Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps.
The Canterbury region offers many hidden treasures for those adventurous enough to seek them out. Attached you will find a few places we recommend you include as 'must see' or 'must do' items while staying at Merivale Manor.
Voted NZ's Best Ski Resort Mt Hutt boasts wide open terrain for all ski and snowboard ability levels plus kids 10 years and under ski for free at Mt Hutt. Superb conditions, spectacular terrain and laid back kiwi hospitality will leave you dreaming for more.
Escape to a world of peace and tranquility. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating effortlessly over an ever changing landscape.
Just 90 minutes north of Christchurch, indulge with a range of pools including relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, an array of water jets and bubbles - at a range of temperatures. Plus a luxurious day spa with a range of treatments, private pools, sauna and steam rooms
The Gondola offers a unique Christchurch sightseeing experience that you'll never forget. Soar suspended above the valleys as the birds fly beneath your cable car. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Christchurch cityscape, over the Canterbury Plains out to the mighty Southern Alps and the dramatic hills of Banks Peninsula. Treat yourself and visit one of Christchurch's best attractions today.
Whale Watch Kaikoura is New Zealand’s ultimate all year round nature experience offering visitors exciting close encounters with Giant Sperm Whales. With an impressive 95% success rate these whale watching tours are extremely popular, especially between the months of November to March.
Climb aboard one of the world’s most famous train journeys, between Christchurch and Greymouth. Cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn.
A visit to Christchurch is not complete until you visit the historic Botanic Gardens. Climb aboard one of our all-weather electric vehicles and tour in comfort. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour is an affordable activity for nature enthusiasts of all ages, allowing you to view some of the best examples of native and exotic flora in New Zealand.
Hagley Park is renowned for its extensive 165 hectares (407 acres) of wide-open spaces and mature woodlands. In the heart of Christchurch, Hagley Park was set aside for recreation and enjoyment since the 1850s.
Located in Ashburton, only a stone's throw from Christchurch, Skydiving Kiwis will provide you with a memory for a lifetime. Not only do you get to feel the rush of freefall reaching speeds of up to 200kph, your leisurely plane ride to altitude allows you to take in some breath-taking views of New Zealand along the way.
The Clearwater Golf Course has proven itself as a venue for international professional golf over 13 consecutive years, yet it offers a rewarding experience to all visitors from the six tee choices. With its glistening spring-fed lakes, Clearwater lives up to its name, providing a lush oasis close to the city that offers a golfing escape and a change of pace that few destinations can match.
In the shadow of the majestic Southern Alps, Terrace Downs lies in the heart of the picturesque Canterbury region. Voted the top golf resort in New Zealand in the 2010 World Travel Awards, Terrace Downs offers guests an 18-hole championship golf course, this challenging par 72 course offers a choice of four tees on each hole and incorporates 10 lakes and over 60 bunkers.
Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board our beautifully restored heritage Trams, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions,
Explore the New Zealand landscape at your own pace with the latest motorcycles and adventure bikes. Experience back country roads with a premium NZ motorcycle rental company that provides insurance for gravel / shingle roads.
Just 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés.
Lord of the Rings Tour and journey to the LOTR filming location: remote and beautiful Mt Potts High Country station, home of Mt Sunday. See how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps hold some of the finest Big Game animals to be found anywhere in the world. Four Seasons Safaris New Zealand offers fair chase Hunting and Fishing safaris on exclusive privately-owned land where both record book ‘Free Range’ & ‘Game Ranch’ trophies are regularly taken.
The opportunity for hunters to take outstanding, world class trophies of Red Stag, Tahr, Chamois, Elk, Fallow Buck, Boar, Goat, Whitetail, Sika and Sambar. The hunting location is the spectacular east coast of the South Island of New Zealand where both the hunting area and the hunting lodge looks out over the Pacific Ocean.