Tucked in the shelter of the Kaikoura Peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, and beneath the towering 2600 meter high snow-capped Kaikoura Mountain Ranges, Kaikoura is scenically breathtaking. Originally an island, the peninsula has since been joined to the mainland by steep plains built up of debris swept down from the mountains by rivers.

In Maori lore, the peninsula was the place where Maui braced his foot when he fished up the North Island and was named the seat of Te waka a Maui - Maui's canoe. The name Kaikoura means “meal of crayfish”. In 1843, Captain Robert Fyfe built the first shore whaling station near where his house, built in 1860, still stands on its whale bone piles. Today, all marine mammals are protected in New Zealand and the whales are hunted with cameras instead of harpoons.

Kaikoura has deep ocean canyons that provide a home to an exciting array of

sea creatures, including the Giant Sperm Whale. Whales live there all year round making this one of the best places in the world for whale watching.

The alpine village of Hanmer Springs has been a favorite holiday destination for New Zealanders for many years. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools is a major attraction, but the alpine environment with its rivers and mountains make it appealing year round.

• Depart Christchurch and travel through the beautiful rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura where the mountains meet sea. A stop can be made to see NZ Fur Seals basking on rocks alongside the highway

• Kaikoura, with snow-capped mountains rising almost straight from the Pacific Ocean, has deep ocean canyons that provide a home to an exciting array of sea creatures including the Giant Sperm Whale. Whales live there all year round making this one of the best places in the world for whale watching

• At Kaikoura, a whale watch flight with Wings over Whales is made. On your 30 minute flight you will look out for the majestic Sperm Whales and Dusky Dolphins.

• Sightings can also include Southern Right, Humpback, and Pilot whales

• Enjoy spectacular views from the Kaikoura Peninsula and then travel to Hanmer Springs by way of the very scenic inland route with farmland, river and mountain views

• A stop is made at the Kaikoura Winery for a wine tasting

• Travel from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs on the very scenic “inland road” with its farmland and alpine vistas

• Situated in a high country basin, Hanmer Springs is one of New Zealand's favorite retreats and here lunch is enjoyed in an exquisite café

• Sit back and relax in natural thermal waters at Hanmer’s outdoor Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa complex. Surrounded by towering trees and a superb mountain backdrop, the soothing mineral waters have been attracting visitors for more than 125 years as they seek to relax and unwind

Whale watching from the air! In a typical 30 minute flight you will see the majestic Sperm Whale preparing for his next dive and up to 500 Dusky Dolphins cavorting with each other. On occasion sightings include Southern Right, Humpback, Fin, Sei, Brydes, Pilot and Southern Bottlenose. Also Common, Hectors, Rissos and Southern Right Whale Dolphins and of course, Orca, although these are all less frequent visitors to the area.

You may also fly over Kaikoura Peninsula and see evidence of Maori fortifications (Pa sites), New Zealand Fur Seals resting and the Kaikoura township itself. For some, conditions will allow a spectacular flight over the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges rising to approximately 2800m. Wings over Whales provide a comfortable flight with experienced pilots giving an authoritative in-flight commentary, having a sighting rate in excess of 95% for Sperm Whales.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is the natural place to unwind – a world class spa experience set in a unique alpine environment. Nestled in the magnificent South Island high country, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has, for 125 years, attracted visitors seeking the benefits of its natural mineral waters and clean, clear alpine air. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains, the award-winning Thermal Pools offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from soothing indulgence to exciting family fun.

• Travel by deluxe minicoach
• Fully escorted with informative commentary
• Delicious picnic morning and afternoon teas
• Cafe lunch in Hanmer
• Wine tasting at Kaikoura Winery
• Kaikoura whale watch flight with Wings over Whales
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
• Depart Christchurch at 7.30am and return approximately 5.45pm
• Courtesy city hotel / homestay pickup and dropoff
• Depart Christchurch at 7.15am and return approximately 6.30pm

• Warm jacket, sunglasses
• Bathing costume and a towel

Their aim is simple…

• to present our guests with the best possible experience of New Zealand that time will allow.

• to provide magical personal small group and exclusive private tours to show guests the wonders of the South Island

• to offer tours for those who do not want to be part of large groups or who do not want to self drive, with first class service and the comfort that should be expected

They aim to give guests a truly memorable visit to New Zealand, a visit that will be both relaxed and unique. They do this by…

• taking small groups of independently minded travelers to the heart of what makes New Zealand unique

• designing their tours to encompass those things that make New Zealand truly unique – its ecology and natural history, the Maori mythology and history, the European history and of course, its incredible scenery

• believing in quality over quantity and so accordingly, their tour participation is usually limited to six to eight guests per tour

• providing  a highly personalized, interactive and spontaneous experience

• sharing with their guests the genuine hospitality of real New Zealanders

• priding themselves on their thoroughness, the personal touches and their attention to detail,

• operating the tours as “deluxe safaris”.

Journeys of learning, discovery and adventure.