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South Island

Start: Christchurch
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 664 kms

This six day Christchurch Adventure Escape starts and finishes in Christchurch, with five nights in one city base. It includes SUV hire and insurance, a guided Crater Rim walk, Hanmer Springs thermal pools, Akaroa sea kayaking and a Cave Stream & Castle Hill tour with Christchurch transport. Start dates are arranged subject to availability and conditions. The standard itinerary suits active adults and children aged 12 years and over; younger families can request alternatives.

Walk, Paddle and Go Underground in Canterbury

Follow coastal trails above Lyttelton Harbour, paddle beneath Banks Peninsula’s volcanic cliffs and explore an underground river cave with a guide. This six-day escape brings together four included experiences, five nights in Christchurch and a rental SUV for your independent journeys.

Balance the active days with a thermal soak in Hanmer Springs and time to enjoy Christchurch’s cafés, gardens and riverside precincts. Choose your accommodation, then ask about extra activities or suitable replacements to make the holiday your own.

Note: All short stay packages can be tailored to suit your travel plans, with included tours and activities exchanged for alternative experiences. Package durations can also be shortened or extended to match your dates, or combined with other short stay packages to create a longer New Zealand itinerary.

How Will You Travel Between Your Adventures?

Stay in Christchurch throughout and use your rental car for the Hanmer Springs and Akaroa day trips. In Akaroa, join Pōhatu’s guided 4WD transport to the kayaking location. Return Christchurch transport is included with the Crater Rim walk and the full-day Cave Stream & Castle Hill tour, subject to the operators’ pick-up arrangements.

Confirm meeting points before setting out and allow time for winding roads, stops and activity check-in. Each day returns to your Christchurch accommodation; alternative experiences may change the route, transport and departure time.

  • Five nights’ hotel, motel or apartment accommodation in Christchurch, in the room type confirmed at booking.
  • Six days’ hybrid intermediate AWD SUV rental from Christchurch.
  • Fully inclusive rental car insurance as specified in the package.
  • Half Day Guided Crater Rim Walk.
  • Hanmer Springs Experience, including thermal pool entry, a shared deluxe grazing platter, towel hire and robe hire.
  • Akaroa 4WD Sea Kayaking Safari.
  • Cave Stream & Castle Hill guided day tour, including selected Christchurch pickup and drop-off, caving equipment, lunch, afternoon tea and hot drinks.

Accommodation Options

  • Bella Vista Christchurch Motel & Apartments (4* Silver Qualmark Motel): Superior Studio*
  • Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch (4* Gold Qualmark Hotel): Executive Studio*
  • Distinction Christchurch (4.5* Silver Qualmark Hotel): Classic Super King Room*
  • Adina Heritage Christchurch (4.5* Apartment Hotel): 1 Bedroom Apartment*

*Note: Other room types and rental vehicles are available on request.

Put Christchurch on Your Doorstep

Stay in the heart of Cathedral Square, with Christchurch’s restaurants, shopping and central-city attractions within easy reach. Distinction Christchurch Hotel combines a convenient location with contemporary accommodation, making it an appealing base for sightseeing and discovering the city’s food scene.

Classic Super King Room

Enjoy approximately 31–33 m² of space with a super king bed, comfortable armchairs and a work desk. Air conditioning, double-glazed windows, a smart television and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi help you settle in after a day exploring.

The ensuite bathroom features a shower over the bath. This room suits couples or solo travellers seeking extra space and a central location.

Dining and Relaxation Close at Hand

Dine at Gumption Restaurant & Bar or relax over a drink before heading out for the evening. Guests also have complimentary access to the hotel gym.

Ask about alternative room categories if you need separate beds or accommodation for a family, and confirm parking arrangements for your rental car when booking.

Character, Comfort and Room to Relax

Settle into a relaxed Christchurch stay surrounded by Tudor-style architecture and garden grounds. Located on Papanui Road near Merivale, Scenic Hotel Cotswold provides convenient access to city attractions, restaurants and shops, with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi.

Executive Studio

The 30 m² Executive Studio accommodates up to two guests in a king bed. Air conditioning, a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom with a heated floor and walk-in shower provide a comfortable retreat after exploring Canterbury.

Tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar are provided. If you need cooking facilities, please discuss your requirements before booking.

Executive Two Bedroom Suite

Families and friends can request an Executive Two Bedroom Suite with a king bed and twin single beds. A separate lounge and dining area provides extra space to unwind, while air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi add everyday convenience.

Unwind Between Canterbury Adventures

Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool during its November–April season, or make use of the gym and sauna. The on-site restaurant and bar offer convenient dining, while free parking makes the hotel a practical base for your self-drive holiday.

Stay Close to Christchurch’s Cafés and Attractions

Enjoy a convenient Christchurch base on Bealey Avenue, close to the central city’s restaurants, shops and attractions. Leave your rental car in the on-site parking and explore on foot, or head out for a day discovering Canterbury.

With complimentary Wi-Fi, guest laundry facilities and a choice of studios, units and apartments, Bella Vista offers practical accommodation for couples, families and friends.

Superior Studio

The approximately 20 m² Superior Studio accommodates up to two guests in a king or queen bed. Each studio includes an ensuite bathroom with a shower and a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, toaster and tea and coffee making facilities.

Additional cooking appliances are available on request. Studios are located upstairs and downstairs; request a ground-floor room or accessible facilities when booking.

More Space for Families and Friends

Travelling together? Ask about a one-bedroom unit or a two- or three-bedroom apartment. Larger apartments offer separate living areas and full kitchens, giving you flexibility to prepare meals between outings. Tell us your preferred bedding, cooking facilities and accessibility requirements so we can recommend a suitable room.

Heritage Character with Apartment Freedom

Stay in one of Christchurch’s landmark buildings, built in 1913 and overlooking Cathedral Square. Adina Heritage Christchurch combines historic architecture with spacious apartment accommodation, placing cafés, restaurants and central-city attractions within easy reach.

It is an appealing choice if you enjoy having room to relax and the flexibility to prepare meals around your included experiences.

One Bedroom Apartment

The approximately 63 m² One Bedroom Apartment accommodates up to two guests and features a separate bedroom, living room and dining area. A fully equipped kitchen includes a microwave, full-size fridge, dishwasher and utensils, while a washing machine and dryer make longer stays convenient.

Complimentary Wi-Fi and a bathroom with a shower over the bath complete your apartment. Two- and three-bedroom options are available on request for families or friends travelling together.

Space to Unwind in the City

Enjoy the heated indoor lap pool, gym, spa and sauna between outings. There is no on-site restaurant, but nearby cafés and restaurants offer plenty of dining choices.

On-site parking is available at an additional charge, subject to availability. Tell us your bedding and access requirements when requesting your apartment.

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.

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