Such a great day out. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable about the history of the park which made the trip super interesting as well as fun. They also gave a intricate safety briefing which made me feel confident about being on the water. Beautiful stop for lunch. Fantastic day out and can highly recommend Abel Tasman kayaks

We joined the Earth, Sea and Sky Tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks and it was one of the absolute highlights of our time in New Zealand. The combination of kayaking along the stunning coastline and hiking through lush forest and golden beaches is the perfect way to experience the diversity of Abel Tasman National Park. From the start, everything was incredibly well organised. The kayaking equipment was top quality, the communication clear and the vibe relaxed yet professional. Our guide Henri was fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the area, which really added to the experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to explore this special part of New Zealand. If you're looking for a mix of active adventure and natural beauty, this is the tour for you. Highly recommended!

We loved the combined kayak and walk Absolutely amazing experience! The combined kayak and walk tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks was the highlight of our trip. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the day really fun. Kayaking along the beautiful coastline and seeing seals up close was incredible, and the walk back offered stunning views of the park. Everything was well organized and stress-free. Highly recommend this tour! 🚣‍♀️🌿

Top notch kayak tour company. Friendly, capable and safe kayaking tour company. Even though our weather was a bit rainy we had an excellent all day guided tour from veteran guide Dez & trainee Ollie . Dez has a zillion stories and was a seasoned naturalist with loads of wit and verve. We saw tons of seals, a few rays, even a blue penguin bobbing around close to shore. In one of the other nlets a juvenile seal came over and swan around our boats, playing splashing around--a real treat and the highlight for us. Yummy veggie sandwiches with excellent tea/coffee on the beach, with chocolate cake for desert. Highly recommend!

I cannot say enough about this experience. Just go!! It's beautiful. Our guide Tom was incredible providing us with the history of the area and also his knowledge of the rocks, ocean and sea life. He also prepared food and helped us however he could. You will not regret this trip. The kayaking was not too strenuous and it was balanced with gorgeous hikes and stunning vistas.

We had the pleasure to be guided by Whitney on our 1day Kajak tour today. She was very friendly, professional, passionate about the region and in tune with the nature. We got to see many seals and other wildlife, stunning beaches and coves while casually receiving interesting facts about the plants, animals and indigenous culture. The instructions were always clear and I felt very safe while having zero prior kayaking experience. From being picked up by the water Taxi to being dropped off, it was an amazing experience. One of our highlights in New Zealand! 100% would recommend.

Great place to hire kayaks from or get guided tours. We did the self guided full day with water taxi back (Marahau to Anchorage) and it was great. We saw some seals and pups, amazing scenery, had a private beach lunch then chilled at Anchorage. Thoroughly recommended. Full briefing first with instruction, maps etc then launched and picked up after the return water taxi home.

A very beautiful beach with water taxi and Tasman Sea Shuttle that provides tours to the Abel Tasman NP.

Best beach in NZ we have ever been. Water temperature was refreshing and just nice with the warm weather. Best to go in Dec and Jan but do expect big crowd and no carpark after 10am.

Very nice beach! It is a tourist spot yes but with a campervan it must be a great experience when you can park straight in front of the beach and enjoy a lovely view.

Very nice and beautiful beach, Water was very warm and the sand is golden colour, very busy around christmas holidays. hidden spot will definitely go there again

An amazing beach!! So beautiful

Beautiful beach. Calm waters where you can canoe, sail, or just a swim. Great for toddlers.

My personal favorite beach in NZ along with Tawharanui (North of Auckland) and Oakura (New Plymouth). I tend to go to Little Kaiteriteri beach to avoid the large crowds.

What we got from Wilsons Abel Tasman was worth every cent we spent but really, the memories of one day cruise-kayak-walking adventure is priceless. Our trip was super well organized logistically and had laid back vibe to it at the same time. Many thanks to our fantastic guide Jack - first time sea-kayaking and he made us feel like pro's. :-) and he had dozens of stories related to geography and history of the area. Also he knew the best times to enter lagoons so we could make the most of one day. The sun, nice conditions and not too high season yet (Dec 7) played a role, too.

We did the Beaches Bays and Seals Plus Walk trip on a rainy day, so it didn’t look like the promo pictures but it was great kayaking in the rain! Jack, the guide, was grest and we felt very safe but adventurous kayaking in a lumpy sea. Fortunately it stopped raining for the walk from Torrent Bay back to Anchorage so we could appreciate the bush.

We had a great time doing the Kajak tour. Read the description of your tour carefully, so you can bring along the things you will need or leave behind those that just use space 😉 (we blindly followed the list and brought hiking boots although we were traveling back by boat) If you get the lunch yourself, there is a shop right at the ticket office. The kayak have a dry room and u will get a dry bag as well. Bring along enough water, you will get thirsty. Depending on the tide you will have to walk, so we recommend shorts and / or swimm ware for the trip. As you will be paddling on the ocean and the ocean has waves, be aware if u get easily sea sick. Parking If you get there early, u will find enough parking slots. There is also a full day parking (10 Dollars). It can get crowded the around 9/10 am

This is a must do attraction if yours in the area! They have 3hr, half day, full day, or multi day trips! You can walk the track and glamp at one of their lodges (my inlaws did that and LOVED it) — they pack all your gear to the next stop for you so you can just enjoy the walk! We did the half day trip to Anchorage Bay, and just hung out on the beach with the kids. It was a magical place, and the water was perfect temp and gorgeous turquoise color. There isn’t a lot of shade on the beach so plan accordingly! Be sure to explore around, and we heard there are a couple short hikes around, including up to the rock pools! 😉

An absolute highlight day of our trip to NZ. You absolutely must go. The stunning beaches and hiking in between each beach we visited was absolutely breathtaking and Wilsons boats make this water accessible only trip the easiest way to visit with excellent and super efficient options to be dropped off wherever you decide so you can customize your day to suit your needs. We also bought a picnic lunch on a bag from them and it was perfect for enjoying on one of the stunning beaches ma we stopped at. I will forever remember this magical day.

Mo and Jack were absolutely brilliant! We were a small group of 4 and we did the kayak and walk and it was absolutely fun and I love the way how you can hear How they know the history of the place and respect it! Thank you!

The tour operators on board the ferry were very friendly and spoke to all the passengers. They advised the best routes and options depending on our stopping point and our capabilities.

