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 Cruise in style |
90 Hereford Street Central City Christchurch New Zealand +1 800 38 6930 (Freephone New Zealand) |
Cruise in style aboard the MV Twilight, a 15 metre (50 foot) luxury launch. With drink in hand, you can lounge in the spa pool on the stern deck, and contemplate the hardships of the early settlers on Canterbury-bound ships, last century. The launch's lavish interior is kitted out with leather seats, TV, stereo and karaoke for those who feel like performing a sea shanty. The four-hour cruise takes in the spectacular natural history and volcanic landscape of Lyttelton Harbour, Fort Jervois, a shipwreck and the colourful Port of Lyttelton. Cruises can be tailored to suit individual requirements. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Justin Clarke |
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Cruise on the Black Cat |
Charlotte Jane Quay Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 304 7641 (Akaroa) / +64 (0)3 328 9078 / +64 0800 43 6574 (Freephone New Zealand) http://www.blackcat.co.nz |
This fast-moving catamaran navigates the Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbor. This is a great way to see the marine birdlife and the world's most endangered dolphin—the Hector dolphin. For a close encounter you can swim with the dolphins on a special guided tour. Evening champagne cruises are available. Cruises are two hours, swimming with the dolphins three hours. Check the web site for departure times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Customised tours for small groups |
Postal address only: 8 Lancaster Street Christchurch 7930 New Zealand +643-6938905 http://www.tours-of-new-zealan... |
A great way to see the South Island is by taking one of these personalised guided tours, tailored to suit a range of budgets and tastes. Travelling in a custom Toyota Hiace, you could take a day-trip to the Kaikoura peninsula for whale watching or dolphin swimming, a guided excursion around Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains, or enjoy the unique hospitality of farmstays. For those seeking thrills and excitement, there are optional extras like jet boating, rafting or bungy jumping. Tours range from half-day excursions to 21-day itineraries, and require a minimum of two people to proceed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Whale watch and marine reserve |
PO Box 19621 Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 384 0999 http://www.leisuretours.co.nz |
The seaside town of Kaikoura is renowned worldwide for its marine reserves and whale watch tours, which allow visitors to observe magnificent sperm whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, from boat, light aircraft or helicopter. After the tour lunch at Fyffe Gallery and Restaurant or Craypot Cafe and Bar, there is a visit to the local fur seal colony. The journey back through North Canterbury concludes with a vineyard and wine tasting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cruise on the Black Cat |
Charlotte Jane Quay Lyttelton Marina Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 3 328 9078 http://www.blackcat.co.nz |
Minutes from downtown Christchurch, you can come face to face with Hector's Dolphin--the world's smallest marine dolphin--in their natural habitat. Hector's Dolphin is unique to New Zealand waters and a population of about 600 live around Banks Peninsula. The ultra-modern Black Cat catamaran takes you out onto the turquoise waters of Lyttelton Harbour, where you can also observe chubby New Zealand fur seals at close range along with another unique resident of Canterbury, the rare White-flippered Blue Penguins. Tours take approximately two hours and include historic settlements, shipwrecks and an island fortress. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Glittering harbour village |
Governors Bay Christchurch 8030 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This tiny bay, with its charming village rambling over a small headland, is situated on the southern shore of Lyttelton Harbour. Sunlight glittering on the water inspired the romantic title, and appropriately there is a sheltered beach with safe swimming, a cliff-top walk and a traditional corner store. The village can be reached via the winding, picturesque road from Governors Bay, which passes through Teddington, Charteris Bay and Church Bay and continues on to Purau Bay and Camp Bay. Alternatively, there is a daily ferry service from Lyttelton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Capper  |
 Photo: Phillip Capper |
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Ahoy there, matey |
Pick up B Jetty Lyttelton 49 Frensham Cress Woolston Christchurch, Canterbury 8062 New Zealand +64 (0)3 389 9259 http://www.jacktarsailing.co.nz |
