AASTCS 10: Extreme Solar Systems V
Tours & Activities
These activities are scheduled to take advantage of the half-day of science, scheduled for Tuesday, 19 March. After the morning science program and poster session, enjoy one of these local tours.
Afternoon Jet Boating – Rakaia Gorge
Date/Time: Tuesday, 19 March, 1:30 PM NZDT
Duration: 3.5 hours
Cost: NZ$150.00 [approximately USD$92]
Depart Christchurch for the Rakaia River Gorge - a braided river which can only be found on the South Island of New Zealand, the Himalayas, and Alaska. The jet boat experience is with an expert jet boat driver who will drive the boat at speed, and execute turns and spins in water that is often only centimeters deep. Experience the thrills of jet boating through shallow, shifting, ever-changing shingle-bottom streams. As you journey through the gorge soak in the dramatic scenery. Scrub-covered hills give way to towering coal and limestone cliffs in captivating hues of grey and brown, which have been carved out over millions of years. Marvel at the grandeur of the snow-capped Southern Alps. Scream with excitement as the driver spins the boats 360 degrees and the magnificent scenery blurs before your eyes.
Afternoon Sheep Farm Tour and Afternoon Tea
Date/Time: Tuesday, 19 March, 1:30 PM NZDT
Duration: 3.5 hours
Cost: NZ$135.00 [approximately USD$83]
The tour will depart Christchurch to a working sheep farm. Depending on availability the farm will be either west of the city in the foothills of the Southern Alps, or on Banks Peninsula.
Arrive at the working sheep farm where you will enjoy the experience of sheep dogs working, rounding up the flock and penning them in for you to touch, examine and photograph.A sheep shearing demonstration has then beenarranged for you, during the shearing demonstration the farmer will explain about the different types of wool and how it is dealt with once shorn.
Following the farm tour and shearing demonstration, afternoon tea will be served with a choice of tea or coffee, and a selection of homemade cakes.
Waipara Wine Tour
Date/Time: Tuesday, 19 March, 1:00 PM NZDT
Duration: 4.5 hours
Cost: NZ$100.00 [approximately USD$61]
This afternoon, depart the city for the Waipara Wine Region, approximately 45 minutes’ drive north of Christchurch. The Waipara Valley is well known for its warm, dry climate and rich alluvial soils, ideal for superior wine production. Over 40 vineyards and wineries pepper the landscape, with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc dominating.
The first stop is Waipara Springs Winery, where a tasting has been arranged for your enjoyment.
You will visit 2 other wineries where hosted tastings have been arranged.
During the wine tour you will taste around 12 wines (depending on the time available), of different varieties.
Christchurch City Highlights with Afternoon Tea
Date/Time: Tuesday, 19 March, 1:30 PM NZDT
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: NZ$75 [approximately USD$46]
Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and scenic views on a half-day city tour of Christchurch, with afternoon tea at the Sign of the Kiwi.
The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, and you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild taking place.
On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale - a historic homestead and gardens.
We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. On reaching the summit a stop will be made at the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe where afternoon tea has been arranged for your enjoyment. The tour proceeds through the Lyttelton Harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock, before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.
Highlights
- Central Christchurch with full commentary on the impact of the earthquakes and the rebuild
- Christchurch Botanical Gardens
- Mona Vale House and Gardens
- Sign of the Takahe with magnificent views
- Afternoon Tea at the Sign of the Kiwi Cafe
- Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour
- Sumner Beach and township
- Stops for photo opportunities at all the key destinations