Excellent from start to finish really enjoyed our day here we will be back next year,horses were amazing ,scenery stunning and owners and girls excellent would highly recommend Baton horse trek , We were made to feel truly welcome.Thank you

Love the place, recomended highly, love the Honeywell Hut

Wonderful serene setting, it won't disappoint.

It is very tidy and clean.

Another great stop on the New Zealand journey. The lake is amazing with a wonderful hot spring at one end. Take the classic wooden boat and tour the lake.

Great big lake, nice and clean and great views from up Mt Robert. Lots of snow in winter time and lots of massive eels around the warf just Infront of the carpark. Big carpark and usually on a snowy or sunny day it's full of people.

Beautiful view and clear waters. There are many people by the lake but you don’t feel the crowd because of the vast space. I visited in Jan and there were no sandflies which is pretty awesome. Many tracks around the lake to explore, and Kayaking would be great here as the waters are not choppy.

Beautiful view and a peaceful location with a nice mountain range where the snow can get even lower than pictured. A nice local township with forest walking tracks.

We camped at the DOC campground next to the Lake Rotoiti Wharf recently. Incredible views, so serene with a number of walks nearby for better views of the lake. There are several campground locations here, with really good amenities at all, this one had flushing toilets, a shower block (cold showers), playground, rubbish disposal area and kitchen block. We considered it glamping with how great the amenities were. Highly recommend staying here, its popular so book in advance if you can, about an hour or so from Nelson.

This is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever visited around New Zealand. The scenery is simply stunning and must be seen by all in the upper South Island. The little township has a fuel station and convenience store along with great accommodation options tucked in the bush or on the main road.

An amazingly beautiful lake with many scenic hiking trails! We enjoyed visiting this lake and enjoying its natural beauty and beaches. It is an amazing place to get photos, as the lake is highly reflective with surrounding mountains. The dock at the lake is also famous for its many eels , that crowd around its piers and are easy to photograph through the clear water. We stayed a week in this area exploring the lake and the trails around it, and we wish that we had stayed longer!

Just used their Shuttle service from Lyell to Seddonville while doing the Old Ghost Road. Fantastic service, they were waiting for us at the Lyell Carpark, took our photo as we left then drove our vehicle to Seddonville. Great value, highly recommended.

Great transfer of two cars for us from Lyell to Seddonville while we walked The Old Ghost Road. Handled our EV fine. Brought our cars up to The Rough & Tumble Lodge for us on our final day so they were there for us when we came off the track. Great to get immediate access to dry clothes!

Great service and very convenient for Old Ghost Rd transfers. Chris and Steph were very friendly and even phoned the local pub to let us know that the next track we were heading to was closing due to a landslip. They even told us their secret home made bug repellent recipe! p.s. Encourage Chris to one day complete the Ghost Rd!

Have to give 5/5 review for Steph and Chris. Very responsive communication, prompt arrival, just lovely people doing their bit to help others. Thank you so much.

Steph and Chris provided us a wonderful service by meeting us at Old Coast Road Trail end in Seddonville and transporting us to the start of the track at Lyell. My queries were responded to quickly, communication was excellent, they were so obliging, friendly and knowledgeable. Even gave us an old gold sluice pan as a momentous. Many thanks you guys we appreciated your service. Malcolm Rough and Wendy Shanks, Gisborne

Excellent service from Hikenbike Shuttles. We left our car at the end of the Old Ghost Road and they took us to the beginning. We arrived a bit early but they saw us drive past so came early. The service was very friendly (we had the owner himself. Asked if we needed to stop anywhere on the way and recommended the Berlin Cafe in the Buller gorge as a good place for breakfast. Very nice. he also supplier sandfly repellent, something we had overlooked. Would highly recommend them. Next time we would use their car relocation service and save 4 hours of driving for only a little more cost.

Great communication, punctual, and accommodating shuttle provider (Picked me up from OGR trail end to Lyell). Appreciate that they made sure my car at Lyell started before leaving.

Such a great experience! Mike was a very entertaining host. We got a mix of history and geology thrown in with the fun and speed. It felt very safe throughout. I would highly recommend - just make sure you use sunscreen!

The view is amazing, Mark is very funny and friendly, the drive is awesome, so much better than the one we had in Queenstown! Highly recommended!!! And Bowie is so cute!!

This was shut the front door fun, Mark is the best operator in New Zealand, smaller boat than in Queenstown but more crazy, more professional and much much much more adventurous. You get your bang for the buck and then some. I can't stress this enough, this is the BEST one and I highly recommend everyone to go here and enjoy it. We did others as well but this one... OMG, the speed, the thrill! Thank you Mark for really putting the F in fun for us 🤣 A 360° greeting from the Public Speaker from Sweden with special request 🤣

Have rode Shotover in Queenstown but this was miles better. Excellent 'Driver' and amusingly commentary. Suspension Bridge just added to the overall experience. Looking forward to returning sometime soon.

Had an amazing trip on the Buller with Mark. He was such a good host and guide. Never done jet boating before and not sure we’ll ever top this one as it’s a stunningly beautiful place. Thank you for an amazing afternoon Mark.

My Husband and I had a spectacular time with on the jet boat. Mark, our driver went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. We wanted to take photos and videos, so Mark was very clear at communicating when was an appropriate time to video/ take a photo and when it was best to put the camera away to ensure we held on for some 360 spins. Highly recommend Buller Canyon Jet Boating. While there you can also experience the Bulla Canyon Swing Bridge. Thanks Bulla Jet Boat company and Mark for a wonderful day it is truly a holiday highlight.

We stopped here on the drive to Westport, and were so glad we did. There was a swing bridge going across the buller river,different walks to go on ,long or short, interesting things to look at for all ages. A zip wire ride, and best of all there was Marc with his Jet boat, what an incredible experience up and down the river, through the Rapids. Marc was an amazing character and really made the trip. Not the cheapest thing to do but well worth the money.

We had an enjoyable time at this venue so I'm curious why there are some negative reviews. The team really need to cut back the vegetation on the loop walk so visitors could enjoy the view properly. The bridge is exhilarating, although I wish people were less comfortable crossing at the same time! The toilets could do with a deep clean but were acceptable in the meantime. Staff were friendly. Definitely worth the minimal entrance fee.

