Partners Tours

These options have been selected based on feedback from the Hamilton Conference, requesting low cost and shorter activities. We hope we have covered local flavour, outdoor activities, some special requests and Christchurch attractions. Further information will be provided in your pack including local walks, local attractions, shopping guide etc. Costs, timings and inclusions will be detailed in the registration brochure due out February or updated on this site as they are finalised.

We welcome your input / comments - please contact Mandy at The Conference Team.

Note: Minimum and maximum numbers apply to all tours. - PLEASE register early so we have accurate numbers and don't have to cancel activities.

THURSDAY

WAIPARA WINE TOUR - $100
The Waipara Valley is Canterbury’s premier wine growing region and is located 50 minutes north of Christchurch.  It is an ideal cool climate grape growing region with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating local plantings. Includes visit and tasting at three wineries and lunch.
Departs at MIDDAY, returns 5.30pm

JO SEAGAR DEMO AND LUNCH - $155 CANCELLED DUE LOW NUMBERS
A demonstration by Emily Cross of a selection of the dishes that will form part of your lunch at the Jo Seagar Cafe (Jo unavailable over conference dates).

CHRISTCHURCH SITES WALK - $15
This two hour walk will begin with a stroll through Victoria Square, one of the oldest sites in the city, now home to the Town Hall and with many fountains and monuments. A visit to the Canterbury Provincial Buildings which are a New Zealand treasure, on to historic Cathedral Square and First Four Ships’ Court, to the River Avon and Scott, Our City O-Tautahi, Suffrage Memorial (NZ women 1st in the world to get the vote ) to dining room at Christs College and to the Arts Centre passing many points of interest in this Cultural Precinct.
Departs at 11am, return from 1pm at your leisure

HOMESTEAD AND GARDEN TOUR - $135
Head 45 minutes from Christchurch into the Canterbury foothills to Birch Hill Homestead, a 1908 Arts and Craft’s gem in exquisite original condition, set in expansive grounds.  Built around a central internal courtyard, the home contains many unusual and quirky features.  Step back in time for an elegant luncheon served in the homesteads formal dining room. 

You will then journey to neighbouring Okuku Country Estate, a restored, elegantly refurbished 1920’s Italian Renaissance style country home.  Experience the ambience of beautiful furniture, fine china and interesting artworks as you enjoy a glass of mulled wine by the fireside.
Departs at 11am, returns 4.30pm

FRIDAY

GUIDED ARTS TOUR - $45 CANCELLED DUE LOW NUMBERS
A local Arts Guide will lead the group for a walking arts tour to visit a group of renowned contemporary galleries and project spaces around Christchurch’s High Street area.

TASTES OF NZ TOUR - $85
Visit some of Canterbury’s top cuisine outlets and taste some of New Zealand’s finest delights – chocolates, salmon, cheese, ice cream, wines, small goods.
Departs at 8.30am, returns 12.15pm

SATURDAY

RAIL TRAIL - $95
A 21 km cycle along an old preserved railway embankment passing  through a spectacular landscape with a thousand years of human history. The Railtrail passes through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plains and skirts past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes which make up Banks Peninsula, hugging the shoreline of a vast lagoon, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, and its smaller twin, Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth.  The lakes and associated rivers and wetlands are rich in wildlife and natural vegetation. Lunch at the Little River Cafe (user pays).
Departs at 9am, returns 2.30pm

CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDEN TOUR AND ARTS CENTRE - $15
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens was founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree; the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. They are an oasis in the city - 21 hectares of horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.

A ten minute walk from the Convention Centre to the departure point then enjoy a leisurely one hour guided tour of the gardens aboard electric shuttles with commentary on the flora, fauna and history of the gardens.  Finish at the Canterbury Museum, which is a five minute walk to the Arts Centre – a great lunch place with time to peruse the Markets. Refreshments user pays and make your own way back to the Convention Centre at your leisure.
Departs at 10am, return from 11.30pm at your leisure

LYTTELTON ON YOUR OWN
This tour is promoted as a ‘do it yourself’ although it is anticipated a group of Partners will go together. 

Travel as a group by public bus over to Lyttelton ($2.80 each way).  There are a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants for morning tea or lunch in Lyttelton. The Lyttelton Farmers Market has a variety of organic foods, snacks and goodies as well as a flea market. Lyttelton shops are quirky with a huge variety of goods and gifts available including a great foodie shop. There are a number of historic walks in Lyttelton and those that are really keen could follow the steps of the first Canterbury settlers over the Bridle Path to Heathcote where they can catch the bus home.

Other options from Lyttelton are the Black Cat Harbour cruises of Lyttelton Harbour which depart at 1.30pm ($65).  Or catch the ferry ($5 each way) over to Diamond Harbour for lunch at Godley House (short steep walk).  There are several short walks around Diamond Harbour with some magnificent sea views.

Bus back at your leisure. Note the bus stops both ways at the Gondola if you wish to include that attraction ($24).
Meet in the Foyer at 9.30am to catch the 9.36 bus

HOMESTEAD AND GARDEN TOUR - $135 (ALSO ON THURSDAY) CANCELLED DUE LOW NUMBERS
Head 45 minutes from Christchurch into the Canterbury foothills to Birch Hill Homestead, a 1908 Arts and Craft’s gem in exquisite original condition, set in expansive grounds.  Built around a central internal courtyard, the home contains many unusual and quirky features.  Step back in time for an elegant luncheon served in the homesteads formal dining room. 

You will then journey to neighbouring Okuku Country Estate, a restored, elegantly refurbished 1920’s Italian Renaissance style country home.  Experience the ambience of beautiful furniture, fine china and interesting artworks as you enjoy a glass of mulled wine by the fireside.