Depart Christchurch via Main North Road and State Highway 1. Unique to the South island, Hanmer Springs Alpine Thermal Village area lies at the base of the pristine Amuri Mountain range. Stop at the Waimakariri River for a jetboat trip - turn off northern motorway to the right directly after the Waimakariri River Bridge, only 15 minutes from the city.
Bookings are essential.
Continue north onto Kaiapoi and sail down the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers to the edge of the South Pacific Ocean onboard the MV Tuhoe, a fully restored historic ship. Bookings are essential, sailings on timetabled days or by charter. Possible stops also at Amberley Cider Garden, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs vineyards as you continue north. Leave the Canterbury Plains behind and travel through Weka Pass from Waipara. For rail enthusiasts a visit to the Weka Pass Railway in Waipara is a must.