Christmas in Canterbury 2024

21-27 December 2024

Yes, this year it’s Christmas in Canterbury, as we head to the “Garden City” for our festive break. Canterbury and Christchurch have much to offer, and we enjoy a relaxing holiday exploring and discovering, from beaches to mountains, rivers to sea, urban to alpine.

Day 1

Saturday 21 December - Travelling to Christchurch

We are up with the larks this morning as we are transferred to
Wellington and meet at the Interislander Ferry terminal for our morning sailing across Cook Strait to Picton. Departing Picton, we make our way down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, with stops along the way to break the journey to Christchurch. You’ll be looking forward to settling into our Christchurch hotel and turning in after a big day of travel.
Dinner is in our hotel.

Day 2

Sunday 22 December - City Sights from Upon Great Heights

After a leisurely breakfast, we enjoy an introduction to the city aboard a classic 1960’s London Double Decker bus, which provides a completely different perspective and is a fun and informative tour. From fascinating history to viewing some of the areas affected by the earthquakes, we will see how Christchurch has risen from the ruins, and preserving what remains of its heritage.

Later this morning we wind our way up into the Port Hills, stopping at the Sign of the Takahe, with its unique vista of Christchurch City and the Canterbury Plains. Continuing over Dyers Pass, we then drop down into Governors Bay. Lunch (included) is at the Otoromiro Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in New Zealand, and fully restored to its former colonial glory after the Christchurch earthquakes. After lunch we move on to Ohinetahi, perhaps one of NZ’s most famous gardens, formerly owned by the late Sir Miles Warren. This large formal garden overlooks Lyttelton Harbour and has been divided into a number of “rooms”, featuring a rose garden, herbaceous borders, a herb potager, and many sculptures. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy a relaxed dinner in-house again this evening.

Day 3

Monday 23 December - Art & Animals

This morning we’re off to Orana Park for the ultimate animal adventure. We’ll be taken on a guided safari, and you’ll be able to hand feed a giraffe – if you can reach, take time out with the tigers, meet NZ’s only gorilla, and view the lions in their reserve. Lunch is not with the lions, but it will be at the cafe onsite (at your own cost) before we make our way back to town, where we visit the Garden City’s incredible Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the magnificent herbaceous border or the Central Rose Garden, the largest and finest in Australasia when it was planted in 1909. Nearby is the Christchurch Arts Heritage Precinct which is worth a browse, the Christchurch Art Gallery (free entry), and Ravenscar House Gallery (own cost if you choose to visit). For those who want to do a bit more exploring, take a wander along the Avon River, around Victoria Square and the Town Hall, Te Pae - the amazing new Convention Centre, or Cathedral Square. 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 Tram. Combining colonial style fine dining with inner-city sightseeing, this is a must do Christchurch experience.

Day 4

Tuesday 24 December - Akaroa Harbour Cruising

Today our travels take us to Akaroa. Akaroa Harbour is an extinct volcanic crater and is one of the world’s most fascinating geological and marine environments, which we’ll get up close and personal with as we join a Black Cat boat cruise. This award-winning cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. We’ll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. Enjoy a wander and lunch (own cost) in the quaint village with its shared French and British heritage, before we continue our Banks Peninsula exploring. We will head over Gebbes Pass and the scenic Summit Road, which provides magnificent views of the city and harbour as we make our way to Sumner Beach before returning to our familiar hotel. We dine in again this evening.

Day 5

Wednesday 25 December - Lakes and Mountains

With a packed picnic and the billy on board we head into the high country on a Christmas Day adventure. We venture inland through tiny communities such as Glentunnel and Windwhistle to Lake Coleridge in the foothills of the Southern Alps, finding a scenic location to enjoy our festive picnic. This afternoon we wend our way across to Lake Lyndon on the Arthurs Pass Road, and on to Castlehill where we will have the opportunity for a walk to view the fascinating limestone outcrops that give this area its name. Making our way back to our hotel, we have time to relax and put the feet up before gathering together in the hotel restaurant to enjoy the festivities of Christmas and dinner with all the trimmings.

Day 6

Thursday 26 December - Coastal Canterbury and Kaikoura

We begin our travels north again today, with a morning tea stop at a not so well-known spot on the north Canterbury Coast, Motunau Beach. Located at the mouth of the Motunau River, with Motunau Island not far from shore and dramatic sea cliffs framing the shoreline, this settlement is a scenic gem. Lunch today is a picnic (included) at Cheviot Hills Domain. The domain is the original site of the historical home of the founder of Cheviot, William “Ready Money” Robinson. The front steps of the mansion are still in place, and lead into the cricket pavilion. The domain has a charming walkway and many lovely trees of note.

This afternoon we continue our travels to Kaikoura, where we settle into our hotel by the sea, before heading out for our final dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day 7

Friday 27 December - Travelling Home

We retrace our steps up the Pacific Coast this morning, with lunch in Picton (own choice and cost) prior to departing on our mid-afternoon sailing returning us to Wellington. Finally, we bid our fellow travellers goodbye before being transferred to our home locations.

The cost of the tour includes

  • All coach travel
  • Interisland Ferry transfers
  • Good quality hotel accommodation
  • 2 course or buffet evening meals
  • All breakfasts
  • Morning tea on most travelling days
  • 2 picnic lunches including Christmas Day
  • Christmas Dinner
  • Christchurch Tramway Dinner
  • Orana Park, entry and guided tour
  • Christchurch City Sights tour
  • Otoromiro Hotel, Governors Bay, lunch
  • Ohinetahi Garden, Governors Bay, entry and tour
  • Black Cat Akaroa Harbour Cruise

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.

"The door to door transfers on the Tranzit Travel Club tours are such a bonus. Being picked up at my door and dropped back after our travels made things so easy!" Mary