unsurpassed by anything else. Discover the sights of some of New Zealand's untouched country as your plane soars up high and offers a birds eye view before landing in Christchurch, where you will be transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Spend the day getting close to nature. Travel by coach through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea (a journey of approximately 3 hours by coach). Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins.

On arrival in Kaikoura you may enjoy either an early lunch (additional at own expense) at the Craypot Cafe and Bar or have free time to explore Kaikoura before being transferred to the 'Swim with Dolphins' Tour with Dolphin Encounter, where you will be fully equipped with wet suit, mask, snorkel and flippers in order to swim in the sea with the Dusky Dolphins. There will be the opportunity during the day to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters. Returning to Christchurch this afternoon (approximately 3 hours by coach).