Christchurch Travel Forum

I need suggestions for 2 day trips from Christchurch. I would like to see beautfiul scenery part. lakes and mountains.

Very easy question to answer. Take a trip to Akaroa down on the Banks Peninsular. There is a shuttle bus that leaves the main square each morning but I would arrange to stay down there in a B&B overnight and enjoy the place. You can go and swim with the dolphins or visit a winery. It really is a lovely little place that was first settled by the French and still retains some French influence. Pre dinner drinks at a little bar that overlooks the harbour (forget the name but it used to be the changing shed for swimmers). Have dinner at a little restaurant C'est La Vie but make sure you book, outstanding meals. Take the shuttle back to Christchurch the next day. If you are flying out of Christchurch, check in and then walk over to the Antartic Centre which is very interesting and much better than sitting at the airport. Have fun.

Sorry - I actually want two separate one day trips from Christchurch if possible. Can I still get to and back from Akaroa on the same day?

Hi

I also would recommend a day trip to Akaroa. it cab be done in one day. Don't know how you are travelling; if by car there is a very scenic route back to CHC (see off the beaten path tip on my NZ page).

Another trip you could make is to Kaikoura, where you can see whales. It is posiible with a guided tour from CHC.

happy travels
jaap

We took the ALphine Safari while we were there. We had a lot of fun. Check it out at www.alpinesafari.com.nz We also went to the penguin preserve close to Larnach Caslte in Dunedin. You can actually stay at the castle. www.larnachcastle.co.nz

Agree with the Alpine Safari, but I don't think Dunedin (Larnach 'Castle' is even further away) is a destination for a day trip from Christchurch.

Jaap

Head towards the mountains - about a 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive to Porters pass, or a couple of hours to Arthurs pass, where you can do day walks in the mountains.

Also, Hamner Springs (geothermal hot spring resort town) is another nice area. You can soak in a hot pool looking at the mountains. It is just off Lewis Pass - again about a 2 hour drive.

Akaroa is also a good bet - you can take a detour and have a look at Kaiterei spit (edge of Lake Elesmere)