New Year’s is upon us and and as every year, it is time to make your resolutions to do some things you’ve never done before. What could it be? Another resolution that is too time consuming and doesn’t stick around for long? Certainly not! This year, look after your heart and experience one outdoor activity per district inside the Canterbury region! The best thing about it is that you can do them at your own pace and leisure.
This list is designed to make sure you look after your heart in 2010. Get ready for some unforgettable experiences and discover the Canterbury region as you’ve never seen it before.
And should you need more information for your getaways, don’t worry we’ve thought about that too. You will find a link under each district where you can find everything you need.
Happy New Year on behalf of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism!
1) Bungy Jump in Hanmer Springs & Hurunui with Thrillseekers
Are you ready for a thrill of a lifetime? If you thought Queenstown was the only place to bungy jump in the South Island, you’ll be happy to know this resolution can be covered off much closer to the city! Located in Hanmer Springs, Thrillseekers is the only company in Canterbury offering bungy jumping. From the top of the 135 year old Waiau Ferry Bridge, a 35-metre height allows you more than enough time to experience a whole range of emotions – sheer terror, fright, exhilaration – you name it, the list goes on!
Once you have enough courage to take the plunge, you will be issued a certificate by Thrillseekers so you can prove your friends and relatives you really did it. Get some photos and a T-shirt as well and keep those memories for life.
Jump now and enquire about availabilities here!
2) Hit the Mountain Biking Trails in Waimate
If Waimate means strawberries and wallabies to you, it’s time to change your view! The district now boasts a diversity of mountain bike trails both in and around the town itself catering for all abilities.
West of Waimate, a number of round trips are available ranging from 40km to 80km; Pentland Traverse, Kinbrace Trail and Meyers Pass Trail.
An interesting alternative to Meyers Pass Trail is called the ‘Pub to Pub’ ride. This 55km one way ride travels through Pentland Hills, Meyers Pass trail and McHenry’s Road.
Short of time? Clarksfield Road may suit you better with its 18.5km from end to end. For the real mountain biking addicts, Whitehorse Trail is the one to be after – 6.2km return of grade 4+ and uphill!
The longest trail in the area is Hakataramea Pass Trail – a 100km trail which offers spectacular views of Mt Cook, the alps and high country scenery.
Hit the Waimate trails and learn more about them here.
3) Experience Rangitata Rafts in Central South Island
The only white water rafting operator in the Canterbury, Rangitata Rafts is situated on Mt Peel Station in the wild landscape of the Central South Island. The unique and stunning valley has been chosen to be one of the scenes of Edoras in The Lord of the Rings and no wonder why!
Be welcomed by the experienced guides and meet your fellow rafters in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Receive a full safety brief and practical training in the first ½ hour on the water and get ready for the intense Grade 4 and 5 sections where the full volume of the river narrows to a pinch.
Play in the smaller rapids, swim in the crystal waters and challenge yourself with a leap from the ‘jump rock’.
Return transport from Christchurch is complimentary and optional. And if you just can’t get enough of this place, accommodation is also available. Get ready for rafting here!
4) Swim with seals in Kaikoura
Open your mind to the sheer magnificence of the South island and experience seal swimming in Kaikoura! This totally unique experience is just a 2.5 hour drive from Christchurch and suitable for adults and children over 5 years of age.
In the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, Seal Swim Kaikoura gives you the opportunity to snorkel with curious, friendly and playful wild New Zealand Fur Seals.
The tours are licensed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation to ensure that the natural behavioural patterns of the seals is not disturbed.
Enquire about bookings here for a breath taking nature activity on Kaikoura’s beautiful coast.
5) Join Kowhai Equestrian Horse Riding in Waimakariri
There is no better way to enjoy the breath taking scenery of the Waimakariri area than a horse trek. Situated only 10 minutes drive from Oxford, Kowhai Equestrian Horse Riding offers a half day horse trek where a well schooled horse and an experienced instructor will take you where you’ve never been before! You will be enticed by the great views of the Canterbury Plains all the way back to Christchurch.
Treks are available for different levels; from flat farm land, willow trees and river to hill country. Kowhai Equestrian Horse Riding owns over 80 horses and all treks include basic instruction.
