This is the one of, if not the best experience we have ever had at a vineyard. The prices are amazing from $8-$10 per glass a platter won’t set you back much at all. But the service, smiles from amazing staff and the chance to drive around the vineyard (we did it with a bottle of wine 😜) these guys clearly know they have an amazing facility and wine but choose not to rob you to enjoy their facility. To say I’ll be back, of course. But I’ll make sure to support their wines even more so in the future. Thankyou to the team for making our SI trip.

An amazing place, it's a shame we didn't plan the day to also go there for a meal or something similar, because their entire environment is so beautiful and maintained at a high level, so I'm sure everything is like that with them.

Thank you Billy for such an awesome and fun tasting! The wines were all delicious, and if I had more space in my luggage, way more would be coming home with us! Very much wish we'd gone a bit earlier so we could spend more time on the White Road Vineyard Tour - incredible views along the bit we had time to drive around.

Had an excellent tasting experience with Billy. His enthusiasm, knowledge and drive to ensure we expanded our knowledge and experience was both enjoyable and very much appreciated. The White Road is well worth the drive, the property is excellently developed and maintained. Couldn't help thinking this (Yealands Estate) was the best kept secret! Make the effort. Billy, the tasting, the wine, the property are all well worth it. Thanks Billy. Will see you again!

Absolutely amazing experience! We arrived quite late, the lovely staff suggested us to do the white road tour and it was literally the highlight of our day. The view is stunning, my baby really enjoyed the chicken encounter, although she got chased by couple lol. Did a quick wine tasting cos we ran out of time. Big shout out to the staffs, 5 stars for everything. If we get a chance we will 100% come back again!

We had a fantastic tasting today with Billy. He was very charming and helpful, and eager to ensure we enjoyed our wine! He gave us great information, answered our questions and challenged us to try new things too. Beautiful large property and great views from the lookout. A great place to stop on the way to Blenheim.

My wife and I had an amazing time at the cellar door. Billy hosted us and was a real treat! Really warm and friendly welcome, knew a lot about the wines and was just generally great. The wines were all delicious, would definitely recommend.

What a credit to the contributors and display creators of what would be one on the best displays of aircraft I have ever seen, and I have been to a number of aviation displays. Having Peter Jackson's creative team on hand really put the realistic touch to a huge collection of aircraft. One thing that was certainly different from other displays was the collection of German aircraft and historical artifacts. Never have I seen this before. The floor staff inside the displays were knowledgeable and friendly. Unfortunately, the staff outside weren't when trying to get information re the coming Easter Airshow, bit like extracting teeth.

With its diverse range of WWI & WWII aircraft on display, some of which are fully operational, it is well worth visiting. The static aircraft displays are very realistic. The memorabilia displays are extensive. Allow plenty of time as there is a lot to see and take in. An added bonus is there is also a good cafe.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is an absolute must-visit for anyone with even the slightest interest in history, aviation, or immersive storytelling! The museum’s breathtaking exhibits, featuring meticulously restored aircraft and lifelike dioramas, bring the heroism and drama of both World Wars to life in a way that is truly unparalleled. The attention to detail is extraordinary, with Peter Jackson’s cinematic touch making each scene feel as if you’ve stepped straight into history. From rare warbirds to captivating personal stories, every display is crafted with passion and authenticity, making this one of the most engaging and unforgettable aviation museums. Thursday 9 am–5 pm Friday 9 am–5 pm Saturday 9 am–5 pm Sunday 9 am–5 pm Monday 9 am–5 pm Tuesday 9 am–5 pm Wednesday 9 am–5 pm

Absolutely brilliant museum. Some great exhibits. Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. A little expensive, but a fabulous few hours spent.

Organized an event here and the staff took all the stress out of the process. Feast Merchants catered the event and the food was to die for... fabulous. The 1ACS clan were well impressed. Get here if you can!

Absolutely brilliant display. Would wholeheartedly recommend both the ww1 and ww2 exhibitions. Ww2 was more staged in its presentation, ww1 had more of a static display approach, albeit in “in use” positions to give an idea of movement and character to the vehicles and crew. Cannot wait to come back again.

Engrossing exhibits with displays far more realistically crafted than a typical museum. Lots of good information about WW 1 and 2, including an outstanding concluding WW2 presentation about the Stalingrad battle and its extreme human toll. Appreciate the wealth of information about women’s role in both wars.

We had an absolutely wonderful day out on the Pelorus Mail run trip last Friday. Thanks to Ross and Lynette for their very informative commentary, fun stories and constant attention to ensure everyone was happy all of the time. Such an awesome trip, being a 'local' rather than a tourist. Cheers Penny and Roger

Beautiful day cruising around the sounds, boat clean and roomy, nice cheap local wines/beer on board, lovely friendly farm experience host... Spectacular dolphin encounter, seals at mussel farm. Very enjoyable day out with great skipper Ross and crew!

What an amazing day. The scenery was just breathtaking - and seeing the lovely people waiting for the arrival of their post and packages was just heartwarming. We would do this tour again in a heart beat. Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat (that has a chin strap) and layers of clothing. There are times on the upper deck when you think you will be blown away - but the views are just too amazing to make you retreat to the downstairs indoor deck! Thank you to everyone at The Mail Boat for one of our favorite days in NZ! 💜

Outer Sounds Mail Boat run on a beautiful day - couldn't have been better. Journey was very information with Ross, the skipper, giving a running commentary as we visited each island. The speaker system on top deck could have been clearer especially when engines were running fast. Otherwise the trip was faultless, the boat spotlessly clean & service 1st class. Take your swimmers if on a warm day - beautiful swimming spot at lunch break. Also a jacket & 'tie-down' sunhat.