Went here a while back and didn’t expect you had to pay. The next time I came back and bit the bullet and was pleasantly surprised. Such beautiful views and heaps to do once you get over the other side. You might have to be patient as the swing bridge isn’t that wide, and also be careful of where you put your hand as I got a small cut on mine. It is so very worth it though. Lovely loop tracks and multiple natural attractions to look at.

Overall value for money 2.5/5 No family pass No combos so yiu do mkre activities and save. Bridge 3.9/5 $12.50 - Went in the morning. Manager/owner was very welcoming and friendly. Paid our entry and went on in. My first thought of the bridge was disappointing after being on the ones further down the country, yes this one is longer but I feel it could be better. When searching and looking at things to do I didnt take a close look at what the bridge was made of or looked like in detail. Comet line 4/5 fun - 1/5 not Including access to bridge and walks. $40 + $25 for photos and videos. Tandem Comet line and it was fun. Interesting to be one behind the other and not next to each there. Definitely could be longer and definitely could be faster. $25 extra for a flash drive with the photos and videos seemed expensive though especially if you paid for the other thing. Gold panning 3.5/5 Sand flies 1/5 Unfortunately we did not get told about the sand flies when we arrived. We were covered head to toe in them when we went to the area to do this activity. Went and brought some bug spray from the front desk ($25) and this only kept them away for a few minutes. The activity itself was really fun but as I only got to do it for a very small amount of time it has become the worst thing I have done in years. As we left we mentioned about how bad the experience was and that the bug spray did an aweful job and we really didnt do much panning because of the sand flies and his comment was "yeah they are quite bad this time of year" and didnt really care at all. We were just another person who had already paid. If you do go, there is some enjoyment in some of the activities but 100% do not go anywhere near the gold panning, and take good bug repellent.

Unexpected cost of 25 nzd to walk across. But the other side has over an hour of beautiful hiking to a beach and waterfall along with epic jungle views. It's worth the cost, especially because few people leave the main trail.

Awesome place woth amazing view. Very friendly staff who even waited for us to arrive as we were running a little late. Highly recommended

What an adventurous place to visit!! The experience of the bridge walk is tremendous. A bit scary but feels fun once you done it. The walk around the island is amazing as you pass many amazing spots as the river beach and the big tree. You can watch a lot of birds around there. The bridge walk and the island walk is not expensive. You can do extra activities like zip liner with an extra payment. There is a small cafe and toilets inside and a plenty of parking available there.

It was fun to go across the bridge, but there were a lot of little bugs on the other side that were biting our legs so beware. Not much to do on the other side other than a walk with some old historic mining equipment. you could also pay extra to go on the speedboat or the zip line.

Best 5 day tramp yet, great variety of terrain, beautiful native forest flora & fauna. Birdsong +++, very friendly This Robins, Tomtits & saw or heard most every native bird there is. Fungi fiesta! Huts comfortable, lovely & warm with fire going. Wild & mighty rivers!

For day trippers- highly recommend doing the loop of Lyell walkway - Old Ghost Road. Easy access from the upper carpark, past the old cemetery, across the river bridge and then reverse back along the old ghost road trail to the lower carpark. This old mining track is well maintained and used by hikers and cyclists.

Incredible area with stunning views, wildlife and history!! Lovely huts, and well maintained track.

Fantastic 5-day walk on Old Ghost Road. The terrain is not very difficult and well maintained as it's suitable for cycling. There are some long days with high kms though, so some ability to walk 18-25 km per day is required. I'm not sure I would cycle this trail in its entirety as there are some narrow, steep and rocky sections with scary drop offs and even a stairs sections where you need to carry your bike. For confident mountain bikers only, probably. Scenery was amazing. The huts were luxurious and equipped. I recommend this hike or cycle trail!

This trail takes you through the finest landscapes in New Zealand, It is such an incredible experience! The 28km from Lyell through lush bush opens up at the top with mind-blowing views across vast, unspoilt landscapes. The huts are immaculate, warm, well-stocked & maintained. The amount of work has been huge and continues with improvements like the recent bypassing of the stairs, such a blessing for mountain bikers. This is a genuinely world-class trail, make sure you don't rush through it!!

Amazing hike through magical beech forrest, stunning ridge lines and mountainsides. The hut facilities were above expectations and toilets well maintained and clean (love composting ones!). Well graded trails for walking just be mindful of mountain bikers approaching. Two semi fit 70+ year olds we took enjoyed it! Lots of water along track depending on recent rains. $160 pp for up to 4 nights, bunk rooms vary by hut but everyone very welcoming and shared cooking facilities. Even a trickle shower available. Outdoor sleep outs good option for family or couples but not heated/no cooking - can use main hut facilities!

Superb walk, easy grades, spectacular exposure and great views. Excellent huts with lots of interesting points all through the hike. Great achievement to put this track through pristine country. It's a long walk but as it's built for bikes it's easy going.

It is a nice place to walk. It is a bit cold inside the forest. There are animals sculptures along the walking path.

It was amazing place to walk with kids! There were lots of bikers, so it must be great to ride bikes. Interesting sculptures are in the forest. Strongly recommend to visit with family.

Recommend you do this walk. Easy to do and the carvings are amazing. Awesome to see the forest being left in its natural condition.

Recommended by the locals. the animal sculptures carved out of one fallen redwood are remarkable. What a great idea. I loved finding each new sculpture. Well singposted. Easy walk.....bit further than the 1km they suggest. Could walk from town to this

An amazing place for a walk, with lots of cute animal sculptures

Great walk, not too long, almost completely flat, so you don't need to be fit to enjoy the wooden sculptures/carvings along the way. Very beautiful in Autumn with all the natural colours of the season.

We adore this trail, particularly the sculpture trail. The majestic tall fir trees guide the loop track with soft ground, offering a pleasant and easy 30-minute stroll to enjoy tranquility.

Wow - what an amazing experience we had today on the Grey Wilderness raft tour. It went beyond all our (rather high) expectation. The nature we paddled through was inexplicably beautiful, and the river delivered just the right amount of action for our group (of 3 generations). Nathan is an excellent guide: knowledgeable, fun to be around and a very skilled rafter. Easily in the absolute top of experiences on our 1 month trip around NZ!

