In September and October 2011 New Zealand will host the world’s third-largest sporting event – the Rugby World Cup. Approximately 70,000 international visitors are expected to attend, meaning that it is essential to book well in advance for accommodation and transport during this period. The event will include a nationwide festival showcasing New Zealand’s entertainment, arts, cuisine and lifestyle, so even if your clients are not sports fanatics, it will be an exciting time to visit. 
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From a coastal playground with unforgettable marine wildlife and forested mountains to a picturesque alpine spa resort and vineyard-draped valleys, the Alpine Pacific Triangle invites exploration.
For decades Hanmer Springs, New Zealand’s alpine spa village, has been a popular holiday destination, a beautiful alpine environment of forest, rivers and mountains. At the centre of the village is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa – a landscaped complex of thermal pools that’s perfect for a relaxing soak. South of Hanmer Springs, Thrillseekers Canyon offers activities that are anything but relaxing – perfect for an adrenaline rush!
At the southern point of the triangle is Waipara Valley, one of New Zealand’s finest wine regions. Here the sunny Canterbury climate and sheltered aspect create a microclimate perfect for grapes – and for visitors who come to sample local wines at the cellar door.
In the northeast of the region, on the Pacific Coast, Kaikoura has a breathtaking location on a rugged peninsula with a backdrop of mountains and a unique marine environment due to a huge complex of underwater trenches, some as deep as 1.5 km, only a few hundred metres from shore. Cold and warm currents converge, creating a rich feeding ground for marine life. As well as an everyday marine population including Sperm Whales, Dusky Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals, visitors to the coastal waters range from the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, Hector’s Dolphin, to the world’s largest dolphin, the Orca. In 2004 Kaikoura became the first local authority in the world to receive Green Globe certification.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools Especially in winter when the steaming pools are surrounded by snow. Conical Hill Climb this hill for a lovely vista across Hanmer Springs to the mountains. Wineries in Hurunui Rolling hill country south of Hanmer Springs. Kaikoura Set dramatically between mountains and sea.
Adrenaline Rush
Hot Tracks (Hanmer Springs) Off-road adventure ride in a Swedish military vehicle. www.hottracks.co.nz Mountain biking Explore the backcountry by mountain bike in Hanmer Springs or Kaikoura. Thrillseekers Canyon (Hanmer Springs) From bungy jumping to jet boating. www.thrillseekerscanyon.co.nz Dive Kaikoura (Kaikoura) Plentiful marine life makes Kaikoura a great place for diving. www.divekaikoura.co.nz Skiing (Hanmer Springs) Mt Lyford Alpine Resort is 60 minutes’ drive from Hanmer Springs.
Relax & Indulge
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa (Hanmer Springs) Soak in the hot thermal pools or indulge in a blissful body treatment. www.hanmersprings.co.nz Golfing There are eight golf courses, all boasting superb scenery. Sampling the local wine Indulge in a glass of fine local wine at a vineyard. Kaikoura Night Sky (Kaikoura) Go stargazing and take in the serenity of the night sky. www.kaikouranightsky.co.nz Indulge Body & Soul Day Spa (Kaikoura) New Zealand’s first hydro therapy time capsule. www.ibas.co.nz
Luxury
Claremont Country Estate (Amberley) A haven for discerning travellers. www.claremont-estate.com Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses (Kaikoura) Contemporary country lodge with unique ‘tree house’ accommodation. www.hapukulodge.com Fyffe Country Lodge (Kaikoura) Stunning mountain scenery just 300 metres from the shoreline. www.fyffecountrylodge.com
Culture
Maori Tours Kaikoura (Kaikoura) Gain a deep insight into Maori spirituality, way of life and culture. www.maoritours.co.nz
Natural New Zealand
Whale Watch Kaikoura (Kaikoura) Take a boat cruise to see giant Sperm Whales, an unforgettable part of any visit. www.whalewatch.co.nz Albatross Encounter Enjoy a boat trip and see these birds close up. www.encounterkaikoura.co.nz Seal Swim Kaikoura (Kaikoura) Swim with Fur Seals in the waters off the Kaikoura Peninsula. www.sealswimkaikoura.co.nz Dolphin Encounter (Kaikoura) View these amazing mammals from the boat or in the water. www.dolphin.co.nz Hiking and tramping A stunning natural landscape makes this a great place for a scenic walk or a multi-day hike, including the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and the Hanmer Forest Park.
On a Budget
Visit a seal colony A colony of seals lives right alongside SH 1 at Kaikoura. Weka Pass Railway (Waipara) Step back in time and ride on a steam locomotive. www.wekapassrailway.co.nz
The Iconic Experience
Whale watching by boat, plane or helicopter and reflecting on the experience while soaking in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
The Dining Room – Heritage Hotel (Hanmer Springs) – boasting fantastic food and a garden terrace, phone +64 3 315 7021.
Casual Dining
Nor’Wester Café (Amberley) Set in a 1920s bungalow, offering superb food, great coffee and fantastic service. www.norwestercafe.co.nz
Café
Café Encounter (Kaikoura) Perfect for meals. www.encounterkaikoura.co.nz
Cosy Pub
Hurunui Hotel (Hurunui) Well-known historic country hotel dating back to 1868. www.hurunuihotel.co.nz
Culinary Experience
Sample local seafood Feast on the local specialty in Kaikoura, from crayfish to fish and chips.
Shop or Gallery
Up the Garden Path (Hanmer Springs) Amazing gifts; adjoining Majuba Gallery, phone +64 3 315 7915.
Suggested Itineraries
3 days in the Alpine Pacific Triangle
Start Christchurch I Finish Christchurch
Day 1 Christchurch – Hanmer Springs
Day 2 Hanmer Springs – Kaikoura
Day 3 Kaikoura – Christchurch
Starting from Christchurch, the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route links three of New Zealand’s popular recreational destinations: Hanmer Springs, the Waipara Valley wine region and Kaikoura. The touring route is 370 km in length and makes a pleasant drive over three or more days. On Day 1, head north from Christchurch; turn left into SH 7 at Waipara and continue to Hanmer Springs. Spend the afternoon experiencing an adventure ride at Hot Tracks. Afterwards relax with a soak at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools before dinner at a local restaurant. On Day 2, drive through stunning scenery to Kaikoura and take a whale watching boat trip or scenic flight to see these majestic creatures. Afterwards, take a scenic walk and visit the seal colony. Make sure dinner includes local seafood! On Day 3, swim with the Dusky Dolphins or go horse trekking in the picturesque countryside, then drive south to Waipara. Enjoy lunch at a winery and taste some of the local olive oils. Drive back to Christchurch.
Road Trip
The Alpine Pacific Triangle This 370-km touring route links three of New Zealand’s most popular visitor destinations, unfolding a rich tapestry of experiences along the way. www.alpinepacifictourism.co.nz
Transport
Airports
There is no major regional airport in the region, though there is a small airstrip for whale-watching and charter flights in Kaikoura. The nearest international airport is Christchurch International Airport (www.christchurchairport.co.nz).
Roads
The Alpine Pacific Triangle begins 45 minutes north of Christchurch for those travelling from the south, and at Kaikoura for those travelling from the north. The 370-km drive around the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route is best enjoyed over several days. The region is served by numerous coach and shuttle companies which make daily trips to and from Christchurch and Picton.
Rail
Kaikoura is located on the TranzCoastal route midway between Picton and Christchurch.
Further Information
Alpine Pacific Tourism
Phone +64 3 314 8816
Fax +64 3 314 9181
Email admin@alpinepacifictourism.co.nz
www.alpinepacifictourism.co.nz