I had the pleasure of sailing out and back as a passenger with the Mail boat, as well as meeting the super friendly crew a few times weekly while I was helping out in the sounds. It was a super informative and an interesting/curious experience to see how they distributed the Mail and delivered groceries to the local islanders. Thanks for the complimentary tea and coffee too! I miss the crew haha 😂 Cheers from the Asian Dane!

Excellent day! Recommend eating at the restaurant. Kelsey and Mark were competent knowledgeable and really enhanced the experience. Tried the wine flight. Very nice for a NZ visitor. The trip was worth the price easily. All very enjoyable. Definitely recommend. Gorgeous nature surround all day. Awesome. Don’t miss a chance to go.

A great day out (Feb 8th 2025). We saw stunningly beautiful places and aspects of NZ life that we would otherwise never have experienced, not to mention the wildlife encounters along the way - having a pod of about 100 dolphins swimming and leaping around the boat was magical. The visit to Wilsons Bay Farm was fascinating. Highly recommended.

A very well preserved vineyards in Marlborough region with a cellar door and delicious restaurant close to Picton (20min from ferry terminal) is ideal for a stopover in or out the South Island. With a great selection of white wines and sparklings is definitely a worth tasting wine place

I visited Cloudy Bay for a wine tasting and signed up for a $30 tasting of five different wines. The staff brought me a single wine glass, and instead of changing glasses between tastings, they poured all five wines—rosé, white, and red—into the same glass one after another. Naturally, the flavors got mixed. I had high expectations, so I was quite disappointed.

We were lucky to be able to do a wine testing on December 26, and we chose well! working in hospitality and winery industry, we loved the exclusive wine testing done by Celia who was really very professional and kind, the wines are superb! we also enjoyed the bar area with oysters and a glass of wine! Thank you all! And 100% recommend this place! :) Merry Christmas

Excellent service, friendly attentive staff, however we had the deli board which didn’t seem fresh, several items seemed like they had been waiting on the board for a while to be taken out. Celery was wilted and old - granted probably not going to be eaten - but best to keep it off the platter if it looks like it should belong on the compost heap. Wines were good.

We are tourist from The Netherlands and we found this Vineyard by surprise. We attended at the sunset movie screening and it was amazing. The wine was so good, there was live music, the food was excellent, staff was super friendly. We will be returning here for a wine tasting on the way back during our holiday. On extra: did the winetasting as well. Got the 5 course one wich was 30ndz. The guy giving the winetasting was super friendly and took his time to awnser our questions even though it was very busy. He also knew a lot about the wines. The only downside was that there was a comment section during the reservation that you could fill in if you were celebrating something, wich we were so we filled it in. They didn’t do anything with it. If you’re not going to do something with it, dont have a section like that.

We visited this iconic vineyard close to Blenheim. We enjoyed a lovely light lunch and then went on the wine tour a wonderful afternoon and great wines

Beautiful grounds we had the place to ourselves. Great tasting, the host knew a lot about wine and was super attentive and friendly. Appreciate the intimate experience.

Stunning views all around and some pretty nice information up there too. Benches here and there but always occupied by freshly tired hikers haha. Tad bit steep but not hard walk. Doable for most people.

Great activity for a couple of hours. Walk up to the geographically marked centre of New Zealand. Entry is from Nelson Botanical Reserve. Very steep hill climb. You will be rewarded with spectacular views around Nelson out to the port and all across the city. Monument and maps at the top. Pink flowers on the trail look to be banana passion flower, which according to research, are considered invasive species in NZ. If you have dodgy knees, take your time and be sure to take your walking stick and put your knee braces on .!

Climb to monument is good exercise with a rewarding bird's view of the surrounding area. I started from Branford Park so my walk was about 20 minutes. Good path with some rocky places as well as brief steep sections.

A very significant place in Nelson and a good place to walk around and see the sunset. It's very easy to walk around and enjoy nature seeing a landmark. Ideally combined with the Japanese garden visit it is a good walk. On the way you could see some farms and a very good view of Nelson bay.

Access from Hardy St Botanical reserve where parking is available. Bit of a climb but very well laid out path to reach the top of the hill where Centre of New Zealand mark is. About 30-40 slow to moderate time in minutes walking slightly steep at places flat climb without steps. Panoramic views of Nelson 360 degrees. Very rewarding views. There are more walking trails at the domain too.

Lovely short bush walk and good view over the town and bay

Absolutely stunning. A gentle hike to get to there so remember your water bottle burt the view is worth it. Beautiful.

Amazing walkway along an absolutely STUNNING piece of New Zealand coastline. There is a great short walk option which is about 30 minutes and follows the top of a hill with amazing views and comes back along the coast with nesting birds and fur seals in the wild. Can be very exposed and windy - take a jacket and hat. Super easy and our school age children loved it. Can be a loop otherwise an easy there and back

Always full of hikers doing the walkways, easy access and good toilets at hand. The views across the bay towards the mountains were breathtaking and eye-catching.

Great place to observe wildlife up close without feeling like you’re intruding on their territory. Mostly walked (climbed) along the rocks to look for seals/sea lions. When we first showed up we could only see one, but the more you explore, the more likely you are to happen upon so many more!! We saw a few scattered on the rocks and then a colony of over two dozen all sunbathing together

Lovely spot for seal watching, loads of them, with babies, easy access, although a bit rocky in parts.

Gorgeous! Clear blue sea color even under this cloudy day. Wild animals all around, fur seals sometimes pop up in the bush! Definitely worth to come and have a visit. Walk along the seashore and climb up the hill to enjoy the whole picturesque view.

