Christchurch gondola
Christchurch Gondola
The spectacular ride takes visitors to the top of the crater rim
of Christchurch’s extinct volcano on the outskirts of the
city, unfolding magnificent views of the city, over the Canterbury
Plains and towards the Southern Alps, and the sweep of Pegasus Bay
and Lyttelton Harbour, as it rises to 1,460ft (445m) above sea
level. At the summit the Gondola Complex features the Time Tunnel
Heritage Show with a walk-through exhibition and video relaying the
history and geological evolution of the Canterbury region as well
as Maori mythology. From the summit it is possible to walk back
down through the Port Hills to Sumner Beach.
Address: Gondola Base Station, Heathcote Valley;
Telephone: (0)3 384 0700;
E-mail: gondola@gondola.co.nz;
Website: www.gondola.co.nz;
Transport: Best Attractions bus that leaves from Cathedral Square to the base NZ$6.50, return. City Bus 28 to Lyttelton, or bus 35 to Heathcote from the Colombo Street Bus Exchange, NZ$2.50 for a 2 hour return ticket;
Opening time: Daily 10am to 9pm;
Admission: NZ$22 (adults), NZ$10 (children 5-15 years)
View of Mt Cook across Lake Pukaki
Mt Cook National Park
Mt Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty
and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its
Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’
and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding
snow-covered peaks in the park. A third of the park is covered in
permanent ice and snow and the mighty Tasman Glacier is the longest
glacier outside of the polar regions. Glacial melt gives the lakes
their beautiful milky, turquoise colour and there are many walks in
the area to take in the dramatic beauty. Mt Cook has always been
the focus of climbing and mountaineering, most notably the
expeditions of Sir Edmund Hillary, who went on to be the first man
to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Mt
Everest.
Telephone: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre: (0)3 435 1186;
E-mail: mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz;
Website: www.mtcook.org.nz;
Transport: The Cook Connection offers daily return options to Mt Cook from a variety of different locations. There are other tour operators working within the park and its surrounds
Akaroa harbour
Akaroa
The hilly Banks Peninsula is the result of two massive and
violent volcanic eruptions, creating a sea-filled crater surrounded
by green hills and a number of little bays that radiate out from
the circular shape of land. The Maori name 'akaroa' means 'long
harbour' and the little French influenced town of the same name is
situated on the picturesque shores of the harbour, a long finger of
water extending into the interior of the land. It is Canterbury's
oldest village and its French character, due to the first European
settlers, is evident in the street names, quaint historical
architecture and French inspired cuisine. The pretty town is
surrounded by attractive scenery; a volcanic landscape of fertile
green hills scattered with woolly sheep and vineyards, and
crisscrossed by walking trails and winding narrow roads. The calm
waters of the harbour are perfect for water sports and boat
cruises, with an opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Telephone: (0)3 304 8600;
E-mail: info@akaroa.com;
Website: www.akaroa.com;
Transport: Akaroa French Connection and Akaroa Shuttle leave daily from Christchurch
