Christchurch, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Akaroa, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin

Christchurch is a city which offers the visitor an outstanding travel experience.  The city is rich in kiwi hospitality  and offers a holiday experience for everyone.  While the city offers all the experiences one would expect, the surrounding Port Hills offer adventure plus!  A great day excursion is a visit to the French settlement village of Akaroa, situated in a sheltered bay on Banks Peninsula.  Take a harbour cruise, some retail therapy in the local craft shops or a coffee and snack at a cafe on the beach front.  North of Christchurch is Kaikoura, famous for its popular whale watching excursions.  You can swim with the dolphins and seals and view the majestic Albatross in their natural environment.  Hanmer Springs, located 1 1/2 hours from Christchurch, is an alpine village offering two extremes....For the 'adrenalin high' there is bungy jumping and white water rafting and for the not quite so adventurous holidaymaker, there is Hanmer's most famous feature, the Thermal Reserve hotpools which are the perfect place to sit and relax.  Heading into Southern Canterbury are the beautiful mountain and lake contrasts of Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.  Both offer recreational opportunites and great places to stay with fantastic views; perfect photograph opportunities there. Dunedin is the city of classical architecture and spectaular coastal scenery.  A 'must see' is Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, rich in history and ghosts!