As earthquake relief efforts continue in the Christchurch CBD and immediate outlying areas, travellers who had planned to visit Christchurch may be wondering what sort of alternatives there are. Also, if you have booked to come to the South Island, but are now having second thoughts, this is for you. Rest assured that only a small are of the South Island has been affected by the earthquake and, although Christchurch residents may need a little space to get on with rebuilding their lives, Kiwis in general do still want to see visitors and there are plenty of things on offer in the region. Here are five things to get you started.
1) Relax in the hotpools at Hanmer Springs
2) Go whale watching in Kaikoura
3) Swim with dolphins
4) Drive over Arthur’s Pass (Please not that train services have been stopped, but it is worth hiring a car and doing this trip yourself)
5) Float over the Canterbury Plains in a balloon from Methven
If you wish to donate to the Canterbury earthquake appeal, please contact the Red Cross.
Ballooning in New Zealand by thinboyfatter on Flickr
