Banks Peninsula & City Drive

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Manderley Farm
Nestled in Canterbury, Manderley Farm is a historic homestead on the shores of Lake Forsyth. Built on a 750-acre working sheep farm, it is renowned for both its fine merino sheep and its champion sheepdogs. Meet the owners and hear their experiences of farming the hills over the last 30 years. An entertaining sheepdog exhibition shows the important role dogs play in the operation of a successful sheep farm, and you'll marvel at the collie dogs' ability to herd sheep and respond to whistle commands. You'll also delight in a stroll in the garden, then step inside the traditional farmhouse for morning tea.

Christchurch (a short stop is made)
The largest city of the South Island, with a population of about 380,000, Christchurch is named after a college at the University of Oxford, England, although its reputation as a decidedly British city has changed recently as it wears its Kiwi pride with style. Situated around the River Avon, its beautiful Gothic architecture and blooming gardens were hit hard by the devastating 2011 earthquake, which levelled much of the city's infrastructure. But rising like a phoenix, Christchurch today is revitalized and growing and has turned much of the damaged areas into modern and beautiful outdoor public art galleries.

What you will see along the way:
Your motorcoach ride begins by skirting the many bays and coves bordering historic Akaroa Harbour. Banks Peninsula was formed by three massive volcanic eruptions occurring millennia ago. The peninsula's two main harbors-Akaroa and Lyttleton-are the pits, or calderas, created by the volcanoes. After your farm visit, drive past Lake Forsyth and Lake Ellesmere (Waihora) and the township of Tai Tapu to Christchurch. Your return route travels through Tai Tapu, to Hilltop tavern, with its scenic overlook perched atop the rim of the caldera that formed Akaroa Harbour.

Photo Opportunities:
This tour offers an abundance of varied photo opportunities, so bring your camera. From the Hilltop tavern, take in views from atop the rim of the caldera that formed Akaroa Harbour.

Snack/Lunch:
A short stop in Christchurch's city center is an opportunity to explore some of its shops and to purchase lunch at one of the many cafés or restaurants (at your own expense).

Special Notes:

Bring local currency for purchases. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Sequence of tour stops may vary.

Child Price:

12 years & under only