Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on a train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests, and stunning landscapes. Explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers.

Itinerary Christchurch - We start by leaving Garden City/Christchurch and heading south towards our destination, while our knowledgeable driver points out some of the Garden City’s highlights. Canterbury Plains - Wrapped around Christchurch are the Canterbury Plains filled with farmland as far as the eye can see. Most types of farming you can think of will be found on the plains such as crops, vineyards, dairy and livestock production. Fairlie Bakehouse (10mins) - A Classic New Zealand farming town hidden away in Mackenzie. Fairlie goes through some stunning colour changes especially come Autum, this is truly one of the best locations to sit and relax with one of their world-famous meat Pies from the Bakehouse. And this stop is also where we will pick up your lunch to keep you full of energy for the rest of the day. Lake Tekapo/ Church of the Good Shepherd (15mins) – An alpine lake region like no other in the heart of Mackenzie. At the right time of year, you will find clusters of wild lupins along the lake edge. Once we arrive in Tekapo we head towards the most popular photo spots in the country The Church of The Good Shepard for those social media worthy pictures. Lake Pukaki (10mins) - This glacier fed lake is unique compared to its alpine partners. The colours can change from ice blue to a dark deep blue depending on the weather conditions. On a clear day enjoy undisturbed views right up to Mt Cook which appears to extend out of the head of the lake. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5hrs) – AND HERE WE ARE! Named after the famous explorer James Cook, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Once here you will have the choice to embark on either The Hooker Valley or The Tasman Glacier walk. If a flight overlooking the mountains is more your thing, we are happy to arrange Helicopter rides for you and the family to enjoy instead. • Hooker Valley (2.5-3hrs) The Hooker valley track is one of the highest rated day walks in New Zealand. It’s not hard to see why as you walk alongside an ice-covered cliff face (Listen carefully you may hear it moving) all the way to an ice filled lake with Mt Cook at its end. • Tasman Glacier (2.5 – 3hrs) This track leads through the glacier’s old terminal moraines, and there you will find amazing views of the glacier, river, and lake. • Mt Cook Information Centre (DOC) – You are more than welcome to take it all in by spending the day in the information centre with a coffee. Learn the history of the national park, ask questions and just be in moment. At 2:30 our driver will collect you from your chosen destinations for the day to head back home. Lake Tekapo (10mins) -We stop briefly in Lake Tekapo for one last time to take those last minute late evening photos of the Church and the Lake. Christchurch – After what has been a simply beautiful day, we will head back to the Garden City. Its bittersweet as you’ll be exhausted but filled with new memories.

Experience dramatic glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful alpine walks on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. After pick-up from your hotel, journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, located a 4 hours' drive through spectacular and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the historic town of Geraldine. Then discover the heart of Mackenzie Country, the captivatingly turquoise Lake Tekapo, the iconic Church of Good Shepherd, and the well-recognized statue of Sheepdog. Travel through Lake Pukaki and admire stunning views of Mt. Cook from a distance. Enjoy a short scenic hike in the National Park to view the 23.5kms long Tasman Glacier which is the longest glacier in New Zealand before returning to Christchurch.

Experience Christchurch from different perspectives with a combined city tour by vintage Tram, Punt along the Avon River, and cable car ride aboard the Christchurch Gondola. Climb aboard a classic, flat-bottomed boat for a delightful 30-minute Punt ride along the Avon River. Before your tour, reserve a timeslot prior to arrival to venture through the city center propelled by a boatman dressed in Edwardian costume. See the beautiful alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch and its suburbs on board the Christchurch Gondola cable car. Explore the history of the region in the unique Discovery ride experience, and pause for refreshments at the Red Rock Café. Marvel at the Southern Alps and Kaikoura Mountains, and get 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city, and harbor from the glass-enclosed cabin. Once at the summit, browse the "Shop at the Top" or hike one of the many walking trails, such as the trek to volcanic-formed Crater Rim. Please note the Christchurch Gondola is located 15 minutes from the city centre and a 10 minute drive from Lyttelton port. Journey by vintage tram and see the “Garden City” at your own pace with a full-day hop-on and hop-off ticket. Explore the regenerated city center to see innovative architecture. Listen to a fascinating commentary from your driver as you take a full circuit in just 50 minutes, or jump on and off at leisure at 18 strategic stops. Discover the vast urban space of Hagley Park, explore the boutique stores of New Regent Street and much more!

Climb aboard the Christchurch Gondola cable car and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps as you glide across the slopes of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills. See as far as the city and harbor as you ride up to the summit 445 meters above sea level. Make use of the facilities at the top, such as the Discovery ride, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the region. Revive your spirits at the Red Rock Café before or after going for a walk or bike ride along the many nature trails. Take a unique sightseeing tour of the inner city aboard an antique tram as the driver provides a live and entertaining commentary. A full circuit takes 50 minutes and includes 18 stops, where you can hop on and off as often as you wish. Visit Riverside Market, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Junction, Canterbury Museum, and much more.  

Climb aboard a vintage tram for a unique tour of Christchurch, and see the “Garden City” at your own pace with a full-day hop-on and hop-off tram ticket. Travel through the regenerated city center to see innovative architecture, See how the city center has been rebuilt after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Listen to a fascinating commentary from your driver as you take a full circuit in just 50 minutes, or jump on and off at leisure at 18 stops. The tram currently starts at Cathedral Junction and travels through Cathedral Square, before passing the River Avon. Jump off at the Canterbury Museum, just a short stroll from the Botanic Garden and Arts Center. Discover the city’s largest urban space at Hagley Park, or explore the boutique stores of New Regent Street, New Zealand’s “Most Beautiful Street.”

