On arrival in New Zealand you will be met at the airport by your experienced guides and transferred to your accommodation for the next 5 nights. Your guides will run through a full trip and safety briefing and team introduction. We will then head out and start to explore Christchurch and first stop we jump aboard a hand crafted war canoe or waka. This experience blends historical and cultural aspects on Otakaro Avon River. This is not the first time waka have been seen on the Otakaro Avon River. Early Maori originally came to Aotearoa New Zealand by waka. Then 180 years ago, waka were an important part of the early building of Christchurch, with Maori and early settlers transporting on, trading by and working along the Avon River together. We can then settle into our accommodation in Christchurch and prepare our first evening meal together. Once the sun has set, we will embark on a night hike to the top of Dyers Pass for some jaw dropping views over the city of Christchurch under a starry night sky. Overnight in Christchurch North South Holiday Park

Meals:  D

We wake to breakfast before we spend the morning cycling around the city centre exploring the interesting new buildings. This is a very gentle introduction to cycling and we will have a full safety briefing prior to setting off. During our exploration we will visit Turanga; the innovative state of the art library and experience “Quake City” to understand the science of earthquakes and impact of the Christchurch earthquakes through photography, video footage and artefacts. We then ride the off-road Te Ara Otakaro Avon River Trail to New Brighton on the coast, we’ll cycle through the abandoned red zone area of Christchurch, an incredible network of gardens, parks and deserted streets adjacent to the river. We will stop at Richmond Community Gardens to see an area that has been transformed from where houses once stood into a thriving community garden and horticulture space which has been created for all to enjoy and benefit. At the beach there will be time to explore the dunes and coast before we load the bikes and return to our accommodation. Cycle Distances: City to Sea - 15km Cycle path is flat and closed to vehicles – some crossing of roads. Vehicle support available at all times. Overnight in Christchurch North South Holiday Park

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we we will learn about New Zealand's wildlife at Christchurch’s Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. We will see the conservation work being done to protect the local flora and fauna and explore the Kiwi breeding program that the centre is famous for. Willowbank tells the story of New Zealand's natural heritage using pioneering and innovative display techniques, with an emphasis on creating a natural environment and an up-close and personal interactive experience. Willowbank was the first reserve to open a glass-free nocturnal house for the kiwi in a natural environment. The centre remains true to their main goals to be part of the conservation of species and to educate and advocate for wildlife. Willowbank is a New Zealand leader in conservation, with success in many national, Australasian and in-house breeding programmes focusing on New Zealand native and endangered species, as well as many rare and heritage breeds of farm stock. Overnight in Christchurch North South Holiday Park

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we will have the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Antarctic world. We will visit the International Antarctic Centre and receive a guided tour through the museum. Our program includes the Penguin rescue, exploring the Gallery which contains comprehensive ‘hands-on’ displays on everything Antarctic. We learn about current science research and animal adaptations, experiencing an ‘Antarctic Storm’ in the Snow & Ice Room filled with real snow and ice chilled to -8°Celsius. During the Antarctic Storm, a simulated Antarctic wind blows at 42km/h, which introduces a wind chill factor making it feel like -18°Celsius. We then head back in time while we learn about some of the early Antarctic Explorers and the history of Antarctic Travels. We meet the Antarctic Heritage Trust, established in 1987 to conserve the early Antarctic Explorers' expedition bases, dating all the way back to the 1900's. Overnight in Christchurch North South Holiday Park

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a wonderful day as we cycle around an extinct volcano and walk along spectacular coastline. After breakfast we drive to the top of the Port Hills to embark on a cycle ride following the crater rim of an extinct volcano. We will cycle along the undulating and almost traffic-free Summit Road out to Godley Head. This area is home to the WWII coastal defence battery that sits atop sheer 120m cliffs. We leave the bikes and walk to the heads to experience the wonderful views into Lyttelton Harbour and out to the Pacific Ocean. Our walk continues around the peninsula where we visit a historic hut called Scott's Cabin which has many and varied ties to Antarctica and Robert Falcon Scott. We descend towards Taylors Mistake and over to the beach suburb of Sumner where we meet our vehicle for the drive back to Christchurch. Cycling Distance: Dyers Pass to Godley Head – 21km. Godley Head Walk – 5km Vehicle support available 90% of the time (there is one section of Summit Road closed entirely to vehicles – makes perfect riding.) Overnight in Christchurch North South Holiday Park