Amazing walking track along either the coast or up on top of the cliffs. Up on the cliffs gives you great views out to sea and down over the seal colony with many different points where you can decide to walk down to the coastline. The coastline walk will get you close to the seal colony, you'll see people getting way too close to the seals and bothering them, please don't be them and enjoy them from a distance. The walk can go a long way around the peninsula and be a one way walk if someone is able to pick you up from the other end otherwise loop back on yourself. Fairly flat walk with some largish stones to traverse over at certain points of the walk.

We didn't go too far but right before sunset, this place was beautiful!

The upper trail has nice views but the seals are very far away. There is also a lower trail but I think you get the from a different car park. This trail has a steep incline for the first 100m and then it levels off and you walk on top. Very nice walk with incredible views. We saw lots of seals but they are really far away.

It’s quite a long and difficult (for less agile and sure footed folks) walk across rocks from the parking lot to where you can see the seals basking. You have to stay behind a rope barrier (understandable to protect the wildlife) so you can’t really see the seals clearly. Take binoculars or a telephoto lense camera.

Amazing place for all reasons. It is great to make a walk with hundreds of seals, beautiful views from the sea and the rocks, mountains, and the city. It's definitely a high spot to visit in New Zealand.

A very dramatic coastline with a huge seal colony. A short stroll from the parking lot didn’t disappoint. Amongst the crashing waves we were able to see plenty of seals basking in the sun. A great experience for the whole family.

Had to trek about 10-15 mins from parking to see the seal colony but so worth it. To see them just chilling and in their element. Definitely worth the trip.

Beautiful walkway right on the shoreline. You can get really close to many seals, but respect their space.

The seals were on the rocks protected by a rope fence that visitors were not allowed to go past. There were so many and it was great to see.

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

Great walks, bike trails and bridle paths for all different abilities.

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.

Lovely, easy walking track for families with creative & fun sculptures to find and take photos with. I highly recommend this. Remember to look up and around 😊

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.

Great walk in the forest. Appreciate the signs telling us about the trees and the history of the forest. The carvings were amazing. Really great to keep the kids interested in the walk. Always looking out for the next one. Really good walk, path suitable for all. Cyclists are banned which is good, although we did encounter one

It's not just a forest. It's an experimental exotic plantation a century after it was begun! With a humorously cute sculpture trail to explore. We loved the walk as a family with a 4yo in tow but it would also have been great on bikes, even for the youngest.

Went to out to do wine tasting. The place was beautiful to visit and the tasting room was super vibey and full of life. The wine itself was good. Some was definitely a huge miss, I understand they like the blue cheese notes but it smelt like sulfur (that's a polite adjective for farts). Overall it's fantastic place to visit. Enjoy the wine and go for a walk around the beautiful gardens.

We recently stopped at Pegasus Bay for a quick tasting before our lunch reservation in northern Canterbury, and we were pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and the extensive wine selection. The tasting host was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and charismatic, making the experience even more enjoyable. We sampled eight different wines, and each one was delicious. We were particularly impressed with the Cabernet Franc, which was bold and flavorful. The winery itself is also very impressive. It's located on a hilltop, so you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside while you sip your wine. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they're happy to answer any questions you have about the wines. Overall, we had a great experience at Pegasus Bay. The wine was delicious, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. If you're looking for a great place to stop for a wine tasting in northern Canterbury, I highly recommend Pegasus Bay.

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!

We enjoyed the tastings as each tasting was well explained with a friendly conversation from the host. We also loved walking around the garden. It was definitely worth a visit.

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.

We had an awesome visit to Pegasus Bay! There will be a few exclamation marks in this review as we had such an epic visit! Pegasus Bay makes so many very cool and interesting wines and it was fantastic to try some unique ones I have never tried before. I loved the 2024 Riesling or course (Always been a big fan!). The 2022 Pinot Noir was great, as was the 2024 Gewurtz, 2023 Bel Canto Riesling, 2023 Aria, 2020 Chardonnay and Prima Donna 2020. The 2017 Encore was my favourite wine of the tasting. 5 STARS! A very warm welcome and fantastic service which was effortless and real. We went for a walk around the beautiful grounds and thoroughly enjoyed our morning. We would have loved to stay for lunch as the offerings in the Deli looked delicious. We will be back for sure!

Beautiful winery and a good mid point stop between Kaikoura and Christchurch. Definitely recommend getting a snack from the deli, a glass of wine and chilling at their garden in the afternoon. Beautiful experience and stunning landscape.

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.

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

Good view, but submit road is arrow, not easy to drive. Be prepared to drive very slow, sometimes you can do only about 30k/h.

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.

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.

this is an incredible garden/sculptural museum that is thoughtful in design and upkeep. Among the perfectly pruned flowers and foliage, rosemary, sage, lemon, pear, apple, sweet pea and tomato complement the artwork and the house around them as if they were part of it all along. You will want to go around every path for a second and third time, looking for new details.

OMG. We didn't really know what to expect, but wandered up from the village and man were we pleased we did! The Giant's House is one of the best things we have visited. Simply stunning, the attention to detail is magnificent, the mosaics amazing and gardens are planted to compliment the mosaics so well. This is worth a trip to Akaroa alone and worth every cent of the entry fee. We did about 4 loops of the gardens and we're still seeing things new each time. Do not miss this!

Oh my word. This is an amazing place. Have been to Akaroa previously, however had never visited this wonderful attraction. Attached are just a few of the extraordinary mosaic pieces.

I was here in Dec 2019 on a cruise a friend told me about the Giants House it amazing & beautiful views too. I really enjoyed visiting.

Great place to open up your imagination when it comes to what you can do with broken ceramics. Very colourful definitely a labour of love by the sculptor, Josie Martin. It’s located on a slope & the gardens have been beautifully tiered & designed alongside the mosaic pieces. There is also beautiful views as you wander through her garden. Tickets are $35.

Absolutely FANTASTIC! You HAVE to visit The Giants House! Words cannot begin to describe how amazing this place is. Worth every step up the steep hill and every penny of the entrance fee.

