OPTIONAL TOURS

Akaroa Nature Cruise

A little French influenced town in Aotearoa New Zealand! The Banks Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of the country from quiet bays to volcanic hills. This area can become very popular and busy each year while at the same time feeling very tranquil and therapeutic. 

Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, you will have the best seat in the house as you view all that Akaroa has to offer via a Nature Cruise. You will experience cruising through an extinct volcano crater, seeing New Zealand fur seals coastal birds, and the smallest and rarest dolphin – the Hector’s Dolphin. 

You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter led by our passionate tour guides.

Selwyn Wine Tour

Kiwis love their wine! And now you will be able to experience some local tastings with us. With this interactive and Informative day out, you will be introduced to flavours of whites, reds and so much more. 

This will be a fun experience and included what we think are the 2 best locations in the Selwyn District to really be immersed in the culture. 

You will be driven in comfort in a modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter led by our fun, knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.

Itinerary:

Straight 8 Estate – Located at the top of the Canterbury Plains you’ll find a family-owned gem of a vineyard. Producing award winning wines ranging from Rose, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, there is something for all white and red drinkers. The Straight Eight brand being named after a 1935 Light Sports Rialto, you will experience a tasting right in their vintage garage inside the cellar door where you will be able to see this beauty that is still being used today - not just a showpiece.  With wine and a story to tell you will have an amazing, relaxed experience as you enjoy your first stop of your tour.

Melton Estate - A boutique winery located amongst 12 acres in the gorgeous West Melton, surrounded by Pinot Noir Vines and an expansive deck overlooking lawn games and vineyards. With local wines to taste such as Chardonnays, Rose and so much more, fall in love with the acclaimed sparkling Riesling as you have lunch served in their popular restaurant.

Inclusions: 

• Wine Tasting 
• Pick up and drop off at Distinction Hotel Christchurch 
• Small Group
• Carbon Neutral
• Induvial platter Lunch at Melton Estate
• Commentary
  

TIME: 3 1/2 hours

Max pax:  80 people

To Wear:  Smart Casual but bring something warm!

Beer And Gin Tasting

We love our beer and spirits!  

Now you will be able to experience some local sampling.  With this day out, you will be introduced to individual flavours as you go through a guided tasting. You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter led by our fun and knowledgeable tour guides.

Itinerary:

Two Thumb Brewing is a craft brewery, known for its use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable brewing practices. From classic ales and lagers to more experimental and unique brews. Two Thumb Brewing Co is completely solar-powered, utilizes rainwater catchment and has a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system on site making sure all of their beers are the best possible, not only for drinking but for the planet. 

The Spirits Workshop –In a boutique distillery known for their Whisky and Gin you will find Spirits Workshop! Honoring the history of Whisky making legends their journey starts from the clear rivers of the Southern Alps, born from nature their single malt Whisky is a crowd pleaser.  Bright, fruity, or classic - Gin can be enjoyed by everyone!  What goes best in cocktails or what recipe works where, you will be able to learn all the ins and outs in this tasting. 

Inclusions: 

• Gin and Whisky Tasting Craft Beer Tasting
• Pick up and drop off at Distinction Hotel Christchurch
• Small Group
• Carbon Neutral
• Lunch included
• Commentary

TIME: 3 1/2 hours

Max pax:  50 people

To Wear:  Casual but bring something warm!

Alpine Jet Thrills

Heading towards the Southern Alps of New Zealand by the Great Alpine Highway you will enter ever-changing remarkable landscapes as we make our way to the holy grail of Jet boating. 

This unique adventure includes a 25 min Jet boat ride, entrance to Jet Boat World and fresh local gourmet burgers for lunch. You’ll be setting foot on a fourth-generation sheep farm with great views of the largest river in Canterbury – The Waimakariri River.  Led by our fun and knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.

You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier with our tour guides.

Itinerary:

Christchurch – Start by leaving the Garden City/Christchurch and heading north towards our destination, while our knowledgeable driver points out some of the Garden City’s highlights.

Springfield/Alpine Jet – Make our way through the Selwyn District you will be greeted by the gorgeous little western town of Springfield where we make our turn off towards Alpine Jets. Here you will spend time experiencing the wonders of the Waimakariri, it’s no wonder Jet Boating was developed here in Christchurch!  Once you arrive, gear up and enjoy a 25min boat ride discovering where it all began! After the thrill you will have the opportunity to Stroll through the Riverside Bush track full of native trees and birds, feed the pet lambs, or take in some retail therapy at the Alpine Boutique. Lunch is included to keep you well fed for your journey back to base. Paul and Robyn are so passionate about their history and sharing it with the you that they would love to answer any questions you have! 

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Carbon Neutral
• Pick up and drop off at Distinction Hotel Christchurch
• Lunch at Alpine Jet (Gourmet Burgers) 
• Commentary
• Jet Boat/ Jet Boat World 

TIME: 4 1/2 hours

Max pax:  50 people

To Wear:  for your comfort we recommend packing light but including a warm jacket/ warm layers. Waterproof Jacket incase the weather takes a turn as you will be entering an Alpine Region. 

Christchurch City Tour

Where urban innovation collides with heritage and culture, a revitalized city in the heart of the South Island. Christchurch is one of the world’s most popular destinations filled with exploration, art and urban innovations. Witness these all come together and experience all this city has to offer on a wonderful Christchurch day out. 

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and home to world-class attractions, excellent cafes, bars and restaurants. Come on a journey and watch this city come alive with atmosphere and colour as you discover the city’s fascinating changes throughout its pioneering days to modern times. Make our way to the iconic Pier in New Brighton, the stunning coastal seaside and unusual volcanic rock formation in Sumner, Godley Heads for panoramic views overlooking the port, Christchurch city, canterbury plains and the Southern Alps.  

You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter led by our knowledgeable tour guides.

Itinerary:

Mona Vale – well known for its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, this is the great place to do exactly that, relax. Surrounded by roses, flower beds and history, you will have time to walk this lovely mini botanical garden through the path that gently flows down the Avon River.

Lyttleton– Taken through the picturesque small town of Lyttleton, this is located on the steep sides of an extinct volcano. With bohemian cafes, restaurants, craft centers and great history, this town is accessed through an impressive road tunnel.

New Brighton Pier – Look beyond the Pacific from the iconic Pier. This little piece of paradise is a tourist attraction found in New Brighton – the town offers a surf lifesaving club, a seaside shopping mall, and New Brighton’s newest hot pools. Saturday markets, a range of bars, cafes and accommodation all make up New Brighton. Fishing of the pier is also very popular which undoubtedly you will come across when visiting. You will have time to dip your toes in the sand as you are surrounded by mountains on your left and hills on your right.

Sumner Beach – We leave the seaside village of New Brighton and head over towards another coastal paradise, Sumner Beach. Sumner is one of the oldest European settlements in the Christchurch area, you will enjoy the view as we make our way along the beach, coffee shops and local stores. Sumner beach is a popular spot for locals to relax and to enjoy the seaside architecture. Our guide will point out some key facts along the way towards our next stop. Lunch can be included in this tour if requested upon booking.

Godley Head –Heading to Godley Head we check out the old WW2 cost defense positions and the never-ending view of the mighty Pacific Ocean – get those phones/cameras ready for the all-important photos and videos, the views are amazing! From this amazing lookout you will overlook towards Taylors mistake, which has a funny back story to it!

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Pick up and drop off at Distinction Hotel Christchurch 
• Carbon Neutral
• Commentary

TIME:  3 1/2 – 4 hours

Max pax: 50 people

To Wear:  for your comfort we recommend packing light but to include a warm jacket or a wind breaker.