Christchurch

One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre based at Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. The centre includes a hagglund ride, ice voyage 4D Show, a snow and ice experience, penguin encounter and an informative, hands-on display.

Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola whisks you nearly a kilometre to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbour and to the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the East, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch and revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Cafe.

From the historic French Village of Akaroa, 90 minutes from Christchurch, daily harbour cruises show the fascinating landscape with volcanic craters and exciting wildlife. The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin — the Hector's Dolphin — as well as penguins and other sea birds. Each cruise is fully narrated by the skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.

Christchurch’s historic trams are an ideal way to explore the city centre in style. The route takes in sights such as Cathedral Square, the Botanic Garden, Canterbury Museum and the main shopping areas. At present, there are 18 stops along the route.

Discover one of the world’s premier military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Activities include a flight simulator, guided tours and a replica 1940s home. The museum is based at the Wigram Airfield, approximately 15 minutes from the International airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.

The Willowbank experience includes unique native wildlife, farm animals and the country's natural history. Dining is available in the award-winning restaurant, acclaimed for its architecture and construction, which allows magnificent views of the surrounding wildlife and gardens.

Set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park has been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Over 400 animals from 70 different species are displayed and there are various daily encounters allowing up close experiences with the animals.

Step on board to the classic 1960s London Open Top Double Decker buses for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch. Learn about Christchurch’s fascinating history from the pioneering days through to modern day times and learn how Christchurch is recovering from the Canterbury earthquakes which has now become a major event in New Zealand’s history. The experience includes a 1 hour Tour around central Christchurch on New Zealand’s only Open Top Double Decker and a 2 hour Tour on a closed top Double Decker visiting places of interest in greater Christchurch.

Coasting the Ōtākaro/Avon River, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial pays homage to the 185 lives that were lost in the February 2011 earthquake. The memorial wall spans 111 metres along the southern riverbank, while the north side features a green area with a curved seat.

Operating daily, the TranzAlpine train runs from the east coast (Christchurch) via Arthur's Pass to the west coast in Greymouth. Marvel at the diverse landscapes of New Zealand's southern island, with highlights being the Southern Alps and the alpine rain forest terrain, all from the comfort of a carriage. A cafe carriage, providing beverages, snacks and light meals caters to passengers along the ride.