A selection of our most popular South Island destinations follows. For visitors to either Akaroa or Lyttelton Ports we also specialise in private Cruise Ship Excursions .

Essentially French
A distinctly Anglo-French experience combining breathtaking harbour views with unique history, topography, local arts and the fruits of the volcanic soils of Banks Peninsula.

In 1840 a group of French settlers emigrated to Akaroa just as the territory was claimed by the British. Those early colonists have left their distinctive mark. Add Maori and British influences to the mix and you have a town like no other. This quaint harbour township (Akaroa means 'long harbour') offers an abundance of activities. Swim with the dolphins or enjoy a harbour cruise with the opportunity to spy blue penguins and New Zealand fur seals. You can also visit a local olive grove or a specialty cheese maker - or simply enjoy the fruits of their labour at one of Akaroa's excellent seaside restaurants and cafes. A range of local artisans, galleries and shops make this a refreshing and unique place to spend a day, or longer.

Local cruises, short hikes, a garden visit or other interests can be included in your own personalised Akaroa experience.

Marine and Mountains
From the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges..

Sperm whales, dolphins, seals and other marine life are easily reached in a day tour to Kaikoura - a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. Kaikoura offers an outstanding choice of eco-tourism activities including the world renowned Whale Watch Kaikoura. You can swim with dolphins and seals in their natural habitat or enjoy Marine-Mammal watching from a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft.

Nestled into the towering seaward Kaikoura Mountains, Kaikoura is an important place in Maori legend and history. Translated into English, Kaikoura means "To eat crayfish (lobster)" and you will have the opportunity to indulge. Canterbury Limousine Tours can arrange a complete itinerary to suit your preferences including a delicious seafood lunch and/or wine tasting at the local boutique winery. We also offer transfers northwards from Kaikoura to the Picton Ferry which crosses Cook Strait to Wellington City at the foot of the North Island.

You may like to include a one way journey on the TranzCoastal Railway as part of this tour. The train journey offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Canterbury farmland, Waipara wine country and rugged mountains.

Images of a Recovering City
Respecting the past, portraying the present, embracing the future.

This privately-guided tour of Christchurch city offers a real taste of how a fractured city & it's people are recovering after a series of major earthquakes. A unique opportunity to experience history in the making as the city rebuilds & evolves into a progressive, modern, vibrant place to live work & play..

The award-winning gardens, Gothic architecture & scenic Port Hills of New Zealand's second largest city all remain - although now scarred by Mother Earth. This tour will explore a selection of the city's heritage buildings & treasured landmarks (as safety & accessibility permits). The panorama of the the cityscape, Pacific Ocean & surrounding mountains can also be enjoyed on a visit to the Port Hills. And of course a trip to the Garden City would not be complete without a stroll through one of our splendid local gardens.

See it first-hand, hear the stories and share in both the beauty & strength of a city rebuilding - all with the experience & knowledge of your own resident Christchurch guide. This 3-hour tour can be shortened or extended to include other attractions such as Punting on the River Avon, the International Antarctic Centre, Air Force World, local markets, a hike in the Port Hills, Waipara Valley vineyard visit - or any other point of interest. Tours may be tailored to our guests' specific interests & requirements.

 * 5% of this tour price will be donated to the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund (matched dollar for dollar by the New Zealand Government). Your support as we rebuild our city is very much appreciated.

Alpine Heartland
Follow in the footsteps of the early explorers and view New Zealand's Alpine treasures.

Witness the powerful natural forces at work carving out the awe-inspiring peaks of the Southern Alps. Traveling the diverse and changing landscape from plains to mountains, via the Inland Scenic Route, stop to taste the popular local produce along the route (cheese, salmon & fruit are favourites).

Visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd in scenic Lake Tekapo. This quaint little church is one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand. Break the journey with a soak in natural hot springs or a spa experience lakeside.

In the World Heritage Area that includes Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, visitors can enjoy the alpine vistas, take a refreshing alpine walk or take to the skies to view Mt. Cook and the Tasman Glacier from above. Glacial lake boat experiences are also available seasonally.

A visit to Mt. Cook is ideally a minimum two-day round trip from Christchurch, or it can be included in a limousine transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown. .If you choose to overnight in Lake Tekapo or Mt. Cook region we will be happy to recommend accommodation and local activities/attractions to complete the experience.

West Coast - A Place Like No Other
Rainforests, Sculptured Rocks and Formidable Peaks.

Recognised world-wide for it's wild coastline & scenic wonders, the West Coast of the South Island is the perfect place to immerse yourself in towering rainforests, crashing waves and the wonder of nature.

Visit the unusual Pancake Rocks on the Punakaiki Coast, named for their distinctive limestone form. Watch jets of seawater propel high into the air from the naturally formed blowholes. Take a leisurely stroll through fern-filled native forest and view abandoned settlements that once housed the miners who thrived here.

The TranzAlpine traverse of the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth is one of the world's great rail journeys, offering a spectacular variety of scenery. The train travels through a labyrinth of gorges and hills, crossing over viaducts and traveling through tunnels to arrive in Arthur's Pass or Greymouth. If you choose to add this option to your tour, you will be met by us at the Arthur's Pass or Greymouth train station to continue your tour. This is best as an overnight or multi-day tour but can be offered as single-day tour from Christchurch (this option would exclude a visit to Punakaiki).

The 8th Wonder of the World
Queenstown and the Southern Lakes

Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, one of the most scenic settings in the world. From scenic wonders to thrilling adventures, you'll find plenty to satisfy your recreational appetite. There is great skiing in winter and year round activities include bungy jumping, tandem skydiving, parapenting, white water rafting,jet-boating, golf & visits to award-winning local vineyards.

Thrill-seeking may be the major attraction, but if you rather a more leisurely pace you can just as easily go fishing, boating, golfing, gold-panning or enjoy an easy walk. Queenstown is also filled with an array of excellent cafes, restaurants and bars. It is also a gateway to the World Heritage sites of Milford Sound & Fiordland.

Canterbury Limousine Tours provide an itinerary to suit your requirements, from a one-day scenic transfer (Christchurch to/from Queenstown) to a fully personalised itinerary taking in the very best the South Island has to offer. We will also recommend and arrange guest accommodation, dining & local activities/attractions as required.