Our group of 7 had a superb trip on the Upper Grey river with Josh , Kacey and Mila . Nathan had been great organizing our trip according to water levels . We were superbly catered for by our professional guides who looked after all our needs both on and off the water . Food was amazing . Highly recommend if you want to experience some true kiwi adventure and unspoilt scenery .

My family and I did the Arnold Family Raft 1/2 Day Tour with Nathan and it exceeded all expectations. It was my children's (11, 10 and 6 years) first exposure to white water rafting and it was perfect. Nathan was so clear on what to expect and made it fun for the whole family. He regularly checked in with the kids to make sure they felt comfortable and we all had a blast. Nathan took us rafting, let us go for a dip in the water and even fed us and gave us a warm drink at the end of the day. Would highly recommend Inland Adventures.

Just returned from an awesome 4 days rafting the Waiau River with Nathan (AKA Reefton), Simon (AKA Chunk) and Samson, Quinn and Bree as our guides. What a team they made! So much experience being shared with younger, newer guides = great to watch. It was a super adventure down a truly stunning part of S Island. The journey was full of amazing views, gorges, rapids, mountains and a few surprises. The food was really delicious (& plentiful). We felt safe, valued and entertained throughout the full 4 days and would highly recommend this expedition for any adventurous travellers. Thanks Nathan et al.

My experience with the employees: Joey: a true kiwi bushman, as quick and deft with a blade when cooking dinner at camp as is his sharp witted humor. Not only is he engaging in intellectual conversation, he is also great with kids making him an all rounder for family trips. 10/10 raft guide and outdoor instructor.

We had an amazing 2 day experience with the Inland Adventures team in early 2023. We had a wide range of fitness, experience and ages involved and the team were incredibly supportive and made sure everyone enjoyed the rafting and the environment. We all felt safe and the food was incredibly good! It was such a good experience and I can't wait to go again.

Nathan and his amazing team led us on an unforgettable pre-Christmas expedition down the Waiau-Uwha. A must-do trip for anyone who loves rivers, rocks, and the stunning beauty of the remote high country. Professional guides and all-around top people.

We stopped in on our way back to Christchurch and were lucky enough to get a table for 2. Bookings are recommended. The setting is lovely, the service is really good, absolutely lovely staff. The food is also really good. I had the falafel main, and my husband had the steak sandwich, both of which we enjoyed. The rating is because their wine is not vegan friendly, which is disappointing. They can provide a sparkling rose for vegans, but that's it.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Waipara Hills, a vineyard in Waipara, Canterbury, New Zealand, and I have to say, it was a stunningly beautiful experience. The wines are truly fantastic, with a wide range of varietals to choose from. The flavors were well-balanced, and the prices of bottles were more than reasonable. The real highlight of my visit was the restaurant, which exceeded all of my expectations. The food was absolutely delicious, with a menu that featured a variety of dishes that were expertly prepared. The restaurant truly felt like a 5-star establishment, with a focus on providing a unique experience to patrons. The staff were also top-notch, and they were incredibly knowledgeable about the wines and food. I would highly recommend Waipara Hills to anyone looking for a fantastic wine-tasting experience with delicious food. It's truly a hidden gem in Waipara, Canterbury.

An absolutely delightful experience! Recommend booking before coming as they get very busy and don’t always take walk ins. Paired the food very nicely with wine and everything came out promptly and tasted very fresh. The location is also stunning!

A great venue for all sorts of functions. Great atmosphere and superb wines. Enjoy the venue either as a private function or dining out with friends. I am writing this as I am at the venue while listening to good background music and a nice warm comfortable temperature. If you want something uniquely different then give this place a go.

Great lunch with pretty good service. Enjoyed the share plates of the chicken bao and the pork sliders. Also a very good wine selection as well. Would be best in the summer I reckon to be able to sit outside.

Food was was amazing, really the wine as well. Really great service too. Came in on the weekend without a booking (just driving by) and they were able to accommodate us. 5 it of 5 for everything!!!

Great place to spend Sunday afternoon , sit in the sun eat great meals and drink fine wines. Meals are quite large and easily shared, the wine matching is helpful. I had the mussels and chorizo, great. As was the beef ragout Friendly staff and no smoking, that I noticed, nearby

Our host, Boston’s wine knowledge and hospitality were top-notch. We had an excellent wine tasting. You try a wide range of wines, and hear a story about the production of each. Highly recommend. If only the tasting took place outside to showcase these beautiful grounds!

Beautiful winery, lovely gardens and amazing produce and wine. Service was very friendly upon arrival and we had a really nice chat to the owner about the various plants in their gardens. Highly recommend a visit.

A friend recommended this winery and we were not disappointed. The setting and service was exceptional. Generous pours and knowledge from Boston. Able to enjoy high quality self select charcuterie in the picturesque gardens.

We had a fantastic time at Pegasus Bay winery and deli shop, Food quality from deli was so tasty, we had warm bread, crackers, various cheeses, meats, Salmon and sauces to mention a few . And of course the excellent wines We enjoyed so much! Afterwards we walked the stunning sculpture gardens, definitely a must do. Big shout to The super helpful and friendly staff Highly recommended!

Beautiful venue, wine tasting great price, the ability to choose your own charcuterie board is a great idea. Perfect for a picnic and great day out.

Fantastic tasting room, deli and indoor/outdoor seating. They have a small Cafe style menu or choose cheeses, crackers and spreads from the deli and they will provide you with plates, knifes, napkins, cutting boards in a basket to make your own cheese platter. Great service and lovely wine. Beautiful gardens with a pond where the kids can feed the giant eels.

The best wine tasting experience in NZ thus far! A vast range of interesting and special wine available, the staff are professional, knowledgeable and friendly. On top of everything, their garden is absolutely mind blowing, so sad the restaurant isn’t open that day, would love to be back for the food.

We visited here 2 days ago and it was a wonderful surprise. Full of fascinating history, an amazing collection of artifacts and the custodian of the day was the most delightful lady. She was so welcoming, full of incredible knowledge and really made the experience a 10/10 for us. It is honestly well worth the visit and admission. One of the best.

