Suggested activities for Christchuch

Explore: Christchurch

New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore is to take the double-decker hop on/hop off bus for an easy way to see the sights. Or for more dramatic sights, head slightly out of town to the zip line or gondola

World Famous: The TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth. Leave Christchurch and travel across the windswept Canterbury Plains and across the South Island through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage, see lush beech forest, deep river valleys, and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps.

Suggested activity

Adventure: Underworld Adventures Black Water Rafting

A superb four-hour Black Water Rafting adventure in the Paparoa National Park. You meander through a paradise of stalactites and stalagmites in the upper dry levels of the cave. You then enter a slow-moving underground river on which you float in your tube using only the natural light of an awe-inspiring display of glow worms for navigation. Emerge from the cave into a remote and untouched world before leaving its tranquillity for the rushing bubbling waters of the low-grade Nile River Rapids.

Adventure: Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip

Kayaking is by far the best way to enjoy the flora, fauna, and scenic grandeur of New Zealand's largest unmodified coastal wetland. Previous experience is not necessary. Okarito Lagoon covers more than 3240 hectares of shallow open water and is well known for its outstanding birdlife, including white heron and royal spoonbill. Exploring the open water and river channels that lead you deep into the heart of the rainforest is like stepping back in time to pre-European conditions and on a clear day, you enjoy fantastic views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps.

Suggested activities for Franz Josef

Explore: Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12km-long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains, the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint, you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.

Adventure: Half Day Franz Josef Glacier Eco Tour

Enjoy walking through regenerating forest for your first glimpse of the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Your experienced guide will take you off the beaten track as much as they can safely, to discover hidden waterfalls and 'dead' ice, and lots of other treasures.

Adventure: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike

Take a scenic flight over all three Franz Josef glacier icefalls. Landing high on the glacier, take a two-hour guided trip through some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Your guide will choose the route as you go through a wonderland of blue ice and frozen pinnacles. You'll have endless views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest as well as plenty of opportunities to take photographs.

Heading south you pass through the small town of Fox Glacier. A short side trip to view the glacier is recommended before heading along the coast and through more classic West Coast bush scenery. At Knights Point Lookout, fur seals and sometimes elephant seals can be seen basking on the sandy beaches at the far end of the point. Crossing the Haast River you’ll turn inland and through the mountainous valley littered with waterfalls. Continue on past Lakes Hawea and Wānaka into the alpine township of Wānaka.

Suggested activities for Wānaka

Explore: Wānaka

Wānaka draws those seeking adventure, spectacular scenery and a relaxed atmosphere. Known as the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park, it's a walker's paradise of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try skydiving, rock-climbing, jet boating, paddle boarding or a scenic flight over Wānaka in a historic Tiger Moth aeroplane.

Nature: Lake Wānaka Cruise and Island Walk

Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and was a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake. A well-formed track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top, we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing! From the top, enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wānaka.

Adventure: Wildwire Wānaka

Conquer the highest waterfall cable climb (Via Ferrata) in the world. Explore and climb Twin Falls – one of Wānaka’s most spectacular waterfalls, located just a short drive from Wānaka town centre at the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. The opportunity to explore these falls up close is an exceptional and truly memorable experience. Explore hidden pools, picnic next to towering falls, and enjoy breathtaking mountain and lake views.