Valid for travel up to and including 30th September 2021.
Includes:
- Four-day car hire - Christchurch return, unlimited Kms and standard insurance
- One-night accommodation Christchurch city
- Dinner in the Tramway Restaurant, Christchurch
- One-night accommodation Geraldine
- Stargazing Geraldine Observatory
- One-night accommodation Tekapo
- Scenic flight over Mt Cook and Franz Josef, Fox Glaciers
- Silver River Stargazing
- Meals - three breakfasts and one dinner
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Christchurch
Pick up your rental vehicle at the airport.
Included Christchurch Tramway Restaurant for dinner: The Tram 411 was built in Melbourne, Australia in 1927 and was then refurbished and shipped to Christchurch in 1999. Experience the luxury of a 36-seater air-conditioned, colonial style dining Tram and be treated to fine service, cuisine and beverages
Sudima Christchurch City Hotel, Christchurch: Luxe King room
Includes: Pre-dinner drinks & canapes, Dinner (no drinks), accommodation, cooked breakfast
Day 2: Christchurch – Methven – Geraldine
Head south west on SH1 to Methven, or alternatively take the road via Mt Hutt. Methven is located near the foothills of the Southern Alps, one hour’s drive from Christchurch. They have the fastest rate of population growth of any town in Mid Canterbury, with people attracted by the lifestyle, schools, and the proximity to the picturesque foothills and high country.
Geraldine/Heratini: Set at the heart of the Canterbury region at the foot of the Southern Alps, Geraldine is the gateway to the lakes in the central Mackenzie Basin and the beginning of the Starlight Highway to Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Geraldine has a country village atmosphere, with majestic old forests, early settlers’ cottages and little arts and crafts corners. Geraldine is home to artists and artisans, and many have their work on sale in the town itself or from nearby studios. The town is overlooked by nearby Talbot forest which has several short walks among the ancient podocarp native trees.
Included excursion - Stargazing Geraldine:
Right in the heart of Geraldine, a visit to Geraldine Observatory is a truly unique experience. This is a private observatory, and your host Peter Aldous, is a passionate astronomer with some 50 years’ experience. He has an impressive array of telescopes and equipment such as an HD Edge telescope which together form the very best private observatory in the country. He uses the latest technology and advanced equipment and while is main interest is super nova hunting (exploding stars), he loves to share the wonder of the night sky with members of the public. Stargazing is weather dependent, and at the start of the evening if it is clear, a telescope is set up outside and guests will see and view the night sky over Geraldine. This is a bespoke, hands on and personal experience, includes an observatory presentation and guests can ask questions and engage with Peter to get the most of their visit. The starting times will be changed throughout the season to work in accordance with the dark sky.
The Vicarage Geraldine
Fully refurbished, The Vicarage Boutique Accommodation opened in October 2019 with six beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with a comfortable super king bed and ensuite. There is also a communal sitting room to relax in and enjoy the company of other travellers. The Vicarage offers independent accommodation with keypad access so that you can enjoy your stay at your own pace. Centrally located in Geraldine surrounded by shops and cafes and walkways. Often described as New Zealand's most beautiful town, Geraldine is a destination town with quintessential New Zealand character.
The Vicarage Geraldine, Super King Room:
Breakfast included: Breakfast is served at Barker’s Food store & Eatery next door.
Included: Stargazing Geraldine, accommodation, cooked breakfast
Day 3: Geraldine – Lake Tekapo
Take SH79 to Fairlie and turn right onto SH8 to Tekapo. Since June 2012, Tekapo has been one of the rare World Heritage Star Light Reserves.
Included: The Grand Traverse, Tekapo: This flight of a lifetime is a spectacular scenic flight that explores the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. The Grand Traverse is recognised as the premier Aoraki Mount Cook flight-seeing experience; this magnificent flight encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and breath-taking scenery. The highlights of the Grand Traverse include: beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands, and the braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin, remote High Country Sheep Stations, glacial valleys, and landforms, The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – a magical world of permanent ice and snow, New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers – including Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier, The Westland Tai Poutini National Park encompassing the magnificent Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers spilling down to the rainforests of the west coast. Duration: 50mn
Included: Silver River Tekapo Stargazing Tour - Experience 100% pure darkness!
Our experiences are located on 25,000 acres of farmland, all of which fall within the boundaries of the gold rated Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve...aka some of the darkest skies in the world. We have little to no light pollution and are committed to leaving the lightest footprint on our land and night sky. Are you ready to have your mind blown? Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Come and discover the wonders of the night sky on this 1.5-hour experience; including 60mins under the stars with a guide. They use powerful 14” telescopes and special astro-lasers for easy naked-eye viewing.
StarGazing small group tours include: Transport to/from the Silver River Stargazing base. Use of our toasty warm down jackets. A guided tour of the night sky. Use of our modern digital telescopes. Maximum 8 people on the tour at one time. Vast 360° views over the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve A photo taken under the stars for you to share with a digital link made available.
Check-in for the tour is at midnight and the tour begins at 00:15 and finishes at 1:45am. duration 01:30 hrs.
Three Rivers Lodge B&B, Tekapo: Lake View Room.
Included: scenic flight, Stargazing tour with local guide, transport , cooked breakfast , accommodation
Day 4: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch airport
Return to Christchurch. Drop your car off at the airport by 4.30pm.
