Christchurch Day Trips

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; E-mail: gondola@gondola.co.nz; Website: www.gondola.co.nz; Telephone: (0)3 384 0700; 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$24 (adults), NZ$10 (children 5-15 years)

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.

E-mail: mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz; Website: www.mtcook.org.nz; Telephone: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre: (0)3 435 1186; 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

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.

E-mail: info@akaroa.com; Website: www.akaroa.com; Telephone: (0)3 304 8600; Transport: Akaroa French Connection and Akaroa Shuttle leave daily from Christchurch