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Day 17
Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand
 Meals
included: B D
Accommodations:
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Activity Note: We will rise early today for our flight to Christchurch. Also, we will lose two hours when we fly to New Zealand, which is two hours ahead of Sydney.
Breakfast: A boxed breakfast will be served at the hotel before leaving for the airport.
Morning: This morning around 7:30am, we depart our hotel by coach and drive about half an hour to the Sydney airport. Departing around 8:45am, we’ll take a 5-hour flight to Christchurch, New Zealand, where we'll enjoy a more relaxed day today before we set off to explore Christchurch tomorrow.
Lunch: On your own—you may get something before our flight, on the plane, or upon arrival in New Zealand. Your Trip Experience Leader will recommend nearby options for you to choose.
Afternoon: We land in Christchurch around 2pm New Zealand time, and transfer by coach to our hotel. Upon arrival around 3pm, we'll check in and receive our room assignments. We will be staying at a hotel conveniently located in the heart of Christchurch, with easy access to the city’s offerings. No matter where we stay, you’ll enjoy an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Room amenities may include coffee- and tea-making facilities, TV, wireless Internet, and an en suite bathroom.
Dinner: Around 6:30pm, we'll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel restaurant. We will have a selection of local hot and cold dishes to choose from.
Evening: Your evening is free to begin exploring Christchurch, or refresh before the second half of our adventure.
Freedom to Explore
Make the most of your time in Christchurch with these suggestions for independent exploration from our local regional office. Your Trip Experience Leader will lead the activity with the most traveler interest.
Experience the Christchurch Tramway with your Trip Experience Leader: Step back in history as you ride the city's beautifully restored heritage trams and see the changing face of Christchurch. Your Trip Experience Leader will walk you over to the tram stop and join you on the full 50-minute circuit around the city center. Your day ticket also allows you to hop on and hop off at leisure, offering a plethora of stops en route, such as: the Canterbury Museum & Botanic Gardens, Turanga and Margaret Mahy Playground, The Terrace, Cashel Street & Riverside Market, Arts Centre and New Regent Street.
How to get there: A 5-minute walk with your Trip Experience Leader.
Hours: 9am-6pm, October-April; 10am-5pm, May-September.
Cost: About $18 USD per person.
Take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens: Located in the heart of the city, walk through 21 acres of rock gardens, plants, and tree collections, and learn about New Zealand's flora, as well as flora from every continent. Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree, the gardens have grown to a well-loved site for locals and visitors. Discover over 3,500 species of plants, from coniferous woody, deciduous woody, roses, herbs, medicinal plants, and more. The gardens are also a wonderful place for people-watching and mingling with locals who bring their families here to enjoy the flora, as well as to picnic. Plan to spend approximately 2-3 hours here.
How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi ride, about $7 USD one way.
Hours: 7am-9pm, daily.
br>CCost: Free; 1.5-hour guided tour, $7 USD per person.
Immerse yourself in history at the Canterbury Museum: Located in Christchurch’s Cultural Precinct, the Canterbury Museum is housed in an elegant stone building that first opened in 1870. It is world renowned for its natural and human history collections and hosts a revolving program of exhibitions and events that complement the permanent displays throughout the year. Highlights on display include mummy and dinosaur bones, and a number of Maori galleries containing pounamu (greenstone) pieces. Free 1-hour tours begin in the foyer daily at 2pm. Plan to spend approximately 2 hours exploring the museum.
How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk.
Hours: 9am-5:30pm, daily.
Cost: Free. |
