Short Stay Packages
Nature & Wildlife
Kayak & Canoe Tours
Family-friendly Tours
How Will You Travel Around Canterbury?
Collect your rental SUV at Christchurch Airport and return it at the end of the escape. You drive to the Akaroa cruise, Willowbank and other independently booked attractions. The included Kaikōura excursion has its own return Christchurch transport; confirm the meeting point or hotel pickup in your itinerary.
Optional experiences add to the programme where timing allows. Alternative experiences replace a stated inclusion and may change the price, transport or meals. Longer outings can require an extra day. Tell us your arrival and departure times, children's ages and preferred pace before selecting changes.
- Four nights in your selected Christchurch accommodation.
- Five days' hybrid intermediate AWD SUV rental from Christchurch Airport with GO Rentals.
- Rental vehicle insurance as specified in your confirmed quote.
- Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise with Black Cat Cruises.
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve admission and native guided tour.
- Kaikōura whale-watch day tour with Cheeky Kea Tours, including return Christchurch transport, the whale-watching boat trip, lunch, bottled water and snacks.
Meals other than those expressly included, fuel, parking and optional or alternative experiences are additional. Review the car rental information with your quote for vehicle inclusions, collection requirements and any extras.
Accommodation Options
- Bella Vista Christchurch Motel — Superior Studio.
- Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch — Executive Studio.
- Distinction Christchurch Hotel — Classic Super King Room.
- Adina Heritage Christchurch — One Bedroom Apartment.
*Note: The advertised twin-share arrangements suit two adults sharing. Family rooms, separate bedrooms, different bedding and other room categories can be quoted on request. Confirm cooking facilities and parking arrangements for the selected room.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel — Stay Close to the City Sights
Settle into a central Christchurch hotel close to Cathedral Square, shops, restaurants and city attractions. Contemporary rooms and on-site dining make it a convenient base between Canterbury day trips.
Classic Super King Room: This 31–33 m² room accommodates two guests with a super king bed, air conditioning, seating, complimentary Wi-Fi and a Smart TV. The ensuite has a shower over the bath. Larger room categories can be requested for families.
Scenic Hotel Cotswold — Space to Unwind in Merivale
Scenic Hotel Cotswold combines Tudor-style architecture with a garden setting near Merivale's shops and restaurants. Its rooms and suites provide a convenient base, with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi.
Executive Studio: The 30 m² Executive Studio accommodates two guests with a king bed, a seating area and a modern ensuite with a heated floor and walk-in shower. Tea and coffee facilities and a minibar are provided.
Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, open from November to April, along with the gym and sauna. The on-site restaurant and bar offer convenient options for breakfast, dinner or an evening drink. An Executive Two Bedroom Suite can be requested when additional bedrooms are needed.
Bella Vista Christchurch — A Practical Base with Kitchenette Facilities
Bella Vista Christchurch offers studios and larger units, with on-site parking, Wi-Fi and guest laundry facilities. Choose the room layout that suits your group and confirm any particular cooking or access requirements when enquiring.
Superior Studio: The 20 m² Superior Studio accommodates two guests with a king or queen bed, an ensuite shower and a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and tea, coffee and toast-making facilities. Additional cooking appliances can be requested. Upstairs and downstairs units are available, with accessible downstairs options on request.
Adina Heritage Christchurch — Apartment Living in Cathedral Square
Stay in the historic 1913 Old Government Building, with central Christchurch on your doorstep. Apartment accommodation provides room to relax between wildlife excursions.
One Bedroom Apartment: A separate bedroom, living and dining space, kitchen and laundry facilities make this an option for travellers who prefer to prepare some meals themselves. Confirm the bedding, room category and any parking charges in your quote.
Deposit and Final Payment
A deposit of NZ$150 per person is payable at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 45 days before travel.
Cancellation Charges
The following minimum cancellation charges apply, together with any additional charges imposed by individual suppliers:
- 45 days or more before travel: Full loss of deposit.
- 8–44 days before travel: 50% cancellation fee.
- 0–7 days before travel: 100% cancellation fee.
No refund is available once travel has commenced. Individual suppliers cannot authorise refunds on behalf of Go New Zealand. Any refund is at Go New Zealand’s discretion.
Any additional refund approved under our terms and conditions is subject to a 5% administration and processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. For further information on refunds and cancellations, please see Go New Zealand’s terms and conditions.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for your holiday.
Make This Wildlife Escape Your Own
Tell Go New Zealand your preferred travel dates, number of adults and children, and the wildlife experiences you most want to enjoy. Include children's ages, accommodation and cooking preferences, your luggage requirements and your arrival and departure plans.
We'll help you choose rooms, check suitable activity times and quote optional additions, replacements or extra nights. For a longer Canterbury break, compare our Christchurch Short Stay Packages and ask how another escape could fit with your plans.