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

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.

Beautiful night sky view. Went on clear night sky. Not much light pollution. We climbed up the rock mountain and got this good photos

It’s an amazing place to watch the sunrise. We especially enjoyed the cave and had a great view from up the rock.

Nice beach but sadly nothing much to see , good view point on top of the cave

Great place to have a wee walk and explore especially when it is low tide. It was a very windy and blustery day. Amazing views of the beach on both sides. Bring a hat ona hot day like this

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

Beautiful cathedral that's built as a transitional cathedral after the 2011 earthquake destroyed the original cathedral. When I visited, it was not open but I could see the chairs and altar through the glass door. The original cathedral is getting renovated.

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

unfortunately, I could not go inside, because close, but from outside looks nice and different then a regular church, sure modern; i like very much the outside statue of the " rising Christ". nice felling and good vibes.

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.

I had visited Cardboard catherial few days ago and it was amazing and The Cardboard Cathedral was designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban in association with Warren and Mahoney and opened in August 2013. The church gets its nickname from the use of over 90 large cardboard tubes for its walls and roof, it was designed to serve as a temporary home for the Anglican community, as well as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and other civic events.

Wonderful makeshift cathedral with nice ly looking interiors. Went for music event and one Sunday service for the antarctic explorers.

Lovely - highlt recommended. This is a beautiful cathedral that has been essentially built as a transitional cathedral following the devastation of the 2011 earthquake - which destroyed the original cathedral. well worth a visit.

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.

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 (:

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!

Took a look around the small pop up they have until the main museum opens up again and it was a lovely discovery. The marae was an exceptional treat.

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.

Great free museum. Lots of cultural elements including historical artifacts from Antarctica exploration. Large are for rotating exhibits as well. Not a big place, so it can easily be seen in conjunction with other sightseeing.

Fabulous crotchet Maori meeting house as exhibition. So lucky to have meet the artists that designed & made it.💕👏💕👏

Christchurch Botanic Gardens is a must-visit attraction in the heart of the city, renowned for its beauty and diversity. The lush lawns, mature trees, and peaceful walking trails along the Avon River make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply relaxing in nature. The gardens are family-friendly, with amenities for all ages. Accessibility is excellent, featuring wheelchair-friendly paths, ample parking, and even mobility scooters available for use. Entrance is free. With their outstanding beauty, variety, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a top destination for both locals and visitors.

Spread over a large area, with the river Avon threading through it, the Christchurch Botanical gardens is a beauty to behold. There are multiple places of interest in the Gardens - the Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Azalea and Magnolia Garden, and many Conservatories. The Dahlias next to the rose garden is another stunning place to visit. There is also a children's play area with swings and slides. Birds are really friendly - birds that were spotted : Welcome Sparrow, Australian Magpie, Mallards, Sparrows, Canadian Goose etc. Great place to spend half day if not a full day while you are in Christchurch - immerse in nature and the ever changing colours of the trees ..

The most beautiful gardens I have ever seen in my lifetime. The garden is absolutely huge and well worth getting on the train to go around the park with a guide pointing out the age and types of plants. It took quite some time to cover the whole garden and could easily spend a day there.

Beautiful place ! Huge it takes hours to walk it all. I loved it in autumn!! It’s very colorful and beautiful. So many plants and trees! Truly stunning!!

Beautifully maintained, the cafe was lovely (though if you don't want seagulls harassing you, sit indoors). We took a million photos. NZ natives area could be better labeled, but overall so much beauty everywhere! Many enormous trees and so many beautiful flowers!

Absolutely fascinating! Nature and Literal silence at its very best . We used the day long tram to hop on and off and just did not feel like leaving the botanic gardens close to the Hagley Oval . Jog , walk or stroll or even a short snooze it’s enchanting. Christ college and Church close by . Just don’t miss the park trust me ! Jan 31, 2024👌👌👏👏👏

A timeless place to wander and enjoy open spaces within the city of Christchurch. I visited in autumn and the deciduous trees were at their peak in shades of yellow, russet and reds. Many of the footpaths were bordered with tuberous begonia in full flower. And the rivulet that runs through is magical. I have memories of taking my now adults on the boats 40 years ago. Nice to know some things stay the same!

I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the outstanding service provided by Ms. Clarie and her team during our recent journeys on both the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine scenic trains. My family of four had an unforgettable experience, made even more special by Clarie’s impeccable service, warmth, and professionalism. She truly went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and well taken care of, adding a personal touch that made our New Zealand holiday all the more memorable. Please extend our sincere thanks to Clarie and her team for a job exceptionally well done. Their dedication and hospitality did not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate it! Looking forward to traveling with you again in the future. Best regards, andy

The train staff, highlighted by Carla in scenic coach, was wonderful. So incredibly beautiful changes in topography. Sadly, it was rainy though still stunning. Bonus for the quick stop at Arthur’s Pass National Park for a quick picture. Such a pretty ride.

Excellent experience, views and a very comfortable seat. Cabins very clean. Hot and cold drinks, plus scones and basic snacks in the buffet car. Very good staff.Be wary of very lengthy waits at hire car collection points on Greymouth Station if you hire one!!

My wife & I recently travelled on the Tranz Alpine rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth & couldn’t be more impressed. We travelled in the Scenic Plus carriage & highly recommend this for those who enjoy their creature comforts when travelling. From the seating comfort to the dining, the overall experience was exceptional. We took the morning trip where breakfast was served with espresso style coffees, followed by lunch service, all of which was plated & very very yummy. There was also a wide variety of drinks on offer, including bubbles, wines, beers & the list goes on. As for the journey itself, yet another breathtaking experience like everywhere one travels in this beautiful country. The journey takes around 5 hours & goes over the Canterbury plains prior to heading up the NZ South Island Southern Alps, stopping at Arthur’s Pass. There is an excellent audio guide you can follow which provides extremely informative & interesting information about each of the areas the train passes through including the Māori significance of each of these areas, as well as the efforts of the early pioneers. The Scenic Plus experience also comes with a private outdoor carriage exclusively for its Scenic Plus passengers which is another great bonus of booking Scenic Plus. Highly recommend this trip, promise you will not be disappointed.

