Travelling Christ Church
Before You Travel
Canterbury stretches from ocean to the Alps, a land of plains and peaks. It is a place of variety and innumerable attractions where, within two hours of an international airport, you can ski, play golf, bungy jump, go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching, and visit world-class vineyards and gardens. Where else in the world can you do that?
A must-see is New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Go hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park or just wander around the picturesque bays and villages of Banks Peninsula. And then there’s New Zealand's second-largest city, Christchurch known as ‘The Garden City'.
In February 2011, Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake. Much of the central city with its classic neo-gothic architecture was destroyed. But it remains a beautiful city, a city where you can cycle alongside the river, stay in good hotels and indulge in fine sophisticated dining, and a city where, just 15 minutes from the centre you can scramble up mountain bike tracks or ride a wave at a surf beach. The buildings may have been damaged but the soul of the city and the welcoming spirit of the people remain very much intact. Don’t miss visiting Christchurch.
- Christchurch – Tekapo - Wanaka
Leave New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’ and travel south through the patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains. The first stop to stretch your legs will be the charming township of Geraldine - a foodie’s haven! Set beneath a backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps, this is the perfect place to sample the tastes of Canterbury including New Zealand famous preserves and cheeses. Take in the historic character of the town by foot or if you've packed your hiking boots be sure to check out Peel Forest (20 kms from Geraldine) for walking, horse riding and nail biting white water rafting.
Rich golden landscapes bordered by brightly colouredlupins pave the way for your arrival into Lake Tekapo. A glacial fed turquoise blue lake is a hive of activity for everything outdoors! Considered a Kiwi holiday hot spot, take time to do as the locals do - camp on the lake front, fish for trout, hike Mt John or sit back and relax in the hot pools.
Once back on the road, a photo stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd is a must and over the past 75 years has become one of New Zealand’s most photographed monuments – it’s not hard to see why!
Continuing on to Lake Pukaki with views never ceasing to take your breath away - mountainous scenery mirrored by crystal clear lake water reflects the first glimpses of the grandeur of Aoraki Mount Cook. On arrival at the village of Mount Cook take time to explore the treasures of New Zealand's mountaineering history at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre or enjoy one of the many walks through the National Park. No visit to Aoraki Mount Cook is complete without experiencing a ski plane landing on the Tasman Glacier - once the engines are turned off you are dwarfed by mountains, nothing but silence, it's truly outstanding!
You will love every moment of this road trip as you head south and witness the scenery change dramatically from colourful roadside wildflowers to the smooth tussock-covered saddle of the Lindis Pass – scenery as perfect as a landscape painting.
Follow the mighty Clutha – the South Island’s longest river – which leads you to the gorgeous holiday destination of Lake Wanaka. Wanaka is an inspiring place or a “lifestyle reserve” as the locals call it. You will soon be charmed by this vibrant lakeside community where there are so many things to see and do ... though you may choose to just relax and unwind.
Christ Church Tours
