3 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1

Morning:

Option 1 - Antarctic Centre - See the Little Blue Penguins. Experience the cold of the Antarctic. Allow 2-3 hours.

Option 2- Walk or cycle around The Groynes, 98 hectares of reserve.

Afternoon:

Option 1 - Visit Willowbank Wildlife park. See the Kiwis, perhaps stay for dinner and "Ko Tane" Maori performance.

Option 2 - Pop down to the supermarket, get some supplies, relax back at Chardonnay and have a wine in the sun.

Evening:

Option 1 - Dinner at Styx and Stone - generous portions, great service, value for money. Less than 5 minutes drive from the Motel.

Option 2 - Tutto Bene Italian experience in Merivale. Lots of noise and activity, great food.

Day 2

Option 1 - Take a day trip to Hanmer Springs - home of the Thermal hot pools and Spa. (1½ hrs drive north). Stop on the way at Pukeko Junction for a delicious morning tea. Stop at Brew Moon Cafe on the way back for a home brewed beer. Hanmer is a lovely Alpine Village with walks, arts'n'crafts, cafes and restaurants.

Option 2 - Take a day trip over the hills to Akaroa - a beautiful little "French" village on Banks Peninsula. Full of quaint little houses, great arts'n'crafts and several pubs and restaurants. Take a trip with Wildlife Cruises and swim with the dolphins!

Evening:

After a busy day why not cook up a storm on the BBQ at Chardonnay while sipping on 1 or 2 of same?

Day 3

Morning:

Option 1 - Shopping at Northlands Mall - one of the largest in ChCh.

Option 2 - Drive to the Port Hills, over to Diamond Harbour and back through the Lyttelton Tunnel. Winding roads with great views. Allow 2-3 hours.

Afternoon:

Option 1 - Orana Park Wildlife Reserve. A great experience of all types of wildlife, large and small. See the big cats being fed and the cheetahs showing off their speed. Allow 2-3 hours.

Option 2 - Afternoon Tea at "Sweethearts at Berryfields". A gorgeous old fashioned cafe and berry farm. Delicious food in picturesque surroundings.

Evening:

Option 1 - Stop at Merivale and choose from several restaurants and bars. (Thai, Italian & European). Aikmans and No4 both have outdoor fires.

Option 2 - Need a rest? Grab a ready to eat meal from reception. Pop it in the microwave. Eat and relax!