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will get set up on our bikes and then head out along the Little River Trail from Motukarara to Little River, running alongside both Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) and Te Roto o Wairewa (Lake Forsyth). Our journey will offer stunning views of the lakes, the alps and an opportunity to spot many of the 166 species of birds living in the area. En-route we take a quiet side road down to the crashing shore and wild coastline of Birdlings Flat before returning to the main cycle trail and riding into the village of Little River. Later today we will drive to the Banks Peninsula and visit the beautiful Hinewai Reserve. We will learn about (and hopefully meet) local botanist and avid environmentalist Hugh Wilson and hear his commitment to protect and preserve local flora and fauna and the environmental impact of climate change. Stay at Wainui Education Centre on Banks Peninsula Cycling Distance: 25km

Meals:  B,L,D

Once on the coastline, we will get ready to embark on a half day sea kayaking adventure within the Akaroa marine reserve. The calm waters are home to an extremely rich and diverse flora and fauna. You will be taken on a guided wildlife adventure to find various seabirds, see curious New Zealand fur seals with pups playing in rock pools, Little penguins and possibly even spot the world's smallest dolphin gliding under your kayak. There is much to see and explore under the guidance of our experienced knowledgeable local guides. Explore the outer coast of Pohatu Marine Reserve and marvel at its spectacular towering cliffs, rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea-caves. We visit Flea Bay Island and the impressive island arch make an added exciting attraction in settled sea conditions. All gear is provided (life jackets, dry jackets, spray deck, dry bags for cameras). Stay at Wainui Education Centre on Banks Peninsula

Meals:  B,L,D

Today will be filled with active adventures. We will start our day by driving towards the mountains and the spectacular Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area (Castle Hill Rocks) with its hundreds of weathered limestone formations, remnants of soft limestone from millions of years ago that have been eroded with time. We will have the opportunity to learn more about Karst landscapes and trek up Castle Hill ridge. We will continue to Craigieburn Forest Park and walk up to Helicopter Hill (1256m) for panoramic views over Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges. Overnight in Forest Lodge Castle Hill

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will drive to Punakaiki on the West Coast (2-3 hours drive) to embark on our half day Conservation Project assisting with the restoration of the coastal environment. The Punakaiki coastal region is an important ecological corridor providing nesting grounds for the vulnerable Westland Petrel, habitat for the Blue Penguin and sand plain forests bearing Nikau Palms (Nikaus are the most southerly found palm tree in world and endemic to NZ) and Rata trees, many of them hundreds of years old. We will learn about ecology, environment and conservation while completing vital conservation tasks: • Site induction covering the history of the site and restoration project, as well as the Taiko breeding colony and its national importance • Planting of native trees around site • Seed collection and processing • Potting up seedlings • Helping out in our nursery where all the trees planted are raised • Beach clean up on local beaches After our work for the day, we will have an evening visit to the peculiar Pancake Rocks and a short walk along the sub-tropical Truman Track opening up to the beautiful Truman beach. Te Nikau Retreat - Punakaiki Please Note: Unfortunately the conservation project was reduced from 2 days to half a day by Conservation Volunteers New Zealand due to a restructure of the organisation.

Meals:  B,L,D

Todays walks and activities are based on the weather and water levels of rivers to determine our best option. One option is the Pororari River Gorge which follows spectacular landscapes of subtropical and temperate forests, deep rock pools and limestone structures or another choice is walking up the Fox River valley. We return to our accommodation for a delicious dinner. Te Nikau Retreat - Punakaiki

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will make our way to Punakaiki Beach and participate in a much needed beach clean up and learn about the impacts of tourism in fragile environments. Following a destructive storm in 2019, the Fox River was flooded with rubbish and plastic which still continues to wash up on west coast beaches, posing a threat to the flora and fauna of the Marine Reserve and National Park. Our participation in the project will leave a long lasting, tangible contribution to the area and its wildlife, as well as the local community. Once our work is done, we will drive back over the Southern Alps towards Christchurch and on the way we will stop for a short walk from Arthur’s Pass to Devil’s Punchbowl Falls via Bealey Chasm (approx. 5km). Back in Christchurch, we will have our last dinner and get our bags ready for our flight back home tomorrow. Overnight in Christchurch North South Holiday Park

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we wake very early and transfer to Christchurch Airport for our flight back to Melbourne. Breakfast will be served on the plane.

Meals:  B