Did the journey both ways in 1 day, completely doable but there is only a 1 hour stop in Greymouth. Very leisurely journey, comfortable seats, great views. Viewing carriages, ideal for photo opportunities. Food and drinks available to purchase. Staff very helpful. Very enjoyable journey.

The TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch was a fantastic way to see the South Island. The scenery is constantly changing—from the rugged West Coast, through lush beech forests and alpine passes, then out onto the wide Canterbury Plains. Every window feels like a postcard. The open-air viewing carriage was a great bonus, especially through Arthur’s Pass—just make sure to bring something warm, it gets chilly out there! The commentary was informative without being overdone, and the staff were super friendly and helpful throughout the journey. It’s a relaxing, comfortable way to travel, and a great alternative to driving if you want to just sit back and enjoy the landscape. Highly recommend if you’re looking to take in some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer.

The staff in Greymouth were very nice and informative. The train is comfortable. The food (meat pie) was very good. Although the weather was a little cloudy, it was a great way to go to Christchurch.

A must-visit when in Christchurch! The International Antarctic Centre is an awesome experience—perfect for families, especially with kids. It's very well maintained and packed with fun, interactive activities that bring the Antarctic to life. From the icy storm room to the adorable penguins, there’s plenty to see and do. Just 20 minutes from the city centre with lots of parking available, it's a convenient and entertaining outing. Highly recommend!

Very close to the airport - a great way to kill some time before flying. We managed to catch the feeding time for the blue penguins before listening to a very impassioned presentation about the importance of the Husky Dog (more than man!) in discovering and exploring the Antarctic. I adore listening to anyone who is so passionate about their work. Also got to meet one of the Huskies after 😊. All very informative.

Quite a costly place to visit and genuinely not worth the money you pay. There's not a whole lot on offer and nothing has changed since I last visited 20yrs ago as a kid. The snow room is neat and staff are informative. Not many penguins were out and about doing anything which can happen. Where the Huskies hang out for lunch or in general is quite pathetic and you feel nothing but sorry for them. The Haaglund ride which costs a little extra is ok and a bumpy ride trying to experience what Antarctica may be like. Overall just a pretty disappointing place and in the price paid, very little to show it's worth going to.

This is a must have experience while in Christchurch that takes you to the Antarctic through various close to actual simulations. Ideally two and a half hours will be enough to go through the center, be part of all experiences, and read up on the information available. Would recommend buying the ticket with the Haggled vehicle experience that is only $5 above the general admission price. Would also highly recommend to time your visit so that you are able to view the penguin feeding that takes places at 10 AM and 3 PM daily. This place is at almost a walking distance from airport, so if you have a 4 hour layover between flights, come and visit this space. Below is the detailed guide on experiences available: 1. Storm Room: A simulation of average Antarctic conditions. The average room temperature is -8 Celsius. You are provided with foot covers and jackets to go inside. The storm simulation takes places every 30 minutes and is one of a kind experience, where the temperature drops to - 18 Celsius as an Antarctic storm is simulated through strong cold winds. 2. Penguin Feeding: This takes places at 10 AM and 3 PM daily. You can watch the guide not only feeding penguins but also providing a highly informative commentary on the penguins. Here you get to see the Penguins up close in their most active situations. 3. 4D Theatre: A 4D movie is played for 12 minutes documenting the journey to and life at Antarctic. The seats in the theatre move with the experience on screen, while all visuals are depicted in real life through blowing of wind and splashing of water. The movie runs after every thirty minutes. 4. The Drive: you will experience a ride on the special automobile named Hagglund used in the Antarctic. They buckle you up and drive you around various terrains encountered in the Antarctic. This is a 15 minute experience and the rides leave every 30 minutes from outside the main entrance. 5. Huskies: There are 5 rescue huskies in the center who are brought outside on different intervals during the day. You can pet the huskies and take pictures with these adorable animals. 6. Exhibits: There are many exhibits and short movies, auctions in various parts across the center showing evolution of human journey to Antarctic, the life there, means of transport, and how the people survive there. A lot of interactive screens where you can also watch live webcams from various country stations in the Antarctic. 7. Gift Shop: This shop is at the end of the experience and you can buy a wide variety of souvenirs relating to the Antarctic. The prices however are slightly higher. There is also an adjacent cafe for snacks and beverages. 8. Parking: There is a free parking lot next to the Antarctic center, which is super spacey and convenient.

Very educational and informative place. I recommend this to people who would like to visit Antartica. Penguins are not that many to see but it's not that bad. Seen the penguins swim and swim. The staff are also very friendly and approachable.

