Page 20 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises

c hristchu rc h christchurch wildlife cruise approximate duration 31/2 hours chc-c encounter a fascinating range of wildlife on this cruise around lyttelton harbour to ripapa island your wildlife cruise after a short motorcoach transfer step aboard the black cat and sail the beautiful waters of the banks peninsula set within the confines of an extinct volcano your skipper will narrate as you pass picturesque islands and bays including diamond harbour quail island and purau bay while keeping watch for hector s dolphins one of the world s rarest and smallest dolphins keep an eye out too for the blue penguins which are only 12-inches high and a member of the endangered species list christchu rc h air ice approximate duration 4 hours chc-d combine a visit to the renowned international antarctic centre with the opportunity to explore the national museum of new zealand military aviation on this comprehensive sightseeing experience what you visit 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 sub-zero temperatures 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 shopping take the opportunity to browse in the gift shop at the international antarctic centre for souvenirs with a particular reference to the antarctic along with the air force museum s shop for general new zealand-themed souvenirs notes those not wanting to walk on ripapa island are welcome to remain onboard the catamaran notes bring local currency or a credit card for shopping and for purchasing refreshments camera flashlights and video lights are not permitted in some areas of the venues this motorcoach tour operates with a driver/guide to make your day as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a hat and jacket and bring along some bottled water what you visit every effort will be ripapa island take a guided walking tour to discover this island which was first made to sight inhabited by maori people of the ngai tahu tribe your exploration of the island marine wildlife will include views of the maori fortified village which dates back to 1872 and the however sightings cannot be guaranteed british-built fort jervois this site was built in 1888 to repel the great russian scare and features a number of large disappearing guns to make your day as enjoyable as refreshments possible please morning tea will be served onboard the black cat ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a hat and jacket and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water photo opportunities keep your camera ready for sightings of blue penguins hector s dolphins cormorants and the occasional gannet or petrel christchurch 36 37 christchurch

[close]