Ahoy there me old shivering matey! Try your hand at sailing the old-fashioned way, aboard the 32-foot gaff yawl Oyster. Built in Auckland in 1903, the Oyster spent her working life in Nelson where she was a champion racer; she can still manage a respectable eight knots. Learn the ropes under the tutelage of skipper Mike, while viewing Lyttelton Harbour and the hills of Banks Peninsula from an entirely new angle. Dolphins often accompany the Oyster, which is licensed to carry six. Guaranteed to turn landlubbers into Jack Tars (sailors). Check website for more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Joy ride down the white water |
Challenge Service Station Waimakariri River State Highway One Christchurch New Zealand +64 (0)3 385 1478 / +65 (0)800 27 7729 (Free Phone) http://www.jetthrills.com/ |
Only 15 minutes from the centre of Christchurch, you can enjoy the exhilaration of jet boating on the mighty Waimak River, flowing down from the Alps, across the Canterbury Plains and into the Pacific. These operators offer a door-to-door service and are fairly flexible, with full or half-day tours, barbecues, picnics and variable pick-up times on request. Other options include a heli-jet ride, jet boat safari and farm visits. Bookings can be made at the Christchurch and Canterbury Visitors Centre or at your hotel. For further details do call or check the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Picturesque deep-water harbour |
Rapaki Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
Originally named Port Cooper by the Canterbury Association, this long harbor, indented with hundreds of coves and bays, stretches deep into Banks Peninsula from Godley Head to Teddington. The "First Four Ships" bearing settlers arrived here in 1850, and the Port of Lyttelton became the main gateway for Canterbury's exports. Take a boat ride to Diamond Harbor, or some of the other historic landmarks in the harbor. For a spectacular view, head up Sumner Road to Windy Rock Point. The busy wharves of Cashin Quay lie directly below, and a plane table identifies distant landmarks on Banks Peninsula. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Hindle |
 Photo: Bjarni Thorbjornsson |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: francoisNZ |
 Photo: J Montagu |
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Beach, walks, and history |
Lyttelton Harbour Cruises, B Jetty Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 8368 |
Mix together the following ingredients: a boat trip, two excellent walking circuits, a beach, a picnic, and a dash of history. Bake for half a day. The result? A perfect family excursion! Quail Island, in Christchurch's Lyttelton harbour, was once a leper colony and quarantine station. Now managed by the Department of Conservation, you can reach it by ferry from the Lyttelton marina. Bring your own lunch and explore the island's natural and historical features by foot. Suitable for most ages, although the terrain is not suitable for pushchairs. Pay either on the boat (cash only) or at the marina. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: Simon Cobb |
 Photo: Dominik 2008 |
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The disappearing gun |
Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 |
Guarding the approaches to Lyttelton Harbour, this small (1.5 hectare) island has a long history as a fortress. Kai Tahu Maori established a musket pa (fortified village) here in the early 1800s. Europeans later used it as a quarantine station, and makeshift prison. In 1885 during the "Great Russian Scare", when New Zealand was considered to be in imminent danger of invasion by Russia, they built Fort Jervois. Four Armstrong hydro-pneumatic disappearing guns were installed and two of these are still visible. A German naval commander, Count Felix Von Luckner, was imprisoned here during the First World War. Black Cat tours organizes tours to this beautiful site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Armstrong |
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From golf to marine adventures |
189 Clyde Road Fendalton Christchurch 8005 New Zealand +64 (0)3 351 8625 |
Royale day-tours are a relatively inexpensive way to experience the best Canterbury has to offer, whether it be a spot of golf, a marine adventure on the beautiful Kaikoura peninsula, or a wander in Christchurch's renowned parks and private gardens. You could head off to Kaikoura by coach, take a whale-watching cruise, visit a coastal seal colony and be back at home by early evening. There are plenty of itineraries to choose from, and all tours include collection from your motel or hotel, refreshment stops and commentary by an experienced driver-guide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