It was great to visit the International Antarctic Centre again after 29 years! There were some standout experiences—like the penguin feeding and the chance to step inside a mock aircraft with an old-school video playing inside. Honestly, it’s probably the same video I watched 29 years ago—which gave me a good laugh! The storm room was fun, with wind chill temperatures dropping to -25°C. That said, there were definitely some underwhelming aspects. The huskies looked completely bored out of their minds, which was quite sad to see. The whole place feels like it’s trying to appeal to everyone—kids, teens, adults, international tourists—but doesn’t quite hit the mark for any particular group. I would never pay full price for this experience. Thankfully, we booked tickets through BookMe, which made it considerably cheaper than purchasing on the day. A few things to note for families: the layout isn’t stroller-friendly and can feel crammed at times. It’s not the easiest to navigate, especially during busier periods. One recommendation I’d make is to create a designated breastfeeding area. When we asked about family-friendly spaces, we were told to try the private function area upstairs, but mixed communication led to staff questioning our presence there, which was awkward. Also, the baby change room sign says it’s for “disabled people or females with a baby,” which really needs updating for inclusivity. If you want to soak up the full experience—meaning read every single word on the walls and take in all the exhibits—you’ll want to allow 2–3 hours. I’d recommend arriving early. But for families or casual visitors, you might get through it much faster. If I’m ever going to return, they’d need to improve the layout, be more inclusive, and cater more clearly to different demographics. If you want children to come and connect with the experience, offer more interactives, find ways to truly engage them, and bring some passion into the storytelling—help them become guardians of tomorrow. The one big takeaway from today is that Christchurch has a lot of fun and reasonably priced activities. This could be one of them, with just a little more care.

Great experience! The best part was the hagglund snow cruiser ride. The snowstorm experience was also really interesting. And the 4D Movie was cool too. The Penguins were quite shy…

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.

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!

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".

Had an awesome flight with Ballooning Canterbury this morning - beautiful balloon, in some truly stunning scenery. Michael was our pilot who did a great job of explaining the area and giving us a running commentary as we gently driftted over the coutnryside. He talked us through everything, felt totally safe the whole time. Thoroughly recommend Ballooning Canterbury.

Me and my partner flew with these guys the other week. What a Surreal experience! Very hands on, not only do you get an absolutely stunning view but you're able to help assist getting the balloon up in the air and a run down on the history and workings of hot air balloons. And at the other end a nice glass of champagne 🍾 Very friendly team. This one should be on everyone's to do list! Me and my partner can't stop talking about it 😍

Great fun family activity with very scenic views from above. Mike and staff are all very professional and respectful. I went in with my family sort of a last-minute thing on weekend. Highly recommend if it's your first time doing it.

Such an incredible experience! The team were awesome and engaging. Very informative and relaxing. Honestly one of the coolest things we have ever done. Highly recommend!

Favourite place to ski! Great facilities, awesome food and beautiful views! Pizza & hot chocolate are 10/10 - I got both multiple times through the week. Though it’s a long drive up it’s certainly worth it. If you’re coming for the day I recommend driving up earlier to get parking. They offer free shuttles at the bottom car park if you miss out which is great.

Mt Hutt is a great place for skiing, beautiful runs, comfortable lifts, very very short wait times to get on the lifts. On the snow, skiing itself is excellent. They need to put more work in with the customer service area & staff where lift tickets & ski hire is purchased. I had to wait over 30minutes to get served. The staff in the hire area & on the snow we’re very friendly & helpful. The cafeteria is overpriced, half the food advertised was not available. I would recommend bringing your own. All in all this is a great place, I’ll be back here again

I cannot in all honesty review the ski slopes since I do not snow ski. However the facilities at the ski centre are comfortable the trip up to the top of the slopes is an easy one on the ski-lifts. Once there you have fabulous views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plain laid out before you.

Mount Hutt is a picturesque mountain located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and it offers an unforgettable experience for both adults and children alike. My recent visit with my children left us with lasting memories and a strong desire to return. First and foremost, the skiing and snowboarding opportunities at Mount Hutt are exceptional. The well-maintained slopes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The resort provides excellent facilities, including well-marked trails, reliable chairlifts, and knowledgeable instructors who are patient and attentive, making it an ideal destination for families. My children, who were relatively new to skiing, received excellent instruction and quickly gained confidence on the slopes. The breathtaking scenery at Mount Hutt is truly awe-inspiring. As we glided down the slopes, we were surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and sprawling alpine vistas. The clear blue skies and fresh mountain air enhanced our experience, creating a sense of tranquility and beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. The resort itself is well-equipped with various amenities and services. The ski rental shop provided top-quality equipment, and the lodge offered cozy accommodation and delicious meals to refuel after an active day on the mountain. The staff members were friendly, accommodating, and always ready to assist with any requests. Mount Hutt's family-friendly atmosphere was evident throughout our visit. The dedicated kids' zone provided a safe and entertaining space for younger visitors, complete with gentle slopes and play areas. The resort also organized regular events and activities tailored to children, ensuring that they had a fantastic time both on and off the slopes. Overall, Mount Hutt exceeded our expectations as a family-friendly winter destination. The combination of excellent skiing, breathtaking scenery, and attentive service made our visit truly memorable. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-time visitor, Mount Hutt is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Love it here. Staff is ready to help though it was really busy in the season. Cafe couldn't really accommodate everyone though. We had our beginner lesson there on mt Hutt which was really a deal $399 for 4 days 8 lessons including all gears. The coach we had was rotated everyday but most of them are really good and professional.

A bit over $150 for day pass and ski hire. Great mountain that overlooks the Canterbury planes on a good day. Lots of room on the mountain, great areas to eat and keep warm, if you don't Snowboard or Ski you can hang out near the fire place and have a good time. Caters for all from beginner easy snopes and experienced runs to parents waiting inside having coffee and cake!

Great location, a bit difficult to get to but definately worth it, I didn't go during the winter so it was very icy, not powdery. I recommend ski or snow boarding lessons for kids/beginners as they are very good use. You can find lunch, cafe and restaurant at this location. There is also plenty of parking.

Extremely knowledgeable, smart and witty guy. Peter taught me a lot about astronomy, despite me having 4 years of tertiary astrophysics experience! We didn't get an opportunity to view through the telescopes much as the clouds were in the way but check the weather ahead and plan carefully.

