3 DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
Morning:
Option 1 - Antarctic Centre - See the Little Blue Penguins. Experience the cold of the Antarctic. Allow 2-3 hours.
Option 2- Walk or cycle around The Groynes 98 hectares of reserve.
Option 3- Drive into the City, hop on the tram, travel around the City Centre getting on & off the tram at your leisure. Not to be missed - Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre, Punting on the Avon.
Afternoon:
Option 1- Take the Gondola to the top of the Port Hills for 360 degree views of the city then wander around Sumner Beach.
Option 2- Visit Willowbank Wildlife park. See the Kiwis, perhaps stay for dinner and "Ko Tane" Maori performance.
Option 3- Pop down to the supermarket, get some supplies, relax back at Chardonnay and have a wine in the sun.
Evening:
Option 1- Dinner at Harringtons - generous portions, great service, value for money. As our guests you'll get a discount on food.
Option 2- Tutto Bene Italian experience in Merivale. Lots of noise and activity -great food.
Option 3- Book a visit to Tamaki Heritage Village. Experience the re-enactment of the journey of NZ Maori (includes dinner). Bookings essential. Warm clothing and good walking shoes a must.
Day 2
Option 1- Take a day trip to Hanmer Springs - home of the Thermal hot pools and Spa. (11/2 hrs drive north). Stop on the way at Pukeko Junction for a delicious morning tea. Stop at Brew Moon Cafe on the way back for a home brewed beer. Hanmer is a lovely Alpine Village with walks, arts'n'crafts, cafes and restaurants.
Option 2- Take a day trip over the hills to Akaroa - a beautiful little "French" village on Banks Peninsula. Full of quaint little houses, great arts'n'crafts and several pubs and restaurants. Take a trip with Wildlife Cruises and swim with the dolphins!
Evening:
After a busy day why not cook up a storm on the BBQ at Chardonnay while sipping on 1 or 2 of same? If you've still got some energy, play a game of badminton on the back lawn or Petanque on the front lawn.
Day 3
Morning:
Option 1- Shopping at Northlands Mall -one of the largest in ChCh.
Option 2- Drive to the Port Hills, over to Diamond Harbour and back through the Lyttelton Tunnel. Winding roads with great views. Allow 2-3 hours.
Afternoon:
Option 1- Orana Park Wildlife Reserve. A great experience of all types of wildlife, large and small. See the big cats being fed and the cheetahs showing off their speed. Allow 2-3 hours.
Option 2- Afternoon Tea at "Sweethearts at Berryfields". A gorgeous old fashioned cafe and berry farm. Delicious food in picturesque surroundings.
Evening:
Option 1- Into the city for a meal at one of the many restaurants on "The Strip"- Oxford Terrace. If you're feeling like a late night, move on to the bars and nightclubs of SOL square and Poplar Lane.
Option 2- Stop at Merivale and choose from several restaurants and bars. (Thai, Italian & European). Aikmans and No4 both have outdoor fires.
Option 3- Need a rest? Grab a ready to eat meal from reception. Pop it in the microwave. Eat and relax!