With Christmas almost at the door and New Year’s round the corner, plans are being made to ring in the celebrations in style, all around the world. This wonderful time, that promises the coming together of friends and family, is a great occasion to try something new by setting out on adventures together. Short day trips are a great way to revisit the long lost ‘Picnic’ culture and spend quality time with your near and dear ones. The beauty of travelling together is being able to share some of the most beautiful experiences in your lifetime. And those lovely experiences soon metamorphose into memories that stay with you and bring you a modicum of joy on the most dismal of days.
Take a cue this season and read on for five short trips you can take your family in and around Christchurch. Besides being a splendid drive, there are a number of places which top the ‘must visit’ list at Christchurch.
Kaikoura: This sleepy fishing cove is a breezy little alcove for those who like to mingle with the majestic creatures of the sea. Keep your eyes open for whales, dolphins and cute fur seals. Your options of transport are a boat, a helicopter, or plane. After a long day of chasing the sun, tuck in some fresh seafood and don’t miss the delicious crayfish extravaganza!
Arthur’s Pass: New Zealand at its best, Arthur’s Pass is lovely whichever way you look at it. With tall rocky mountains, deep valleys, gushing rivers and white waterfalls, lose yourself in nature’s bounty. Explore new terrain and trek atop mountains or cycle your way to the summit. It’d be a ride worth the pain.
Hanmer Springs: For a sophisticated day out, head to Hanmer Springs and soak in the thermal pools before a reinvigorating spa treatment. You can also indulge in some thrilling adventure sports like mountain biking, jet boat rides, or bungee jumping. A quiet walk admiring the beautiful surroundings is a great option too. For the wine lover in you, pay a visit to the Waipara Valley and taste some great quality wines!
Waipara Valley: Spend all day at this vineyard and indulge in tasting some of the best wines you have ever had. Explore new activities like the cellar door tastings and sample delicious Canterbury cuisine paired with delicious wines!
Oxford: This peaceful little village is home to a number of cafes and food stops that bear a reputation of winning their guests’ hearts with delicious food and rich coffees. You can also sign up for a crash course at the cooking school and learn a thing or two from the magic makers themselves. Invoke the adventurer in you and ride across the gorgeously lush Oxford forests and make this a memorable one.
One of the best things to do as a couple or a family is to travel! Travel opens our hearts and minds to new experiences and makes us braver, and stronger than before. A road trip calls for a number of things; the first and foremost being a good car. If your car isn’t in her prime shape, you can always choose from one of the premier car rental services in Christchurch and get yourself a good ride for the trip. Cheers to a great trip!