Mount Cook National Park, Christchurch

Mount Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook. Its Maori name, 'Aoraki' means 'cloud piercer' and at 12,016 feet (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park. A third of the park is covered in permanent ice and snow and the mighty Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier outside of the polar regions. Glacial melt gives the lakes their beautiful milky, turquoise colour and there are many walks in the area to take in the dramatic beauty. Mount Cook has always been the focus of climbing and mountaineering, most notably the expeditions of Sir Edmund Hillary, who went on to be the first man to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest.

Getting There:
The Cook Connection offers daily return options to Mount Cook from a variety of different locations between September and May. There are other tour operators working within the park and its surrounds.

Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch

The spectacular ride takes visitors to the top of the crater rim of Christchurch's extinct volcano on the outskirts of the city, unfolding magnificent views of the city, over the Canterbury Plains and towards the Southern Alps, and the sweep of Pegasus Bay and Lyttelton Harbour, as it rises to 1,460ft (445m) above sea level. At the summit the Gondola Complex features the Time Tunnel Heritage Show with a walk-through exhibition and video relaying the history and geological evolution of the Canterbury region as well as Maori mythology. From the summit it is possible to walk back down through the Port Hills to Sumner Beach. The Gondola was damaged in the 2011 earthquake and is currently closed for repairs.

Getting There:
The Gondola is on 10 Bridle Path in Heathcote Valley. Free parking is available for those wishing to drive. Shuttles are available from Cathedral Square every hour between 9:40am and 12:40pm daily at a cost of NZ$10. City Buses 28 and 35 both transport passengers to the Gondola for NZ$3.20.

Opening Times:
Daily 10am-9pm.

Admission:
NZ$25 (adults), NZ$12 (children 5-15 years), family pass NZ$65 (two adults and up to three children)

Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch

Trams were part of the city's transport system until 1954 and today these heritage trams have been beautifully restored, offering visitors a unique experience that takes one on a two-mile (3km) loop of many of the city's best features and main attractions. The drivers, who offer insight on the history, architecture, activities and points of interest, supply informative and entertaining commentary. Visitors can hop on and off at any of the stops to further explore the attractions at leisure. The most interesting sights include Cathedral Square, the Aquarium of Discovery, punting on the Avon River, the exquisite Botanic Gardens on the banks of the river, New Regent Street with its pretty Spanish mission-style architecture, the magnificent Gothic buildings of the Arts Centre, and Canterbury Museum, with an excellent Antarctic exhibition. The Chrustchurch Tramway was damaged in the 2011 earthquake and is currently closed for repairs.

Opening Times:
Daily from 9am-9pm (1 October to 31 March), 9am-6pm (1 April to 30 September). Trams operate every 8-12 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes after 6pm in the summer months.

Admission:
NZ$17 (adults), NZ$5 (children), NZ$40 (family pass: two adults and up to three children) valid for two consecutive days.

Cathedral Square, Christchurch

Cathedral Square is the hub of the city centre and is dominated by the city's landmark, Christchurch Cathedral, a grand Gothic structure with a tall spire, and a cool and spacious interior with marvellous acoustics. It is possible to climb the narrow staircase to the bell tower for a splendid panoramic view of the city. In front of the cathedral, the city's most quirky character, fondly known as 'The Wizard', performs his daily eccentric routine for the crowd from atop a ladder, ranting about all things from politics and politicians to religion, love and bureaucracy. Nearby the giant chessboard painted on the square attracts avid players and spectators, with enormous pieces to be shifted during strategic moves, as challengers pit their skills against one another. The cathedral was severely damaged in the 2011 eaerthquake and is currently closed for repairs.

Getting There:
The cathedral is accessible on foot as it is situated in the heart of the CBD. It is also accessible on the airport buses which stop in Cathedral Square.

Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm in winter and 8:30am-7pm in summer. Sundays 7:30am-5pm. Free guided tours available at 11am and 2pm during the week, 11am on Saturdays and 11:30am on Sundays.

Admission:
Free admission to the cathedral, tower NZ$4

Akaroa, Christchurch

The hilly Banks Peninsula is the result of two massive and violent volcanic eruptions, creating a sea-filled crater surrounded by green hills and a number of little bays that radiate out from the circular shape of land. The Maori name Akaroameans 'long harbour' and the little French-influenced town of the same name is situated on the picturesque shores of the harbour, a long finger of water extending into the interior of the land. It is Canterbury's oldest village and its French character, due to the first European settlers, is evident in the street names, quaint historical architecture and French inspired cuisine. The pretty town is surrounded by attractive scenery; a volcanic landscape of fertile green hills scattered with woolly sheep and vineyards, and crisscrossed by walking trails and winding narrow roads. The calm waters of the harbour are perfect for water sports and boat cruises, with an opportunity to swim with dolphins.

Getting There:
Akaroa French Connection and Akaroa Shuttle leave daily from Christchurch