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Canterbury Itinerary
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 Day 1
- Arrive in Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre.
- Spend the day exploring the city by jumping aboard the Christchurch Tramway, which visits such attractions as Cathedral Square, Canterbury Museum, the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park and Christchurch Casino.
- Stay overnight in Christchurch with Host Accommodation.
Day 2
- Drive to Lytleton. Explore the Christchurch Port City, take a gondala ride to the Port Hills.
- Drive to New Brighton and walk along the pier and visit Sumner for an icecream or coffee.
- Stay overnight in Christchurch with Host Accommodation.
Day 3
- Head to the Mt Hutt Ski Area for the day.
- Alternatively, experience a balloon ride over the rural landscape of Ashburton taking in Lake Hood, Methven, Mt Hutt, Mt Somers and the Rakaia River.
- Enjoy a punt in the park on the Avon River. Canoes and paddle boats can be hired from Antigua Boat Sheds.
- Spend the afternoon at the Arts Centre and eat at one of the many cafés.
- Experience a night of cultural magic at the Nga Hau e Wha National Marae with a hangi meal tour and concert, or sample the city's lively nightlife.
- Stay overnight in Christchurch with Host Accommodation.
Day 4
- Drive to Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching and marine mammals.
- Take a flight or cruise to best appreciate the Southern Oceans Marine Mammal Sanctuary and its whales and birdlife.
- Other attractions include the Maori Leap Cave, the Little Garden of Memories and Takahanga Pa.
- Be sure to try the town's speciality of crayfish at one of its restaurants.
- Stay overnight in Kaikoura with Host Accommodation.
Day 5
- Return by road towards Christchurch and take the inland scenic route via Lake Coleridge to Ashburton.
- Choose between a range of adventure sports, including glacier skiing, tramping, walking, mountaineering and fishing.
- Stay overnight in Ashburton with Host Accommodation.
Day 6
- Spend the day on the region's skifields at either Mt Dobson or Fox Peak.
- Alternatively, enjoy a day's fishing on the Rakaia river. Water sports such as skiing, kayaking and jet boating are available in summer.
- Drive to Timaru and stay overnight with Host Accommodation.
Day 7
- Visit Timaru's Aigantighe Art Museum, a historic home and gardens, DB Brewery & Caroline Bay before driving northwards to Akaroa, here you'll find New Zealand's only French settlement.
- Stay overnight in Akaroa with Host Accommodation.
Day 8
- Explore Akaroa. Wander its French-named streets and enjoy lunch.
- Take a harbour cruise and swim with dolphins, or visit the area's museums and wineries.
- Stay overnight in Akaroa with Host Accommodation.
Day 9
- Return to Christchurch via the scenic Banks Peninsula.
- Stay overnight in Christchurch with Host Accommodation.
Central South Island accommodation
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