Really great museum! Tons of artifacts to look at, their Maori collection is especially impressive. Fantastic way to spend an afternoon

incredibly knowledgeable staff who chatted with us and told stories all the way through, best museum experience I have ever had. would give 100/5 stars, the collection here is massive and carefully curated :)

Beautiful museum about the history of NZ (both Maori and Colonial). Vast collection of Maori exhibits as well as from the colonial period. We've spent over 3 hours there and didn't even read everything, it's that huge. The entrance fee is very low for what it has on offer. The staff is also very knowledgefull and kind. Beautiful drive there too, so definitly worth the trip from Christchurch! For me an absolut must see during a NZ trip.

This museum houses a truly impressive collection of Maori artifacts, from all parts of New Zealand. The Waka collection is among the best in New Zealand. Items are carefully displayed and labels give a clear explanation of significance and purpose. The colonial section is well set out, showing a wide range of items across the life of colonial New Zealanders. The cottages and other buildings are well maintained and have a sense that the owners and workers have just stepped out for a moment The museum is well worth a visit.

Amazing museum seemingly tucked away in the back of beyond. Highly recommended, in fact worth going out of your way to make the stop. Also plan for a good hour as they have a great collection of early Maori artifacts and history as well as the colonial history. Then not far to pop into the cool Okains Bay General store with a great collection of retro bits and pieces to fit out your campervan and grab an ice cream.

Many cultural items on display enjoyed every moment of memorable items

Interesting rock formation on the foreshore. At low tide you can walk through the cave. If you are keen it is apparently an easy climb to the top of the rock

Cave Rock / Tuawera is beautiful any time of day, but at night it’s something else. The whole area takes on a calm, almost magical feel. The cross lit up above the beach is such a cool sight—it kind of glows over the water and makes the whole scene feel peaceful and special. It’s one of those spots that just makes you stop and appreciate where you are. Highly recommend checking it out after dark!

Beautiful view, great place for photos and a quick easy little climb to the top of the rocks to view the beach. Great place to watch the sunrise/sunset. I loved the flowers and trees/plants.

Very crowded during the weekend when it is a sunny day, HAVE FUN. Abit hard to find parking as well.

Beautiful coastal landmark at Sumner Beach! Loved exploring the cave at low tide and climbing to the top for great views. A must-visit spot in Christchurch.

Beutiful view of the beach from the top

Beautiful rocks to climb up! Relatively easy to climb it, almost like stairs, and you get a view over the whole beach. Stunning place to just relax

I have been to the Banks Peninsula several times, from day trips to nights. The best experience I have ever had is sleeping in the car and waking up on the bay in the morning to see the scenery.

I just like this place and I like to drive through the beautiful scenery. We ended up in Akaroa, which is one of our favorite places. Stop by the river and take a look at this lovely town.

it was a Beautiful View wonderful place to Visit on School camp

Great gravel road with great scenery.

This place is too beautiful. Please don't visit. It will put you off all other places.

Stunning view everywhere. This is an amazing peninsula and not far away from Christchurch. If you want to stop your car and take photos please be aware of the traffic. The road is not flat. I drove my car from Chuistchurch to the small town Akaroa in the early morning and enjoyed the view of Sunrise. It is really beautiful and peaceful. I believe you will love the drive. Cheers

Beautiful hiking trails, wildlife, green fields , the cliffs. I enjoyed hiking this area. New Zealand is my favorite country to visit, wish I could move there.

What an interesting and different building. Well worth the visit. Free entry, and don't hassle you about donating. Super friendly staff, particularly the young lady (Kathleen was it?). Pleasure meeting you and it was great learning about the place and also other recommendations around town.

Innovative thinking at its peak.Attended Sunday mass here and the worship songs sung by the choir members is mesmerising 🤩Felt very peaceful and the sermon was great and meaningful. Very organised in each and every event . Hope they get enough funding for building the new church.great architecture.

The architectural design is beautiful and unique! It’s worth visiting, and I encourage everyone to make a donation to the church.

We visited in early October , nice and unique church. There was a singing choir and service going on so we attended it. Made some donations , hope it goes to help in the rebuilding of the church building funds. Nice and interesting building structure.

Popped in while exploring Christchurch and was honestly impressed — simple but stunning. Love how they turned something so unusual into a powerful symbol after the earthquake. It was worth a quick visit! It’s not huge, but the architecture is awesome, and there’s a lot of meaning behind it. Nice quiet place to just sit and take it in for a bit. Didn’t expect to be so moved by a cardboard building! It's modern, clever, and surprisingly warm inside. It's definitely a must-see if you're in the area. Closing time is 4pm

The cardboard cathedral is a temporary home for the Anglican community of Christchurch since the original cathedral was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake. It is made of recyclable materials. It is now dwarved by the new stadium.

Interesting Cathedral - built as an interim replacement of the Christchurch cathedral damaged in Earthquake. Gets it name from the cardboard tubes used for the walls and roof. Interiors looks pretty simple (viewed from outside, couldn't enter the church as it was closed). Stain glass on the facade looks nice.

This museum is a lovely place with excellent service. However, it is currently undergoing renovations and will not reopen until 2027 or 2029—I can’t recall the exact year. The exhibits feature incredibly detailed and unique pieces, especially for those who appreciate pottery. While it might not be worth a dedicated trip if you’re not a fan of this art form, its central location makes it convenient to visit if you’re nearby. Overall, it’s worth a look when it reopens.

Considering it is a pop up while the museum is under renovation this museum was a good visit. The staff were really helpful. We enjoyed it. My grandson loved the meteor!

Usually we are not really into museums but when we visited in the beginning of February 25 we had a really good time walking through the exhibitions (especially the Wharenui Harikoa, because it included light into the art as well) 🥰 Beside the entrance we even had the opportunity to make pompoms at a little creative area, so I would definitely recommend a visit 😊

Some old favourites on display and then the other part dedicated to the the docudrama of New Zealand's 19th century past. Free entry. Combine with a visit to the Art museum on the other side of the block.

Small but well organized museum, free admission, definitely worth a short 20 minute visit. We arrived about 30 to 40 minutes before closing, the staff welcomed us anyway the moment we stepped in. 5⭐ for the great customer service.