A great evening of stories scientific and personal, from a life devoted to following a passion for astronomy. Peter is a great teacher, with a northern english sense of humour (that’s a good thing!). The session is 2-3 hours, with time for questions and answers, in a small group. Highly recommended.

Peter is an amazing host and it shows how much passion he has for what he’s doing. He answered all of our questions and showed/ told us so much about our amazing universe. Totally recommend going here!

Unfortunately, we couldn't change the weather. Clouds blocked out view. Not a star visible in the sky. But Peter showed us around and we got to view videos and photos and learn how to take them ourselves. We stayed for two hours and learned heaps. Our 12 year old girls enjoyed it even though it wasn't hands on this time. Definitely ignited more interest. Well worth the visit.

What a great evening we had! Helped by a totally clear night we were fascinated and had our minds blown by the millions of stars we saw, planets in our solar system, Peter's insights and his incredible photography. Not only is this the best thing to do in Geraldine, but up there with our best experiences in New Zealand.

Peter was so knowledgable and so helpful with questions! We had a great time and the kids now have some epic memories that will be with them for life! Getting to see Saturn's rings! Magic

Peter is such a l lovely and knowledgeable old man who told us a lot about astronomy and let us explore the sky with two of his giant telescopes. We were quite lucky with the sky and were able to see nebulas, the famous jewel box and many more beautiful sky objects. His volunteering commitment to support astronmic research is impressive and with every word he explains, you hear his passion for this science. A simply wonderful night with some other nice and interested people. Clear recommendations.

Another kite festival down 'The Bay' Fantastic to see all the kids ( and adults ) enjoying the great weather. I was surprised at how many had never flown a kite before. I guess for us 'Old people' it was a rite of passage, learning how to first build then fly your home built kite...

Grate place to stop when visiting Timaru . 3 places merged on one place Rose garden, park and beach . They offer train ride as well $2 for 3 round and $6 golf .I love this place .

Umm is this real life? This playground was the highlight of my kids day today! They ran around and had so much fun for hours!

This place is not too large but everything is quite reasonable. Next to the sea and seaport, there is a beach for you to walk around. Inside there is also a play area for children. There's also a block of houses that I haven't finished yet. It's a suitable place if your family goes out and has children along.

Exceptional night out big "shout out" to Tony cook for organizing an excellent night..from the Sweden volleyball team and the womans all black Team see you night New years.

Amazing place to take the kids, Thomas the tank engine train, paddling pool. A playground to suit all ages allows for a few hours to make the most of this beautiful spot. Follow the walkway to the beach or stroll through the beautifully laid out gardens. A must visit if in Timaru.

I visited Caroline Bay for the Rock n Hop festival. Which was brilliant. It should be noted that if you want to put your children into the fancy dress competition you have to register online the week before. Anyway Caroline Bay is worth a visit any time with the new adventure playground, aviary, rose garden, fountain pond, then stairs up so that you can view the whole area. Timaru is a place that actually takes advantage of and uses the natural lay of the land to get the best views with amenities.

Fantastic experience! We have been lucky to have a close contact with two very active kiwis and some funny tuataras! The place is super cozy and informative. The staff is super friendly and welcoming! Great attention to details in all decorations and presentations. Highly recommended!

So sweet awesome time only need 30 min to see kiwis and read on glaciers and other info but we lingered an hour and enjoyed their sweet cafe and gift shop!

It was so awesome to see a kiwi!! I think the best part was the actual kiwi viewing, but there was some interesting information about the birds. The decorations were a little tacky inside, definitely just there for the birds.

We loved this small and effective education centre. The behind scenes briefing was so worth it. The staff were brilliant and helped my daughter who is vision impaired to see 2 Kiwis with their special red light. We all learnt a lot about NZ wildlife - and it left my Aussie kids with no fear as they could run through the national parks and climb trees not worried about snakes or spiders (not like Australia). The gift shop had a lot of variety and met our needs for small stuffies for friends back home too.

Was a great place to visit used our gold card so bought price down $60.00 for ticket. You get to see 2 kiwi ...no photos or video...it was very special .. amazing history on Glazers...Kiwi...and Toataras.. Set of well

The most unique kiwi encounter I've had! Got to see 2 lovely and active rowi without glass between us. We kept very quiet and so did the other people in the room with us, and honestly just stayed watching them for probably over half an hour in total. Best part is finding out how this facility has contributed to the recovery of the rare and endemic rowi and haast tokoeka populations of the west coast. The tuatara had such great personalities, and we were lucky enough to see the 1 big boy basking (second photo).

Very informative information in the exhibit section, worth reading if you’re into learning more about NZ glaciers. It’s a self guided tour. They have 2 kiwi which we watched for 15 min & were very hard to see due to their activity - they have a red light torch to help you see them if you need. The tuatara exhibit was cool but please note you have to pay to see them up close. Ultimately if you are interested in reading information about exhibits in a self guided way then this is for you - otherwise not worth the money.

The double glacier flight taking in the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers and landing on the ice is an incredible experience. The 30-minute flight gives you about ten minutes on the glacier, but landing is weather dependent. If you get lucky with the rapidly changing conditions, it's truly amazing.

If you only do one thing in New Zealand, do this! What a privilege to fly up over this stunning scene. We chose the twin glacier with landing option which was excellent. Glacier Helicopters have an exemplary safety record and our pilot, Clarke, was skilled and careful but still gave us a thrilling tour of the very special glacial world. Once in a lifetime experience, pray for good weather and book ahead.

Had an amazing helicopter ride with my daughter up to the glacier. The experience was one of the best of our NZ trip. The pilot was great, professional and flew up to the glacier like a pro. Thank you so much for a once in a lifetime experience!

Excellent! Great experience of good quality. Nice, friendly en flexible employees. Communication and re-book possibilities were perfect! Pilot Jurgen flew perfect and shared a lot of information with us. No rush!

