HIGHLIGHTS OF CHRISTCHURCH - 4hrs

Service Description

Your driver and guide will meet you at the designated meeting point to begin your journey of discovery into the very best the city of Christchurch (or Ōtautahi as it is known in Maori) has to offer. We make our way via the Sumner rd, where on a good day views extend out to the heads and across to Diamond Harbour, offering panoramic views and wonderful photographic opportunities. We continue via the popular beach areas of Pegasus Bay to the city centre. Since the Earthquakes that rocked Christchurch in 2010 and 2011 the city has seen a transformation in much of its architecture. You'll see an eclectic mix of old and new buildings, and a number still undergoing extensive rebuild programs such as the Cathedral, an iconic landmark of Christchurch. From here we'll continue down Worcester Blvd, part of the extensive Tram network that circumnavigates a good part of the central CBD, past the city's dynamic Art Gallery, the beautifully restored stone buildings of the Arts Centre and on to the Canterbury Museum. Part of the allure of Christchurch is the number of well kept gardens and parks in and around the city. Next to the Museum is the beautiful Botanic Gardens, through which runs the Avon river, the lifeblood of Christchurch. In Spring and Summer particularly you'll see many canoeists and flat bottomed Punts ferrying passengers along the river. We'll wander down the colourful New Regent st, the most vibrant of all the inner citys streets, watching out for Trams as we do. There'll be time to stop for a Gelato, baked delicacies, tea or coffee and to soak up the atmosphere for a short time before we head off again. Leaving the city we venture into the hills and stop at another of the city's landmarks, the Sign of the Takahe, offering extensive views over the city to the Southern Alps beyond. We continue over the hills and around some of the attractive bays that lead us to Lyttelton, the port of Christchurch. Here cruise passengers will leave us, after which we'll drive through the tunnel and back into central Christchurch where the tour comes to an end. Tesla Tour Option: If you choose this option you may personalise the itinerary in consultation with your driver/guide if you prefer. * Cruise passengers note: We guarantee to have you back in time for ships embarkation. (Duration of tour could alter slightly due to cruise ships scheduling)