450kms of Spectacular
Winding its way from Christchurch, through North Canterbury to Kaikōura in the east and Hanmer Springs in the west – this is a journey of unparalleled variety you’d be hard placed to find anywhere else in the world.
Taste the award-winning flavours of the buzzing North Canterbury and Waipara wine and food scene and soak under the stars at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. Stretch your legs and listen for bellbirds on a mountain walk or hit the sea for close encounters with whales, seals, albatross and dolphins in Kaikōura. It’s one of the best places for marine life encounters on the planet.
There are art trails to explore and plenty of beaches to comb as well as many new gems to discover in Christchurch, New Zealand’s hub of change and creativity.
Be it the alpine beauty of Mt Lyford and Waiau, the secluded beaches of Gore Bay and Motunau, the resort town of Hanmer Springs, or the old country charm of Weka Pass and Hawarden - this is a road-trip that truly has it all.
THE ULTIMATE FAMILY VACATION
5 Day Itinerary
The Alpine Pacific Touring Route is the perfect place to book your next family holiday. With so many things to do, we guarantee that kids will be fully entertained and parents will be wanting to come back to explore more. It’s never easy planning a trip, so we’ve taken care of it for you by packing together the ultimate family vacation highlighting the best in entertainment. From playing in real snow and ice to swimming under waterfalls and racing down thrilling waterslides, we’ve got your family covered.
For more information about the Alpine Pacific Touring Route and more itinerary suggestions, visit the APT website!
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Ōtautahi Christchurch
Day One
Christchurch is the gateway to Canterbury and New Zealand's South Island.
A vibrant, energetic city where new and exciting spaces are popping up all over the show, Christchurch is a great place to kick-start some family fun.
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Ōtautahi Christchurch to Kaikōura
Day Two
A two & a half hour drive from Christchurch through North Canterbury’s scenic valleys and coastal beaches takes you to the small seaside town of Kaikōura.
There are plenty of places to rest or take a bathroom break and so much to spot along the way that there’s no reason to get bored.
Stop at one of the many rivers enroute for a quick dip or at the peaceful and tranquil St Anne’s Lagoon to see who can skim the most stones!
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Kaikōura
Day Three
Kaikōura is a small coastal town that dots the edge of the Great Pacific Ocean. With mountains jutting out to meet the sea, few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders and marine life as those offered in this picturesque town.
Hanmer Springs Bridge
Kaikōura to Hanmer Springs
Day Four
Take the Inland Route to the ultimate alpine escape, Hanmer Springs.
People have been visiting Hanmer Springs for centuries to relax and unwind. It can be the best place to do nothing but there’s a host of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Getting there will take just over two hours with Avalon Llamas a cute stop on the way. You can pat and feed the llamas and get some pretty sweet photos as well!
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Hanmer Springs to Ōtautahi Christchurch
Day Five
Take your time on the way back to Christchurch and enjoy the last of your holiday away from home. Stop and explore the many small towns on route and see who can be the first to spot the rock that looks like a giant frog!
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
International Antarctic Centre
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Christchurch Tram
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Orana Wildlife Park
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Whale Watch Kaikōura
Kaikōura
Wings Over Wales
Kaikōura
Playful seals at Point Kean
Kaikōura
Hydro slides at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Animal Park
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Hanmer Springs
