Fieldtrips
On Wednesday 2 August we have some of the below field trip options for you to choose from. Please see important notes below.
- The final date to cancel these trips and be refunded is Wednesday 26th July (12th July for Field Trip 5).
- There must be minimum numbers met to run these trips so your tour will only go ahead once these are met. We will advise accordingly by the above dates.
- Tour times vary and please note if your tour includes lunch or not.
- You will sent more information and detailed timings closer to the time.
- All costs below are in NZD and inclusive of GST.
Please note the field trips are running on the same day so you are only able to select one option.
| Field trip options | Pricing in NZD |
|---|---|
| Field Trip Option 2 - Hanmer Springs with Hot Thermal Pools and Waipara Wineries | $ 200.00 |
| Field Trip Option 3 - Akaroa Day Tour | $ 220.00 |
| Field Trip Option 4 - Half Day Christchurch Sightseeing | $ 85.00 |
| Field Trip Option 5 - Pohatu Penguins | $ 180.00 |
| Field Trip Option 6 - Christchurch Antarctic City Walking Tour | Free |
Field Trip Option 2 - Hanmer Springs with Hot Thermal Pools and Waipara Wineries
Hanmer Springs Day Tour with Lunch, Hot Thermal Pools and Waipara Springs Winery with Tasting
Wednesday 2nd August, Full Day Tour, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Includes
- Return transport
- Lunch and tastings at two wineries at Waipara Wineries
Excludes
- Swimming Costume & Towel (can be hired from pools once there)
Visit the naturally picturesque and tranquil setting of Hanmer Springs nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest-clad hills. Travelling by road from Christchurch initially through the Canterbury Plains then through the foot hills of the Southern Alps via a host of small rural farming communities to a high country plateau at the base of the Southern Alps and famous for it’s hot water geo-thermal pools.
Once in Hanmer Springs there will be time to explore the village of Hanmer Springs and spend time relaxing in the hot thermal pools found in the centre of the village. The hot water pools contain a network of pools at varying temperatures, together with water slides for the more adventurous. This is followed by lunch at the Garden House Café and in the early afternoon.
On departing Hanmer Springs you will drive 45 minutes south east through the North Canterbury countryside to the Waipara Valley, well known for its warm, dry climate and rich alluvial soils, ideal for superior wine production. Over 40 vineyards and wineries pepper the landscape of the valley, with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating local plantings. We will stop for tastings at Waipara Springs Winery one of the original wineries in the valley.
Field Trip Option 3 - Akaroa Day Tour
Akaroa Day Tour with Lunch and 2 hour Cruise
Wednesday 2nd August, Full Day Tour, 8:45am - 4:30pm
Includes
- Return transport
- Lunch
- 2 hour nature and harbor cruise on the Canterbury Cat
Depart Christchurch and travel to Akaroa over the beautiful Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes. The Aply named “Hill Top” gives glorious views of Akaroa Harbour & the remote bays and farmlands. The Akaroa crater nurses the picturesque harbor and Akaroa village, the only French settlement established in New Zealand.
Visit the Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory for a cheese tasting of locally made cheeses, the only remaining cheese factory on the peninsula from a bygone era. Next you can enjoy the quaint colonial architecture and wander around the charming 150 year old French harborside village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers’ history, art and craft shops and studios and al fresco cafes and wine bars.
Lunch at the popular Bully Hayes Restuarant nestled in the Akaroa Village, In the afternoon enjoy a 2 hour nature and harbor cruise on the Canterbury Cat, you’ll experience a rich variety of marine and bird life in their natural habitat, including the unique and playful Hector’s dolphins, as you hear about Akaroa’s fascinating past. The Hector’s Dolphin is the world’s smallest oceanic dolphin.
Field Trip Option 4 - Half Day Christchurch Sightseeing
Half Day Christchurch Sightseeing with Morning Tea
Wednesday 2nd August, Half Day Tour, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Includes
- Guided tour
- Morning tea
Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic view points on a half-day city tour of Christchurch, with afternoon tea at the Sign of the Kiwi. The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild taking place. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps.
On reaching the summit a stop will be made at the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe where morning tea has been arranged for your enjoyment. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.
Highlights
- Central Christchurch including the badly earthquake damaged city centre with full commentary on the im pact of the earthquakes and the rebuild that is in progress
- Christchurch Botanical Gardens
- Mona Vale House and Gardens
- Sign of the Takahe with magnificent view over the entire city from the coastline to the mountains
- Afternoon Tea at the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe
- Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour
- Sumner Beach and township and stops for photo opportunities at all the key destinations
Field Trip Option 5 - Pohatu Penguins
Pohatu Penguins Day Excursion
Wednesday 2nd August, Full Day Tour, 10:00am - 7:30pm
Includes
- Return transport
- Harbour cruise
- Pohatu penguins tour
Excludes
- Lunch at own expense
This will be a day exploring Banks peninsula encountering its unique wildlife with Black cat cruises and Pōhatu penguins. After a scenic drive from Otautahi Christchurch along the vast plains of Canterbury and shallow lakes you will climb Akaroa long extinct volcano crater rim. Once you will lay eyes on Akaroa harbour you will better understand why in 1840 French decided to call this area their home.
Free time to enjoy lunch before joining Black cat cruise for a 2-hour harbour cruise packed with highlights including the rare NZ native dolphin - the Hector’s dolphin, as well as New Zealand fur seals and many coastal sea birds.
You will then jump in 4WD minivans to go and discover the world of the largest colony of Little penguins on mainland New Zealand and help supporting 30+ years of conservation effort. As you participate in a weekly monitoring program of nesting sites, you will see our little blue friends up close and personal and get a unique opportunity of watching some socialising on the water undisturbed through provided binoculars and scopes.
Darkness forcing us to retreat, you will be brought back to Christchurch just on time for dinner.
Field Trip Option 6 - Christchurch Antarctic City Walking Tour
Christchurch Antarctic City Walking Tour (free of charge)
Wednesday 2nd August, Half Day Tour, 9:00am - 11:30am
Includes
- Guided tour
Excludes
- Morning tea
- Breakfast or lunch
Ōtautahi-Christchurch has been described as the Cape Canaveral of Antarctic exploration. The NZ Antarctic Society delivers this guided walk to showcase our City’s rich Antarctic heritage and to highlight how scientific research being conducted by National Antarctic Programmes is supported.
The 2.5 km walk starts outside Te Pae and takes in Scott's Statue, Canterbury Club, Erratic, Magnetic Observatory and several other Antarctic points of interest around the inner city. It takes approx. 2.5 hours. As the Canterbury Museum is currently closed for repairs, we will arrange for a presentation at Tūranga Library of images of objects from the museum's Antarctic collection. Please join us discover what makes Christchurch an Antarctic Gateway City.
Please note that the tour is weather dependant and we will advise accordingly if cancelled.