Take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola to see the beautiful Alpine scenery surrounding Christchurch city and suburbs. The gondola ride is 10-minutes each way at normal speed and each cable car stops to allow you to board and disembark safely.  Marvel at the Southern Alps to the west, and the Kaikoura Mountains to the north. To the south lies the beautiful harbor of Christchurch, and to the east is the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy 360-degree views of the plains, mountains, city, and harbor from the glass-enclosed gondola. At the summit, you can browse the souvenir shop or visit the cafe. Experience authentic Kiwi flavors as you take in the spectacular views. If you are feeling more energetic, explore one of the many walking trails like the hike to the Crater Rim. Enjoy the Discover ride experience to learn about the development of the Canterbury region. The automated ride is a definite highlight with children and adults alike!

Experience the ultimate animal adventure at Orana Wildlife Park. Set in 180 hectares, within 15 minutes drive of Christchurch airport, Orana is New Zealand’s only open-range zoo. Discover over 1000 animals, representing more than 90 species. Arrive at the park from 10 AM in the morning. Regular animal presentations occur daily, commencing at 10:45 AM, and are accompanied by a presentation from a wildlife guide. It is recommended to arrive at the park early and follow the presentation schedule which will lead you around the entire zoo. As you explore the grounds, enjoy a range of amazing wildlife experiences including hand-feeding the giraffes and meeting rhino up close. Stroll through the aviaries to observe kiwi, and other stunning native birds including kakariki, whio, and mischievous kea. See a range of native reptiles and meet friendly domestic animals in the Farmyard area. Also, enjoy the antics of gorillas, cheetah, Tasmanian devils, monkeys, meerkats, and more. Either ride through the park on the complimentary Safari Shuttle, join a guided walkabout tour, and/or meander around the park at your own leisure. The park contains a children’s adventure playground, 2 large picnic areas, a café, and a wildlife-themed gift shop for you to explore at your own pace.

Embark on a road trip from Christchurch and Queenstown, driving past blue lakes, rolling countryside, and pretty towns, all with the majestic Southern Alps in the background. Stop in Mt Cook, the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Leave Christchurch and head south towards your destination, as your driver points out some of the Garden City’s highlights. Make your first stop of the day in Fairlie. Grab a coffee and try one of the best pies in New Zealand. After refueling for the next part of our journey, leave Fairle and head toward Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the stunning lakefront to take photos. Then, turn west and enter the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, with Lake Pukaki revealing all its beauty before your eyes. At the National Park, enjoy 2.5 hours of free time to indulge in local activities. Go on a hike or book optional extras such as a scenic flight. After leaving Mt Cook, stop at High Country Salmon – a local salmon farm where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand. Finally, be driven to your final destination of Queenstown.

Giles Guided Wine Tour This is a private wine tour for up to 4 people. Indulge in a day of wine tasting in the Waipara Valley, part of the North Canterbury Wine Region which is about 75km (46miles) north of Christchurch. The area is renowned for its warm, dry climate and limestone-rich soils — ideal for growing the premium quality grapes that produce world class, multi award-winning wines and some of New Zealand’s best wines. Following your pickup in central Christchurch, your guide takes you on the 45-minute drive to Waipara. Visit wineries and tasting rooms during a fully guided tour of up to four boutique vineyards. Many of these wineries are not available to the larger tour groups and offer an intimate, one on one, tasting experience. You will be able sample some of the finest wines in NZ, and enjoy a lunch of your choice. You can choose to have a winery platter, a gourmet degustation “long lunch” meal or just a handmade pie at one of the wineries. Naturally all dietary requirements can be catered for. The Wineries: Pegasus Bay Winery: Sustainable viticulture brings out the complex flavours and fruit characters of the wines, featuring world renowned Pinot Noirs, several different Rieslings, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and extraordinary dessert wines. Greystone Wines: This is the most awarded winery in North Canterbury. Varieties include Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pet Nat, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – also the home of the famous four course/five wines long lunch. The Bone Line Winery: Most definitely off the beaten track this is one of the most extraordinary wine tastings anywhere in New Zealand. Varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Rieslings Torlesse Winery: Two ranges produced from 4 vineyard sites including the Winery Block and the Mackenzie Vineyards. Varieties include Gewurztraminer, Albarino and 10 year old Tawny. Terrace Edge Wines: – A dramatic landscape captured in liquid form. A truly boutique winery – taste the award-winning wines including St Laurent, Syrah and liquid Geography Riesling. Important Information Departure Point - Tour departs from a central Christchurch pick-up point at 10.15am. Duration - Allow 6 hours with lunch Return Details - Returns to original departure point, unless otherwise arranged, at about 4.15pm. Wine tastings – You will pay for your own wine tastings (usually $10/$15 per winery) Lunch – You will preselect a lunch option and pay for your own lunches at the winery Pick-up Drop off - pickup and drop-off is in central Christchurch – other pick-up places, such as the port of Lyttelton, can also be arranged but might incur a small fee. Tutored tastings with a knowledgeable guide Number of guests – 1 to 4 – this can be increased to 6 by arrangement. Wineries and lunch are subject to availability on the day and will be pre-arranged by Giles Tours. Cancellation - 48 hours notice is required for refund or rebook.