The business is open 7 days a week and no minimum number is required to operate. Groups are also welcome. Transfers from Christchurch or Oxford are available and riding hats & whips are provided for your use.
Visit Kowhai Equestrian Horse Riding and enquire about bookings here.
6) Learn more on a Heritage Tour with Alpine Jet in Selwyn
The Heritage Safari with Alpine Jet combines the best of both worlds; visit some of the hidden historic sites, experience the natural environment up close and let the scenery blow you away through the foothills of the Southern Alps in the Selwyn District.
This informative all day Jet boat adventure takes you along the full length of the Waimakariri River Gorge and Canyon for over 35 kilometres. Many great photo opportunities will fulfill your experience and return transport from Christchurch as well as a picnic lunch are included.
Don’t forget to hold on to the hand-rail, the jet boat driver will impress you with some 360° spins.
You’ll ask for more! Prepared to be thrilled and enquire about bookings for a true New Zealand jet boating experience here.
7) Jump out of a plane in Ashburton District
Planning the adrenalin pumping experience of a parachute jump? The longest established skydiving school in the country, The New Zealand Skydiving School, offers a 12,000ft jump or a 15,000 ft jump. Up to you! Get briefed, dressed and enjoy a 20-minute scenic flight at first. Then exit the plane with your skydiving instructor for an experience of a lifetime!
To remember your skydiving experience, free fall photos and video are available to purchase before the jump. Get a free fall cameraperson to parachute jump with you to capture your entire experience on film. A quality clothing range including men’s and women’s t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, micro-fleeces, caps and beanies is also available.
The company is situated in Methven, part of Ashburton District, and offers complimentary transport from Christchurch City Centre with a prior booking. Dare to do it here!
8) Explore the Glaciers in Aoraki/Mt Cook Mackenzie with Glacier Sea Kayaking
Get up close and personal with a real glacier and icebergs in Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park. At over 750 metres above sea level, Sea Kayaking is the ultimate way to experience the magnificence of this world famous national park.
Experience the Quiet Zone of the National Park, see avalanches thunder down the slopes of the mighty Mt Sefton, paddle into the aqua and blue glacier melt pools and enjoy stunning views of Aoraki-Mount Cook!
All trips are fully guided and the guides have a great knowledge of the area and its inhabitants. The activity suits all levels of kayakers from beginners to very experienced paddlers. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is located 4-hour drive from Christchurch.
Enquire about bookings here for this unforgettable 3-hour tour with the only glacier sea kayaking company in New Zealand!
9) Walk the Banks Peninsula Track departing Akaroa
Escape to Akaroa, an easy 1.5 hour drive from Christchurch, and hit the Banks Peninsula Track for a little bit of fitness! Situated on a private land, visitors can opt for a two-day walk or a four-day walk. The Tracks are suitable for first time walkers or experienced hikers or trampers.
These self-guided walks allow you to combine the comforts of guided walks with the independence of the freedom walker. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase food and drink supplies along the way without having to pre-book it. Although both walks cover the same distance and route, the four-day walk has become the classic Kiwi walking holiday while the two day walk is a more challenging hike or tramp. Enquire about availabilities here for the Banks Peninsula Track.
10) Fly above Christchurch with Southern DC3
There is only one place in the South Island where you can fly ZK-AMY, a DC3, and it’s in Christchurch. Southern DC3 offers a 30-minute scenic flight above Christchurch City as well as Adventure Packages above the Canterbury Plains such as the International Antarctic Attraction Centre Adventure, Darfield Adventure and Lake Hood Adventure.
The DC3 is a legend around the world and nowhere more so than in NZ. Since its first flight in 1935, the DC3 has continuously impressed with its reliability, safety and style, along with the ability to earn its way in a world of rapidly advancing technology.
Enquire about bookings here to fly the youngest airworthy DC3 in the Southern Hemisphere. Girls, it is also an opportunity to meet trust patron Richie McCaw, does that make you want to fly?
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Hi Cindy,
Just wanted to mention I went swimming with the Seals in Kaikoura last January and what an amazing experience it was! The little seals were so interested in us and were very interactive, swimming circles around us! It was also really interesting to learn all about their species and habitat. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about doing it this summer – defiantly worth the drive up from Christchurch!
Have been enjoying your blog posts BTW :-)
Best wishes for the new year,
Jane