Akaroa

A charming town with a French flavour, renowned for it’s arts and crafts .Dine overlooking the harbour watching the sailing boats, then take a cruise out of the harbour to see the seals and penguins, and to swim with the dolphins. Explore the bays, each with it’s unique character. Le Bons is a picturesque sandy cove, surrounded by hills. It has a river running into one end of it, and a gently shelving beach making it safer for swimming. Okains bay has a Maori and early settlers museum that is well worth a visit.  

Hanmer Springs

One hour and a half from Christchurch, Hanmer is famous for it thermal pools. It also has a good skiing in the winter, walking and mountain biking all year round. For the more adventurous there is bungy jumping, white water rafting, and jet boating.

Kaikoura

The dramatic rocky coastline is home to seal colonies that lie basking in the sun, totally oblivious to humans so near them. Take a trip out to watch the whales and dolphins that swim close to the shore.  

Lyttelton

Lyttelton was the original settlement area, and is now the South Island's busiest port. It has quaint cottages and the imposing Timeball Station. There is a museum worth visiting or take a trip over to Quail Island which was a leper colony and Ripapa Island. Drive through Lyttelton on the way to Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.