As of this composition, Americans can’t visit New Zealand because of Covid-19 travel limitations, so utilize this story to get ready for future excursions.
Regardless of whether it’s your first time in New Zealand or you’ve been there for some time on the Working Holiday Visa, Christchurch is an underestimated objective that has the right to be on your agenda. Other than being perhaps the biggest city in the South Island—which makes it an extraordinary spot to get a modest trip into and stock up on provisions for an epic excursion—it’s likewise an incredible base for investigating a greater amount of the Canterbury Region. Here are three of my number one spots to require a roadtrip from Christchurch, all inside a two-hour drive of the downtown area and reachable via vehicle, transport or train.
Akaroa
Distance from the downtown area: One hour and 20 minutes.
Why you should go: Situated along the Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is regularly alluded to as the most French town in New Zealand, which bodes well since it’s the lone French settlement in the entire country. Come for the ocean side view and stay for the food, nature travels, kayaking visits, climbing trails and the opportunity to visit The Giant’s House, an aesthetic Gaudí-esque nursery planned by artist Josie Martin.
Step by step instructions to arrive without a vehicle: The Akaroa French Connection transport leaves every day from the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, with tickets to go full circle accessible for $35 ($50 NZD). Limited tickets can likewise be found by means of Book Me, a well-known New Zealand bargains site.
Hanmer Springs
Distance from the downtown area: an hour and a half.
Why you should go: While the significant fascination here is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, it merits leaving an hour or so to climb the Conical Hill Loop Trail, which takes you on a 1.7-mile crisscrossed excursion through old backwoods to wonderful perspectives disregarding the valley.
Step by step instructions to arrive without a vehicle: Hanmer Connection offers transport transports from Rolleston Avenue in Christchurch house to house to the Thermal Pools for $35 ($50 NZD) full circle so you can visit for the afternoon or $20 ($30 NZD) single direction in the event that you’d like to stay.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
Distance from the downtown area: Two hours.
Why you should go: What started hundreds of years’ prior as a mainstream Māori cross-island chasing course is presently home to rambling 148-section of land Arthur’s Pass National Park in the core of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Loaded with family cordial strolling trails just as a few boondocks hiking tracks, the recreation center offers a wide scope of environments relying upon what part you’re visiting. Eastern areas highlight backwoods of beech trees, while the western side is home to immense streams and rainforests. Focal territories of the recreation center are the place where you’ll discover glorious snow-shrouded mountains and noteworthy icy masses.
Step by step instructions to arrive without a vehicle: Several bus transports are accessible from Christchurch through Atomic Travel and East West Coaches—both offer single direction tickets for $35 ($50 NZD) or tickets to go full circle for $70 ($100 NZD)— while travel destinations like Viator offer guided roadtrip choices. From Christchurch, you can likewise select an epic excursion through the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine train, which goes through Arthur’s Pass headed to Greymouth on the West Coast (tickets from $41 or $59 NZD).
