Christchurch, New Zealand
Known as the ‘Garden City’ – Christchurch’s city centre includes Hagley Park, the most notable and extensive park, where you will find the botanical gardens, the Canterbury Museum, housed in a Gothic revival building and where the Avon River winds through these inner city landmarks and out through the sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean. In contrast to this flat cityscape and the surrounding Canterbury Plains, the skyline to the south is dominated by the Port Hills, which separate the city from the volcanic Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour.
Christchurch and Canterbury experienced a sequence of large earthquakes during 2010 and 2011. The most damaging of these occurred on 22 February 2011 where 185 people lost their lives. Today, you will witness a virtual rebirth of this ever-changing city, as it continues with repairs and rebuilding. For more information, we recommend visiting Quake City to learn about the quakes, hear the stories and see Artefacts from the Catholic Cathedral.
Christchurch is also great city to base yourself and explore the wider Canterbury Region including Akaroa, Arthurs Pass, Waipara Valley, Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs.
Located on the Banks Peninsula, this gorgeous French settlement of Akaroa still retains its French flair with street names, restaurants and architecture. Explore this quaint village with its fascinating mix of artists, creative spirits, gardeners, historians and artisan producers. Or explore Akaroa’s marine environment with a nature cruise taking in Hector Dolphins, Fur Seals, Blue Penguin and the rare Yellow eyed penguins. There is also an opportunity to swim with the Hector Dolphins, the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin.
Arthurs Pass National Park offers nature lovers, hikers and mountain climbers the chance to explore and discover the magnificent flora, fauna and vistas of the Southern Alps. To enhance your experience into the National Park, take the Tranzalpine Train journey to Arthurs Pass.
With award winning wines, Waipara Valley is a must for any wine lover. With their geography, soils and climate, Waipara produces rich and spicy Pinor Noir and Reisling, along with some wonderful Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Kaikoura offers an amazing variety of marine and birdlife along with its rugged mountains and dramatic coastline. To take in Kaikoura’s sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals and albatross, we recommend a Whalewatch cruise, or take to the water and swim with the dolphins, or the seals.
The alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs offers something for everyone, whether your looking for adventure – there is a range of mountain bike trails along with bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating. However, for more than a century, visitors have been flocking to Hanmer for its therapeutic sulphur and thermal hot pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
Booking Terms & Conditions:
Currency
All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax).
Pricing
Pricing is subject to availability and confirmation of the stated itinerary at time of booking. If we are unable to confirm the stated hotels and services, we will endeavour to confirm substitutes at similar rates, however additional costs may apply.
Rental Car Terms & Conditions:
Inclusions: unlimited kilometres, airport/ferry collection fee, full insurance (subject to reduced excess), front windscreen cover, personal accident insurance, guaranteed replacement vehicle in case of accident.
Exclusions: insurance excess reduction of $345.00 including GST (note, standard insurance excess is $3,450.00 including GST), bond, petrol costs, one way fee ($57.50), optional extras, (all additional expenses to be paid direct)
Payment Policy
We do require a non-refundable deposit of NZD$250.00 per person before we go ahead with securing any reservations.
In addition, some of our suppliers may require further deposits to cover their strict cancellation policies, in this case we would advise you at the time of quoting and confirming your itinerary.
The balance of your booking would be required 45 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside 45 days, full payment would be required at time of booking.
Payment can be made by electronic wire transfer and should include the additional NZD $25.00 bank fee. We also accept Visa and Mastercard at an additional fee of 3.1%.
Bank Account Details
Bank Name & Address: Westpac Bank, Mid City Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Account Name: Inspired New Zealand Travel
BSB Number: 03-0296
Account Number: 0011146-000
Swift/Routing Code: WPACNZ2W
Amendments
We are happy to amend your itinerary and dates, however please keep in mind that some of the original services may not be available for your new dates, which may incur additional costs for substituted services. Amendment fees may apply with multiple changes.
Cancellation Fees
Once Confirmed Non-refundable Deposit of NZD $250.00 per person
Inside 45 – 21 Days A Cancellation fee of 30% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.
Inside 20 – 8 days A Cancellation fee of 50% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.
Inside 7 Days Full Cancellations, 100% charge
We will however do our very best to recover and minimise these cancellation fees but recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to cover yourself.