Seems it is currently being renovated, currently a small exhibition is available on the first floor. Nice descriptions, half of the space was pottery when I was there, the other half was mostly unrelated to NZ, such as small display of Roald Amundsens Antarctic expedition, a piece of meteorite from the US, African animals and so on, would have loved some more Māori or NZ related things. Granted I read fast, but having read almost everything, I finished seeing everything after half an hour. Free entrance but they would like a donation. They recommend 5 NZD, and you can choose eftpos donation of 5, 10, 15 or 20 NZD, I had a hard time since I just wanted to drop 2 dollars but it seemed so petty so I just didn’t. Didn’t feel it was 5 dollars worth, would have donated more if the exhibition was fully open and larger and not mainly pottery haha. The staff was super friendly tho!

Had a brilliant time visiting the pop up museum and seeing the wharenui in person. What an absolute stunning piece 😍 the staff were super friendly and loved to chat and help. They kept the exhibit running nice and smoothly. Was beautiful quiet place to reflect when I went (:

It is a popular tourist attraction in Christchurch. It's 1,000 metres (1,100 yd) in length, and from the summit it is possible to see across the city of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps in the north and west, and down into Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula in the south and east. You can get here by car (about 20 mins drive) and park free at the base station. You can also use public transport to get here. It takes about 20 minutes to get up to the top station. There you will find a restaurant, walking tracks, views of the city, toilets. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. Level terrain around the stations though there are stairs at places. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Great place for photography.

A short Gondola ride up to the top of Mnt Cavendish, a great outlook over the city and a view of some sheep in the paddocks below, but it was the view at the top that looks towards Lyttleton Harbour and the city is spectacular! Very smooth ride and not really that high off ground,(I still wouldn't want to fall out, though), but within reach of some with height fears.

Amazing experience, a must do!! The views of Christchurch & Lyttelton are breathtaking!!! Just do it! You can walk around the viewing platform & out to the edge of the hill (with the sheep) see the paragliders take off & soar the skies. Have a coffee beer or bite to eat at the cafe . The Gondola staff are great & it’s a fun experience. Catch the #8 bus for $4 from Christchurch or uber is approximately $24

I could’ve spent the entire day at the summit. Buying a ticket and the price is quite reasonable given the end viewpoints the number of walking trails. Definitely suggest going on a weekday. I visited on a Monday and there was no queue. Keep an eye out for the lamb along the hillside if visiting during lambing season, an adorable bonus!

Better than expected, view is dope, ride is great, super steep. If you have like 6 hours in Christchurch, this is a good 2 hrs. Accessible by bus if you don’t have a car.

Nice place to see the views over the city. Poorly marked trails if you want to hike around at the top. Food was available at the café on top to grab a snack. Pleasant staff. It was interesting to see where the sheep were hanging out in the rocks in the shade.

A great experience. We arrived early and avoided the crowds. Got a bit windy so bring a jacket. The displays and scenery were great.

A truly amazing space! More than just gardens, this is a living ecosystem where you can relax among ancient trees and observe wildlife up close. Depending on the season, you might see young animals near the cafe. The nearby stream is teeming with life like trout and eels, and the bird watching for native species is fantastic. A wonderfully peaceful and inspiring experience.

Really loved this place! Peaceful, tranquil and gorgeous in the spring sunshine. Wished I could have seen it a few weeks earlier as well as I love daffodils but then again the roses weren’t quite out but … the azalea and rhododendron were. So not at all disappointed. Just means I’ll have to visit again!!! Definitely worth a visit it two and walkable from the city centre.

I hadn't visited the gardens in several years and with this visit was pleasantly surprised how wonderful they were. Although I didn't have time to walk around the whole area the parts we did visit looked beautiful, although my partner who is a keen gardener was surprised to see a fair number of weeds, especially in the border gardens. It was a fine day and it was obvious that the gardens are popular with locals and tourists alike. The Peace Train was in action and was filled each time we saw it. we had lunch at the cafe and, despite the crowds, service was quick and the food good. Overall a great experience and I'd recommend a visit to both gardeners and non gardeners alike.

We visited in spring time when the flowers were almost in full bloom. A variety of plants with a number that having travelled from the UK we had not seen before. It’s lovely place to spend an hour to two wandering around. There is an info centre, cafe and shop too. A must do if visiting the city.

One of Ōtautahi/Christchurch's taonga ... a must see for visitors and a beloved place for locals to walk, canoe and picnic. World Peace Bell area is beautiful; Ilex Cafe very nice - though often busy. Carparking off Armagh St Bridge and also off Riccarton Road. ((Photos are World Peace Bell on Parihaka Day 5-Nov-25)

Free to enter. Car parks are present but can be busy. Flat path and very easy to walk. Just a few blocks away from the CBD / Cathedral Square. This is the one the last devastating earthquake could not take away from gorgeous Christchurch. It is connected to surrounding green area and is located in the middle. Streams with clear water flows where people do kayaking. Also there is wide, flat green lawn areas where people could have picnic and there is a mini train for kids. It is a place where people of any age could go and stroll, get fresh air and let busy thoughts that drives us busy go away for a while. There are a few car parks around but not too big for the potential visitors of good Suny weekend. The CBD is now different after the earthquake. I am so happy there is something so beautiful remains!

I visited the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in the morning, and it was such a peaceful and refreshing experience. The sunlight made the flowers look even more beautiful — especially the roses, which were vibrant and full of color. I also enjoyed watching the birds wandering around the lawns, adding a calm and lively touch to the walk.

Amazing exhibitions and 4D showcase. You can see cute little penguins and huskies there. The snow storm simulation is fascinating. If you’re going in group tour and have a staff guide that’d be much more awesome. I personally think they can add more stuff inside to make the entire experience more fruitful.

Took advantage of the 50% ticket price for locals because theres no way i would pay the full price of $74 per adult and $49 for children. Website did say to allow two or three hours but if you were by yourself you could easily get through in an hour. Huskys had set slot times through out the day but we forgot to go back. Couple of small penguins in the enclosure, shame the viewing windows were dirty. Storm dome was good. 4D theater was good. Lots of parking available and a cafe on site. No ques getting in on a week day.

While slightly on the pricier side ($199 NZD for a family of 2 adults and 2 children), the International Antarctic Centre is well worth a visit. From the moment you step into the first area (a giant display of video from Antarctica on three walls), you're transported to a different place and time. Learning about polar exploration from such a long time ago was fascinating, and the experiences were amazing. Seeing the penguins and Huskies was great, the 4D movie was a lot of fun, and the Hägglund experience was an absolute blast. Being able to experience a summer Antarctic storm was also well worth the time (despite being freezing!!). I would 100% recommend visiting the Antarctic Centre, it was interactive and educational, and extremely fun. We would definitely go back again.

