Two locations (and maybe a third!) for the price of one on this tour starting with the volcanic hilltops above Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupo and finishing with the windswept, pebble strewn ocean beach at Birdlings Flat

Duration

4.5 Hours

About

For this one we head up Dyers Pass out of Christchurch to the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe. (Maybe an ice-cream stop if they’re open), before making our way slowly along the Summit Road towards Gebbies Pass from where we head for the oceanic beach that is Birdlings Flat

Itinerary:

Join us as we work our way South out of Christchurch and up the twisting road that is Dyers Pass, stopping along the way at such exemplary locations as Sign of the Takahe restaurant where we admire the gothic-revival style architecture and then Sign of the Kiwi Cafe sited at the top of the hill, right on Dyers Pass itself.

From there we work our south along the Summit Road making our way slowly towards Gebbies Pass but wit numerous stops along the way to admire the views both of Lyttelton Harbour and out over the Canterbury Plains. One of our better known stops is Sign of the Bellbird car park, located high above Governors Bay with fantastic views out over the harbour, another is the Gibraltar Rock car park with open vistas across to the Southern Alps, and yet another stop, just south of Coopers Knob for further views up Lyttelton Harbour from a different angle, perched high above the Head of the Bay.

Turning right once we hit Gebbies Pass we descend to the south-west until we reach the main Christchurch-Akaroa Road which we now follow to our next destination, Birdlings Flat. Time to enjoy a drink and some nibbles, all the while admiring and exploring the shoreline including the magnificent seacliffs at the eastern end of the bay where it abuts Banks Peninsula, and west in a gigantic sweep vista of never ending surf that seems to go on as far as the eye can see

Inclusions:

• Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
• Expert, knowledgeable guide
• Photography tuition (if required)
• Late model, air conditioned transport
• Snacks, beverages, and drinks
• Scenic stops