Amazing and unforgettable experience. Very helpful staff and a professional / kind and knowledgeable pilot explaining all details of the glacier. 300m Depth of snow is unbelievable. Now I know why there is snow up there for the whole year. Highly recommend !

The lady at reception couldn't have been more helpful in rebooking our flight due to bad weather. We had a fantastic flight with a very informative pilot. Couldn't beleive hoe close we flew to the waterfall. Walked on the glacier, breathtaking Highly recommended

Absolutely breathtaking experience. Felt safe and very well looked after. Fox Glacier was stunning and being able to walk around on the ice was very memorable.

Today’s visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo, following an early snowfall was truly breathtaking. The snow delicately dusted the surrounding mountains and the turquoise lake, creating a stunning winter backdrop for this iconic stone church. The contrast of the crisp white snow against the rugged stonework and vibrant lake made the scene almost magical. The church itself is small but beautifully constructed, perfectly situated on the lake’s edge with the Southern Alps towering behind it. The quiet and serene atmosphere was enhanced by the snow, making the visit feel even more special and contemplative. The early snow and timing of our visit offered a peaceful experience, allowing us to fully appreciate the harmony between the church’s simple architecture and the breathtaking landscape. The Church of the Good Shepherd remains a must-visit destination in New Zealand,

The Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo is an absolute must-visit! Even after a long drive, it was completely worth it. This iconic church with its stunning backdrop of turquoise lake and snow-capped mountains is truly breathtaking. It's the perfect photo spot no matter the season - we were there in summer but rainy and the views were incredible. Whether you're religious or not, the serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it a special place to experience. Don't miss it if you're anywhere near Lake Tekapo!

The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo , New Zealand. It's a small, picturesque stone church overlooking Lake Tekapo. It has a rating of 4.6 and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. Here's some additional information: * It's a beautiful and serene place, perfect for reflection. * The interior is simple, with a large window framing a stunning view of the lake and mountains. * The church is surrounded by natural beauty, with lupins blooming in spring. * It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists. * The church is good for children and has wheelchair accessible parking. Here's some more information about the Church of the Good Shepherd: * Address: Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand * Rating: 4.6 * Opening Hours: * Monday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM * Tuesday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM * Wednesday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM * Thursday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM * Friday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM * Saturday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM * Sunday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM * Accessibility Options: Wheelchair accessible parking * Good for children: Yes * The Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo is a must-visit! We were fortunate to be there during Easter event, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic church. The picturesque setting, with the lake as a backdrop, is simply breathtaking. The interior is quaint and peaceful, creating a serene space for reflection. For anyone visiting Lake Tekapo, a stop at this church is essential. It’s not just a building; it’s a place that captures the spirit of the area. Highly recommend for a truly memorable experience!" The Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God and as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.

To be honest, this church looks pretty ordinary during the day — not particularly impressive. You also can’t go inside, so it’s really just for viewing from the outside. That said, it does have a certain charm at night. The sky was full of stars when we visited, which made the atmosphere much more magical. Worth a quick stop if you’re in the area, especially after dark.

The church stands tall for its simplicity. Small church overlooking the Lake Tekapo. The lake provides a stunning background for the church. The interiors of the church are also pretty simple with a simple cross against a window that provides the lakes blue waters as background. The place is iconic for the night sky photos, however visited the place during daytime.

This is the iconic church to take pictures in the night while stargazing! It is truly a beautiful view when you have a clear night sky! The best place to take pictures is directly in front of the church so you capture the most detail in the photo. It is also very beautiful come during the day to capture the blue lake!

Wow! Wow! Wow! That’s all we can say. A must visit in lake tekapo site. Though it’s small, taking a picture in front of church was a great experience. The vibe was great. The walk towards the lake and the picturesque views are a must. Later realised that many of my favourite film songs were shot in this beautiful site. If you are visiting Newzealand just add it to your must visit places.

Beautiful view from the top. It's worth the $8 charge to drive up the private road. The road opens from 10am. If car park is full you will have to wait at the gates till one car leaves before you can go up.

Incredible views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. The Cafe is great for a quick coffee and cake with amazing views.

Views were amazing from the hilltop. 360-degree views at the most amazing sites in the region. All mountain views, including Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo and of the town.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. MUST-DO IN LAKE TEKAPO We joined the tour on 15th/Jan/2025 (dark sky project stargazing tour from 1:00a.m Supposed to be from 2:00a.m. but the schedule had changed to whatever the reason is) You meet up with following mates and grab the jacket.( From the kids size to XL) I'm very obese so XL barely fit me. If you weigh more than 100kg, I suggest you wear the largest one ( XL) and keep the front zipper open. I'm very obese so I was kind of worried about going up to the top in the dark. NO WORRIES AT ALL. There is nothing that you worry about even if you don't exercise everyday. They take you to the parking lot and you walk approx. 5-10 mins to the top. NO WORRIES, THERE IS A BATHROOM.👍🏼 But you have to do the business in 5 mins otherwise it gets dark. Haha Regarding star gazing, there is nothing you complain about at all. Wonderful lead, great view, lovely ppl. They often ask you if you want something to ask or hear from them. No homework beforehand needed.🤭 I hope you enjoy the star gazing tour in lake tekapo!! (We saw so many sheep on our way back, it was such a lovely sight to see)

You can either walk from Lake Tekapo or take your car and pay a $8 per vehicle toll. Either way you will get a breathtaking view of Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandrina and the non-describing blue water of both the lakes. Got a little café on top also which has some good food, smoothies and picnic benches.

What a lovely location! $8 entry was truly worth it. Exceptional views.

Beautiful place. Powerful telescopes and a clear night. We had an early night and woke up before midnight for our trip up the mount. The tour is well organized and the views and shots were great.