Christchurch Spring Break 2026 - ** NEW ATTRACTIONS ADDED **

19-23 October 2026

Treat yourself to a delightful spring getaway to Christchurch and uncover some of the region’s most captivating attractions. An introduction to the Garden City aboard a vintage double-decker bus and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the impressive new One NZ Stadium. Discover Ravenscar House Museum - home to an outstanding art collection, and journey to Akaroa to experience the colourful creativity and whimsical beauty of the renowned Giants House and Garden. Complete your Christchurch experience with a memorable evening of fine dining and heritage charm aboard the iconic Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.

Day 1

Monday 19 October - Travelling to Christchurch

This morning we are transferred to Wellington Airport where our adventure begins with an early afternoon flight to Christchurch. Our coach and driver await us at Christchurch airport to whisk us off to the city. Our first visit is to the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, where we hop aboard an electric shuttle to sit back and take in the natural beauty of the 150 year old park in comfort. This is a great way to explore as much as possible of the 21-hectare garden, where there is something to enjoy in every season—from spring drifts of colourful bulbs to magnificent heritage trees. We then make our way to our hotel, settling in for our stay, and enjoying relaxed dining inhouse this evening.

Staying at: Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch – 4 nights
Meals included: dinner

Day 2

Tuesday 20 October - Discover Christchurch

It’s all aboard a classic 1960’s London double decker bus this morning, to enjoy this fun and informative tour as we rumble around the city. From fascinating history to earthquakes, we will see how Christchurch has risen from the ruins and is preserving its heritage while creating a vibrant new city. Next, we visit Ravenscar House, an incredible museum donated to Christchurch by philanthropists Jim and Susan Wakefield, showcasing their extraordinary art collection. The museum has been built to represent their home, and the artworks are displayed as they were in their home which was damaged beyond repair by the Christchurch earthquakes. Staying near the Arts Centre Precinct, you’ll have free time to explore and have lunch (own cost). This afternoon we visit the magnificent new One NZ Stadium – Te Kaha, where a guided tour provides us with the ultimate behind the scenes experience. We’ll learn about the stadium’s unique artwork, visit the coaches boxes, the VIP suites - where we’ll enjoy coffee and cake – and the expansive changing rooms before finally walking through the players tunnel onto the field. Our last visit today is the Transitional Cathedral, affectionately known as the “Cardboard Cathedral”, which makes use of cardboard tubes in its construction. Its feature triangular window design incorporates images from the original Cathedral's rose window, and creates a light filled tranquil space within. We then make our way back to our hotel for a little relaxation and a chance to freshen up for dinner. This evening we take you out for a special dining experience on the Christchurch Restaurant Tram. Combining colonial style fine dining with inner-city sightseeing, this is a must do Christchurch experience.

Meals included: breakfast, afternoon tea, Tram Restaurant dinner

Day 3

Wednesday 21 October - Akaroa and the Port Hills

Today our travels take us to the charming village of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, where we visit Josie Martin’s amazing Giant’s House. We enjoy exploring Josie’s colourful and joyful mosaic sculpture garden surrounding the historic homestead, as well as her art gallery. We’ll take a break for lunch in Akaroa village (own cost), before we continue our travels over the Port Hills to Lyttelton and on to Sumner Beach via scenic roads providing views of the harbours formed by ancient volcanoes. Later this afternoon we return to our hotel, enjoying a night in again this evening, with dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Day 4

Thursday 22 October - Heritage and Wildlife

This morning, we visit Kate Sheppard House, the home at the centre of the campaign that saw New Zealand women become the first in the world to get the vote, and which offers a fascinating insight into Kate Sheppard’s life, work and legacy. We’ll enjoy a guided tour through the house, a wander in the heritage gardens and finish with morning tea. We then head to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, a leading conservation park focusing on New Zealand native and endangered species, as well as many rare and heritage breeds of farm animals. Lunch is at the Willowbank Cafe onsite (at your own cost) and then we’ll be taken on a guided tour of the Natural New Zealand section, which includes a walk-through alpine aviary, the kiwi breeding centre and nocturnal house. Then wander the other enclosures at your leisure; you’ll be entertained by the lemurs and gibbons, can pat the donkeys and talk to the tuatara. There is much to see and interact with. This afternoon we step back into history once again as we visit Riccarton House, home of Christchurch’s earliest European settlers, the Deans family. The house is fully restored and furnished in the style of the period, and we enjoy a guided tour, learning the history of this pioneering family. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy our final night in Christchurch relaxing over dinner at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, morning tea, dinner

Day 5

Friday 23 October - The Frozen Continent - Travelling Home

With our bags packed we make our way to the International Antarctic Centre this morning to immerse ourselves in the frozen continent. Joining an exclusive guided tour, we get close and personal with the little blue penguins, engage with the huskies – unbeatable for cuddliness factor - and brave the Antarctic Storm Room. Finally we experience the 4D Movie Theatre where you’ll be shaken, sprayed and surprised.
We will then be transferred the short distance to the Airport in time to
check in for our flight to return us to Wellington. Here we will be met by our transfer vehicles to return us to our home locations.

Meals included: breakfast

The cost of the tour includes

  • Return flights Wellington to Christchurch
  • Accommodation
  • All dinners - at hotel unless specified
  • All Breakfasts – at hotel unless specified
  • All coach travel
  • Botanical Gardens; motorised guided tour
  • Christchurch City Sights; double-decker bus tour
  • Ravenscar House Museum Gallery; entry
  • One New Zealand Stadium; guided tour & afternoon tea
  • Christchurch Tram Restaurant; dinner
  • The Giant’s House; garden and gallery entry
  • Kate Sheppard House; guided tour & morning tea
  • Willowbank Wildlife Centre; entry and guided tour
  • Riccarton House; guided tour
  • Antarctic Centre; guided tour

Departure Detail

Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.
Pricing Validity

All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.


Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.


Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).


Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.


Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour.  The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.


Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour.  Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.


Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o   the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o   the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o   the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. 


Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.


Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.


Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.


Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.


Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.


Privacy Policy
Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).


Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.


"A great team and very considerate of the travel group." Patsy