Wonderful place to bring family and friends! We had an (arctic) blast last time we went, had a lot to do and see with all the activities and shows althroughout. Please note though that rides do have a height requirement which they are a bit strict with for safety reasons. The rest are pretty accessible to the young and young at heart. A bit pricey but you doget a lot of enjoyment and knowledge out of it.

What an excellent experience! Absolutely loved the Hagglund trek thru the different terrains. We got to talk with Heather about all the penguins and their antics. We were there for about 5 hours, went for lunch, great food in the cafe, then back in to see the beautiful huskies, and having Jo talk about his beloved huskies! Highly recommended, very interactive 😍

They have their own parking space. Online booking is cheaper. Better try the hagglund ride if you are eligible and our rider was superfriendly. Therafter you will get to see a 4D movie , video demonstrations , huskies ,an antarctic storm in a freezing chamber and little penguins. Renovations are on the way and hopefully waiting for an upgrade.There is a good cafe with delicious food and toilets at the facility.

Not somewhere I would of gone of my own accord, but reccomended by others and it did not disappoint. We spent 2hrs there. Great knowledgeable and chatty staff on the hagglund atv. Lots to learn and interactive stuff for all age levels.

Great rail journey! Super helpful staff, great seating and very comfortable. There had been heavy rain the day before which meant less snow on the ground, but even so, spectacular scenery. Highly recommend!

If I could, I'd give this scenic train line hundreds of stars. I had to stop off for a bourbon on my way back to the hotel because it just blew my mind. Train staff were so friendly and not one bend of the track disappointed. I took 2000 photos so that hopefully the experience is emblazoned on my mind.

Loved the journey through the snow capped mountains. In carriage monitors show info on regions being passed through. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Great views from the observation cars. Remember warm clothes if venturing into the observation cars as they are open air.

Great trip on the coastal pacific, don't forget to bring snacks though, the cafe car is good but not great , it can get very busy too. The scenery is great, a must do for train enthusiasts or anyone wanting a relaxing way to see the island and coast.

This very definitely a "bucket list" trip. Outstanding scenery and if you're able to afford to do part or all of your trip in the dining car...then you're in for an absolute treat. Wonderful food, wine and beers to enjoy and exceptional service. Recommended.

I travelled to NZ to do both the TranzAlpine and the Coastal Explorer and I have to say that both of these didn't disapoint. Check in was on point and staff were friendly and helpful. Train itself is very modern with large glass windows, seats are very comfortable and clean. The buffet car is very well stocked and everything is reasonably priced 👍👍. I enjoyed the open air carage at the end of the train where you can feel the freshness as the train climbs through the mountains, this also provides alot of beautiful senic photo opertunitys. I believe that train travel is one of the best ways to see the country side and if you have the opportunity to add this to your travels please do it as you won't regret it.

Part of our tour , we got to take this train from Christchurch to Arthur ‘s Pass .. Buy your tickets in advance, it’s busy and quite popular to do .. there is a locomotive that serves food and drinks , you pay with credit card.. what was Breathtaking, spectacular was the views.. the mountains , some with snowy tops, the rivers and lake with blue-green water .. this a must to do …

What an amazing space. Thirty years in the making and the vision of a single person. We were there in early September so it was pretty quiet; just small family groups there which meant it felt more private and intimate. I'm sure it gets really busy in peak season.

Wow! Ok so this place is absolutely amazing. We loved looking around the beautiful garden, there is so much to look at. The sculptures are incredible, I took so many cool photos here and I really want to go back. A maze of mosaics!

Loved visiting the Giant's House! Had never been before and am so glad we went. It is a whimsical place that astounds you with the sheer scale of it. It's hard to fathom it is the work of primarily one person. If you go to Akaroa, go to The Giant's House!

Without being hyperbolic , I found my happiest place in the world. It entirely captured the whole essence of my heart and soul with its colour and whimsy. Josie Martin is a creative genius and what a gift to be able to visit her home.

This is an amazing place for everyone to visit! So artistic with beautiful flowers and plants! Definitely come back again with my friends and family🥰

We had a wonderful time, just strolling through the lovely gardens and discovering the beautiful and quirky sculptures on the various levels of the garden. Could easily spend hours here just chilling out and people watching

My visit to the Giants House made for a happy day for me, and surprisingly my husband. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and found it inspiring. I’m a mosaic artist and horticulturist and my husband is now supportive of my creating mosaic pathways and seating areas around our property. We loved Josie Martin’s peaceful gardens and beautiful quirky creations. So much creative and happy energy in the exceptionally designed, healthy and colorful gardens. We enjoyed visiting the gallery as well. The mosaics and gardens are even more impressive than the pics show. Josie’s gardens and art are truly a treasure no one should miss.

Porter's Lodge has a great atmosphere, a cozy log cabin feel with a fire burning all day, welcoming staff and a great menu. We spent two comfortable nights at the lodge in one of the family double rooms. It's basic accommodation, but beds were comfortable and shared facilities were clean and well kept. The kids were kept entertained with the games room and games cupboard and they would love to go back when the snow play area is open!! It's a great little spot for a family winter adventure.

Porters lodge is awesome! we stayed for a week. The staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The food was great and good beers on tap. Pino was epic and our kids had befriended her very quickly. They went the extra mile when they sent our daughters precious bunnies back to us. Rooms were tidy and warm and comfy! thanks guys for the fantastic stay

The lodge is rustic and lovely. We stayed in a campervan in the parking lot with hook ups. It was beautiful. What made the stay so fun was the staff and the lodge where everyone congregated for drinks and dinner. Donny was especially helpful and fun. We would definitely stay again.

My friends and I stayed at Porters this past weekend and booked the family room. From the moment you walk in you're welcomed by such a great team, and its so nice and toasty especially after a day of skiing. Definitely recommend a mulled wine and the pasta. Lowkey wish we had space for dessert too! Thank you Pino and the team for being extremely helpful to my friends and I 😊

One of our campsite highlights in NZ. We stayed a couple nights and spent these up in the lodge, we never wanted to leave. Thanks to the amazing staff, the famous Dunney of course is an absolute gent , Jess makes a mean gin bramble and the chef from England , another gent who makes sick wedges. It’s a cosy cabin feel and we met some amazing people there, but the staff make it what it is. Keep doing your thing Dunney, we look forward to coming back soon!

