Christchurch Botanic Gardens - suggested activity

Located just 15 minutes from the city center, Christchurch's 75-acre Botanic Gardens boast the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand. This impressive collection creates a tranquil oasis, with spring daffodils, stunning summer roses and herbaceous borders, vibrant autumn foliage, and cozy conservatories to warm up in during winter. There’s something to enjoy in every season. The New Zealand Garden also offers a unique glimpse into the country’s wilderness, providing a peaceful escape throughout the year.

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

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 the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Christchurch Triple Pass - Tram, Punting and Gondola

Experience three of Christchurch's iconic attractions in one day: the Christchurch Tram, Christchurch Gondola, and Punting on the Avon River. The historic tram is a delightful way to explore the evolving inner city, taking in the various sights with the hop-on hop-off pass and learning about the city from the live commentary. You'll also enjoy a bird's eye view of Christchurch and the Canterbury region including the distant peaks of the Southern Alps when you ride the gondola cableway to the top of the Port Hills in Heathcote Valley. Punting on the Avon River takes you through the city's green belt: a relaxing way to explore what is affectionately known as the 'Garden City'.

Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience

Māwhera Pā in Greymouth is the first location along the Pounamu Pathway touring route to open. This self-guided experience is a historical and creative exploration of the Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement people, retold by their ancestors. The exhibition will lead you through six different narratives, each tale including a large-scale masterpiece, artistically crafted by Weta Workshop to cultivate an immersive journey of visuals and sound. 

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus with Great Journeys NZ

Great Journeys New Zealand's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making our TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat – a hosted dining experience like no other. Quite simply, we have done everything we can to ensure you feel at peace as you sink back in your seat and soak up the scenery.

Shared Transfer from Christchurch CBD Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring Company

You will be met by a driver at your Christchurch Accommodation and transferred to the railway station. 

Pre-Tour Night

Begin your 4-day cycling adventure today with a safety debrief and bike fitting from Kiwi Journeys in Hokitika before your experience begins tomorrow.

West Coast Wilderness Trail Cycling Package with Kiwi Journeys

The West Coast Wilderness Tour will take you along one of the country's smoothest, most accessible and most popular cycle trails. Journey through ancient rainforests and wetlands, along historic bridges and down icy cold Glacial rivers. On the West Coast, you are likely to experience all weather events, making this an unforgettable cycling journey along New Zealand's Wilderness Trail.

Perfect for cyclists of all abilities, this grade 2-3 trail offers a relaxed and adventurous experience, but does require a baseline level of comfort on a bike. Not sure if it's the right fit? Reach out to your travel specialist for some great alternatives!

Hokitika to Hokitika

Head off from Hokitika by bike, cruising south past the golf course and into the enchanting Kohaihai Forest. This serene, ancient woodland, filled with towering kahikatea and totara trees, offers a peaceful ride over boardwalks and through wetlands, following the historic Mahinapua Tramline. You'll soak in the natural beauty and rich industrial past. A short ride on a sealed road leads you to the Treetops Walkway. Pause your cycle to wander among the canopies, enjoying vibrant birdlife and sweeping views of Lake Mahinapua. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch amidst nature. Afterward, cycle back through the forest to your comfortable Hokitika accommodation for a peaceful evening.
Total distance - 28km

Hokitika Gorge and the Lake Kaniere Loop

Begin your day by shuttling to the stunning Hokitika Gorge, where vivid turquoise waters meet dramatic rock formations. After taking in this incredible sight, head to Lake Kaniere for a relaxed lunch and photos amidst the scenic bays. Then, enjoy a mostly downhill bike ride through native bush, tracing the historic Kaniere Water Race – hand-dug in 1875 and a testament to gold mining ingenuity. The Kaniere Tram Road leads you back to Hokitika, where you can explore local shops, or enjoy afternoon tea. Finish your cycle at your Hokitika accommodation, reflecting on a day of breathtaking scenery and rich history.
Total distance - 29km

Canoe Cove to Kumara

After a good breakfast, Kiwi Journeys shuttle you to Canoe Cove to begin your ride. Your ride starts with a gentle ascent up the Arahura Valley, famous for its stunning river and rich history of greenstone (Pounamu) harvesting. Follow the gravel road to Milltown, where the real adventure begins. Today includes a short climb to 300 metres at the Kawhaka Pass for panoramic views, followed by a long, exhilarating descent into Kumara. The Southern Alps will be a stunning backdrop for your photos. As you near Kumara, a smooth boardwalk and bush trail will guide you into town.
The ride will provide you with incredible views of the Southern Alps and along a smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail so be sure to take your camera. 
Total distance - 47km

Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation with Christchurch Touring Company

On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch Scenic Plus with Great Journeys NZ

Great Journeys New Zealand's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making our TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat – a hosted dining experience like no other. Quite simply, we have done everything we can to ensure you feel at peace as you sink back in your seat and soak up the scenery.

Kumara to Greymouth

Saddle up for your final ride! Head towards the coast, taking in breathtaking views of the Taramakau River as you cycle towards the Tasman Sea. You'll pass scenic sand dunes and tranquil lagoons before following the Grey River into Greymouth. Once in Greymouth, you'll find various dining options, including the famous Monteith’s Brewery. Kiwi Journeys will meet you at the finish line, opposite the train station, at midday. Enjoy your celebration and the last of the stunning West Coast scenery!
Total distance - 28km

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand

Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!

Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch International Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch International Airport in time for your departing flight.