Activities & Attractions Search Results

Oasis Cottage is a haven for garden enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity. Nestled in the heart of North Canterbury, this enchanting five-acre garden blends lush flower borders, formal hedging, and vibrant seasonal displays. Explore at your own pace on a self-guided tour or gain deeper insights into the garden’s history, design, and artistry on a personalised guided tour. Highlights include the charming Blue Garden, tranquil pathways, and breathtaking views of Mount Oxford. Ideal for individuals, families, or groups, Oasis Cottage promises inspiration and relaxation in equal measure. Tours run most Sundays and by appointment—don’t miss this unforgettable escape into beauty and nature.

The garden has several original native trees including one of the southernmost kauris, many rare native bellbirds, & the original large fruit orchard. The azaleas and rhododendrons are original to the house, brought to New Zealand by Thomas Potts himself. There are a number of structures: a gazebo, a folly, a rotunda and also a pond under reconstruction.It was established 1912 by Millicent Hall, daughter of TH Potts, one of New Zealand's most renowned early botanists & conservationists, & her children. The Lodge is set in 30 acres of grounds at feet of Mt Hutt with a grand view, mature trees, new plantings and farmland. The chicken run features Araucanas, Rhode Islands, Plymouth Barr...

This 2.5-hour experience is in the heart of Lyttelton. Your guide will meet you from Norwich Quay. Literally 100 steps away from the port is Te ao Māori Rei Gallery. It is comprised of a collective of diverse members with a broad range of mediums, including sculptors, carvers, visual artists and printers. This is where you will experience, learn and taste about a delicious selection of wines from Harbour Basin and Canterbury. These will be served with a selection of light snacks. Throughout the wine tastings the guests will receive an informative presentation by a qualified wine professional, highlighting the history of wine making in the region, the terroir, and local vineyards. This...

0ur Resourceful Skills Workshop programme takes place at the beautifully restored Arts Centre. It offers a unique way to connect with Christchurch through local materials and creative skills. The programme ranges from tool sharpening and hand-darning through to spoon-carving and basket weaving. We run Monday, Wednesday & Friday ti kouka string making classes (10.30-11.30am) for visitors. This is a fun experience for all ages. Hear about ti kouka’s various uses, other resourceful traditions and learn about what we do at Rekindle. Our tours in the city centre explore Ōtautahi's long history of resourcefulness.

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Kaikōura has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand. This unique setting allows our local astronomers to lead you on a captivating stargazing adventure using state-of-the-art astronomy equipment, including a laser pointer for highlighting naked-eye objects & teaching star navigation. You’ll also have the chance to delve deeper into the wonders of space using incredible telescopes, all while listening to fascinating stories about the history of the cosmos & asking any questions you’ve ever had about the universe. Whether you’re an astrophysicist or simply enjoy gazing at the stars, our stargazing experiences have something for everyone. Get in...

This Category 1 listed house is one of New Zealand’s most significant social and political landmarks. It was the home of Kate Sheppard from 1888 until 1902, during her most active years of the campaign for women's rights. Discover the story of Kate's life and family history, her hopes, efforts and achievements, and the legacy of political and social change she contributed to. Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House is now proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The stunning kauri villa sits on an acre of botanical beauty, hidden behind a tall green hedge in suburban Christchurch.

Leaving Christchurch we embark on a fabulous journey incorporating some stunning views on our way to Akaroa Summit to sea. I stop for photos, coffee, shopping & toilet. We make our own brew coffee and tea at lunch time and have a full picnic lunch by the sea or a view high up. Explore Akaroa, Little River, and more beautiful spots on the Banks Peninsula. I would love you to come & explore this beautiful region with me. Come and explore this very interesting Peninsula, there are great views of the Southern Alps, Clear skies that enhance the blue waters of the two Volcanoes that have created harbours in both Lyttleton and Akaroa Are you Interested in our Māori History? Okains Bay is the place...

Private custom tours, designed to give you understanding and valuable insights into the South Island. Your itinerary is carefully planned around your special requirements and interests. Your tour may include the South Island's main attractions, idyllic places off the beaten track, or a combination of the two. Your professional guide will bring to life the plants, wildlife and landforms that make the South Island so distinctive, as well as its rich Maori and European colonial history. Your choice of accommodation in lodges, hotels or B&Bs in bustling resorts, quaint towns or serene places in the middle of nowhere, you choose. Custom day tours from Christchurch are also available.

We are situated in the picturesque Tinwald Domain, complete with pond and playground. Entry is via donation. Open days are held between September and June with an operating loco, view our website for further detailed information. Volunteer working members can be found on-site almost daily - who will provide a tour of interest around the site. Our vast collection of steam and diesel shunting locomotives, railcar and freight wagons is not to be missed for any heritage railway enthusiast. Our unique rural history display includes tractors, implements and a Buckeye Triple Expansion Engine show Ashburton's pioneering past.

Here's a tour for Gin and Whisky enthusiasts. While away an hour or two exploring all things Curiosity Gin and Divergence Whisky at The Spirits Workshop Distillery. Your host will take you through the distillery where you'll learn directly from these talented distillers the history of the craft, how Whisky and Gin are made, see the stills and soak up the smell of the barrel room. All tours include a guided tasting of Curiosity and Divergence products.

This unique cruise of Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman Tasman National Park is aboard 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer. Discover Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d'Urville Island, and Abel Tasman National Park on this unparalleled exploration - walk through native forest, kayak, fish and take in the breath-taking beauty of winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife, gold sand beaches and remote coastlines aboard the yacht or during Zodiac safaris. These regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country's most important conservation efforts. Explore, photograph and experience these...

The Toy Collector is inherently linked to the NZ Museum of Toys & Collectibles as it's starting form and now as the entrance and administrators of the museum. It provides a range of toys and collectibles for those who catch the bug having stepped into the world of the history of play. The museum team knows that nostalgia exists in everyone and seeing a toy or picture can instantly bring forward a previously deeply buried memory. Taking a walk through NZ Museum of Toys & Collectibles is a rare opportunity to experience a very broad range of toys all in the one building and is sure to bring a smile to your face and remind you of some childhood memories, whether your 4 or 84.

Christchurch Otautahi Highlights Walk. An excellent introduction to Christchurch inner city , combining pre European and European early history, the development of the city, its recent past and the emergence of a fantastic post earthquake city. A leisurely walk, in small groups (usually not more than 10) and lasting approximately 2.0-2.5 hours. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic local volunteer guides consistently get excellent Trip Advisor ratings and make this a must do experience in Christchurch. We also offer customized or private walks to suit your needs. Walk Christchurch donates a significant portion of its walking fees to support the operation of the Arts Centre and its...