My family and I stayed at porters after a days skiing , great atmosphere, plenty of space indoor and out for kids to play/ explore , food was good , service was great with very friendly staff . Will definitely be back next winter !

We had a wonderful time staying for a night in the campervan. The lodge is a great place to relax with good food and drinks and the perfect atmosphere after a long day. Thank you!

What an fantastic morning over the Canterbury plains with our expert pilot Michael. One thing to note is the guys get you involved in setup, unpacking the balloon, helping inflate the balloon, and the same after the flight. Gives you a real sense of what they encounter most days. Michael made the journey great. Being a farmer of 40yrs he had fantastic knowledge and explaining the different fields below and everything in between as well. He gives you an insight into who he is and why he started the business too which is awesome. The weather and sunrise was pretty fantastic as well! Both Michael and Dean are top notch. At the end of the flight they give you champagne/juice, fruits and muffins too. Such a great experience and highly worth the adventure.

A bucket list item for me! I can't recommend Ballooning Canterbury enough. An experienced, friendly Pilot and staff plus breathtaking views - an experience that I will never forget. The nerves don't stick around for very long that's for sure!

What an absolutely amazing ballooning experience we had this morning with Michael (the owner) and Dean! Michael’s knowledge of the area is incredible – not only is he a highly experienced balloon pilot, but also a local farmer who truly knows the land. We were treated to the most magnificent sunrise, and the way the team looked after everyone made the whole experience unforgettable. We chose to travel to Ballooning Canterbury after finding the staff at another company in Methven quite rude and unhelpful. From the first call, Michael was warm and reassuring, explaining that they always phone the night before to confirm (unlike some companies that leave you driving all the way out only to cancel on arrival). True to his word, we received a call with clear directions, and even a flashing orange light guided us into the driveway in the early morning darkness – such a thoughtful touch! Throughout the morning, we were captivated not only by the breathtaking views but also by the fascinating stories Michael shared, including the tale of the two French inventors of ballooning. This was a truly special and memorable experience, and we cannot thank Ballooning Canterbury enough. We highly recommend flying with them – you will not be disappointed.

What an absolutely amazing experience! The entire crew was so friendly, professional, and made us feel comfortable from start to finish. The flight itself was breathtaking — peaceful, beautiful, and perfectly organized. We had our marriage proposal from the skies, and it couldn’t have been more magical! Everything went beyond our expectations, and we’ll remember this moment for the rest of our lives. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure!

Incredible. If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Michael and his team went above and beyond for this tour. Michael himself is an air balloon champion (which he mentions very casually) so you know you're in good hands. The views are spectacular, the ride itself is smooth and Michael explains what you are seeing. The team also give you plenty of photo opportunities! I can't recommend them enough. They also have a surprise at the end for you! A bucket list experience for definite!

Such an amazing balloon experience! The pilot was skilled and friendly, and everything felt smooth and safe. We were lucky with perfect weather and stunning views. Highly recommend!

We had such an incredible experience with Ballooning Canterbury. The flight was a gift for my Mum's 60th birthday. We were awestruck watching the sun rise over the Canterbury plains and the moon set behind the mountains. Michael made it a special experience for everyone. We helped set up and pack down the balloon and were rewarded with mimosa's. I highly recommend Ballooning Canterbury and would like to thank Micheal and his team for making it "the best birthday ever".

Nice, spacious and cozy cafe. Food is great, we had the bacon & eggs and salmon pies with two latte. Prices are reasonable with the final bill coming up to NZD28. The best thing? The staff are really friendly and helpful!

Not very crowded during weekend , foods and drinks are acceptable , sufficient car park outside the cafe shop . Counter and table services are acceptable .

Best fish n chips! Willie and the team offer great food @an excellent price. Look out for the giant salmon on the side of the road. You can even have a cheeky wee glass with your meal

This could be the perfect cafe for travellers. It's big (so you can find somewhere to sit), reasonable food and coffee, toilets (and clean public toilets outside), friendly staff, is near a place kids can play - and is easily find-able because of the nearby giant salmon.

Outstanding and friendly service, their coffee owe my gosh the Mocha is to die for. Highly recommend this cafe as a must stop and dine in on the go

The Salmon Tales Cafe is a nice place to stop if you are on your way to christchurch, or like me, on the way to Mount Sunday. There is a nice souvenir shop and the restaurant has inside and outside seating. Especially on a nice day it is worth it to sit outside. They have great coffees that you can also buy as take away. A lot of choices for food and loved my Salmon sandwich. Too bad they did not have Salmon chowder

Simple restaurant. We tried the salmon fish & chips and pan fried salmon. Very fresh salmon. 1st time eating a salmon fish & chips. Taste is as good as usual cod fish.

Friendly volunteer staff, and a great musuem collection where visitors can get up close to the aircraft. A new hanger was under construction at the time of the visit, so this place is going to be even more amazing in the neat future. Photos are of the main display hanger.

Brilliant museum with extensive collection you can get up close to. A very surprising gem. Well worth a visit.

Wasn't expecting much, after all, this is Ashburton. But wowzers, I was blown away by the aircraft on display. Awesome museum, an absolute must for even the slightest aviation enthusiast.

This museum is packed into 2 small hangers which makes it difficult to view each aircraft individually but then there is the pleasure of walking between them with no restrictions. This will all change when the new hangar is built next year. There is a great mixture of aircraft to view from fast jets to helicopters and gliders as well as a huge range of artefacts. Admission prices are very reasonable and the staff friendly and knowledgeable. Allow about 2 hours for a visit to this well worth it museum. Less with children as there are no specific activities for them. There is no cafe on site.

I luv this museum! You can see the airplanes very close and have a great experience. I went there a lot of times and very recommend!

Great aviation museum and expanding. The staff are lovely and it's on a live airfield, rude not to go!

Worth a visit guys - The staff are quite a funny bunch and very very friendly. Lots to see and if you into planes well worth the visit. Just a few pics below so you can see how good it was,