Excursion High country explorer tour at Christchurch

Embrace your spirit of adventure during this exhilarating, full-day excursion into the high country of the Southern Alps via coach, jet-boat and 4x4 vehicle.

Lyttelton, Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri River, Southern Alps

Depart the pier with your driver-guide for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to the Rubicon Station. En route, watch the landscape change as you travel across the Canterbury Plains and Waimakariri River to the foothills of the majestic Southern Alps.

Rubicon Station, 4X4 Ride, High Country, Mt. Torlesse, Southern Alps, River Gorges, Lunch

Upon arrival at the Rubicon Station, located on the banks of the spectacular Waimakariri River-gorge, switch to a 4x4 touring vehicle for a panoramic drive through Rubicon, Mt. Torlesse and the rugged high country, which is framed by the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps and river gorges. Along the way, explore areas that even New Zealanders seldom see. Following your exciting 4x4 adventure, proceed for lunch back at the Rubicon Station.

Jet-Boat-Ride, Waimakariri River, Steep-Walled Gorge, Staircase Viaduct, Scenic Drive

After lunch, you are treated to an entirely different view of the magnificent high country during a lightning-fast jet-boat-ride on the Waimakariri River. Your jet-boat zips up the river and its steep-walled gorge en route to the Staircase Viaduct. Experience the thrill of skimming over the water, at times only inches deep, whilst feeling safe and secure. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board the coach and commence the approximately 2.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lyttelton, Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Rubicon, 4X4 Ride, High Country, Mt. Torlesse, Lunch, Jet-Boat-Ride, Waimakariri River and Gorge, Staircase Viaduct

Note

Please note: This tour involves jet-boat and 4x4 rides over rough, uneven terrain that can be at high speeds and result in bumpy, jerking motions. This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 411 yards (about 450 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and off-road vehicle, and embark/disembark the jet-boat. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring a warm hat and a weatherproof windbreaker or jacket and a towel from the ship. The driving distance between the pier and Rubicon Station is approximately 2-2-.5 hours in each direction. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.