Page 18 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

christchurch bay of islands bay of islands by private vehicle van class approximate duration see below bi1-lb a private vehicle is the perfect solution for passengers who wish to tour privately or who want the flexibility of designing their own itinerary all private vehicle bookings are nonrefundable actual vehicle type may vary depending on final number of passengers and availability visiting more than one site often requires a full day vehicles are air-conditioned and are provided with a driver/guide entrance fees we suggest you use local currency for entrance fees meals gratuities and refreshments christchurch is the south island s largest city sprawling out across the canterbury plains christchurch was incorporated as a city in 1862 it was named after the oxford college attended by john robert godley leader of the settlers arriving in the first four ships to christchurch visitors find christchurch a charming city modelled in the english style the river avon meanders through the city and its banks provide a popular lunchtime retreat cathedral square is a place to relax and take in the proportions of the stone-built cathedral or listen to the eccentric wizard entertain the lunchtime crowd christchurch is said to be the most english city outside england and it certainly clings to the trappings of its heritage the cricket club established 1851 the rowing club 1864 and lawn tennis 1881 the streets are named after 14 dioceses of the anglican communion it is of course a university city which has a backdrop of the southern alps and long ocean beaches are only a short drive away the port hills are well worth a visit for the dramatic views they give of the surrounding areas the ports of lyttelton and akaroa the only french settlements in the country are also close by christchurch is a charming garden city with many parks within its bounds most notable is the magnificent 200-hectare hagley park pride of the city is the impressive town hall a modern structure and the queen elizabeth ii park stadium built for the 1974 commonwealth games things to see and do in and around christchurch travel down the tree-lined avon river tour english-style gardens and drive past a gothic cathedral no it s not england it s christchurch new zealand s most english city the colonists who settled christchurch transformed the treeless landscape by planting european trees and setting aside vast tracts as parkland today parks dot the city giving christchurch an old-world ambience that belies its sophisticated style botanical gardens a focal point of the city the gardens provide a shady oasis with its many handsome trees monuments fountains and well-tended garden beds full of colourful flowers christchurch arts centre conveniently bordering the botanic gardens the centre s gothic-style buildings formerly housed christchurch s university but is now the place of shops galleries and art shops many with local artisans at work mona vale this 14-acre english-style garden surrounding an historic victorian-style homestead is built beside the avon river and features a significant stand of such stately trees as conifers and maples along with colourful rhododendrons and camellias waimakariri river fed from the southern alps this mighty river rushes its way to the sea through hundreds of streams some only centimetres deep hamilton jet boats skim over these shallows with ease spinning and turning within their own length jet boating is new zealand s ultimate experience and this is sure to blow away the cobwebs international antarctic centre this multi-million dollar complex is home to the new zealand u.s and italian research programmes its rich array of attractions include sound and light shows an under-ice aquarium an audio-visual presentation and an authentic snow and ice experience in subzero temperatures akaroa french colonists arrived here over 160 years ago and today their gallic influence remains in the town s architecture and street names national museum of new zealand military aviation this museum incorporates the country s oldest military flying field and is a memorial to all those who served and died in the new zealand and allied flying services their story is told through historical displays in four areas featuring restored aircraft film and sound christchurch private vehicle bookings do not include what you should know vehicles with an english-speaking driver/guide are offered on a half-day four hours or full-day 8 hours basis no deviations to duration departure or return time can be made this is a private arrangement those accompanying you are the family or friends with whom you agree to share costs we do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle vehicles are of extremely limited availability reserve early these tours are ordered per vehicle one person in your party places the order for the vehicle the entire cost of the vehicle is charged to that person s shipboard account and cannot be divided among the party once onboard you will receive a letter requesting details about your travel plans please complete this information and return it to the tour office as soon as possible bi1-lb1 half day with driver/guide 4 hours one to seven 1-7 passengers maximum aud$525.00 per vehicle bi1-lb2 full day with driver/guide 8 hours one to seven 1-7 passengers maximum aud$795.00 per vehicle bay of islands please be sure to request this tour by indicating the number of vehicles you wish to have not the number of passengers homebush settled in the 1840s and still home to a member of the founding family the homestead is surrounded by eight acres of woodland gardens and rhododendrons and continues to offer a fascinating glimpse of colonial farming arthur s pass national park this scenic region encompasses 24,000 acres of rainforest set amongst the mighty southern alps 32 33

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