Partners' Tours
All tours will depart from outside the Christchurch Convention Centre, 95 Kilmore Street. Tours will leave promptly so please be early (the finish time may vary slightly). Minimum and maximum numbers apply so tour bookings will be reconfirmed closer to the conference. A full refund will apply for any tour cancelled by the organisers due to low numbers.
Monday 27 July
Partners are cordially invited to attend the Official Opening, followed by morning tea, then join in the Partners' tour programme. Monday's tours have been designed to showcase the ‘Garden City' which is special, even in the winter! If partners wish to stay on at the Botanic Gardens for lunch (at their own expense) the afternoon tour group will collect them from the Garden Cafe.
Botanic Gardens Crawl - 10.45am to 12.45pm
Join one of our Christchurch Botanic Gardens guides on this botanical and historical outing. Walk via the Cultural Precinct to the Gardens where you'll board the new Caterpillar vehicles for your tour. Enjoy the spoken commentary under cover on comfortable seats as well as the opportunity to disembark to enjoy items of special interest. Winter highlights will include large and historic introduced trees, art and sculptures, the conservatories (cacti, floral display, orchids), the native section (tall trees and dense bush), and the Peace Bell. Tour ends at the Gardens Cafe to stroll back at leisure or join the afternoon tour after lunch.
Cost $30, suitable for 20-40 people. Duration: 90 minutes.
Garden City Floral Experience - 1.15pm to 4.15pm
Be inspired and create your own floral masterpiece that you can take home from this fun creative session with an experienced Canterbury Horticultural Society Floral Artist. All plant material and equipment is supplied and afternoon tea is included. Tour will depart on foot from the Convention Centre and also collect people from the morning tour at the Gardens Café en route.
Cost $55, suitable for 10-20 people. Duration: 3 ½ hours.
Tuesday 28 July
Tastings of Canterbury - 10.00am to 3.30pm
This country excursion visits a walnut orchard for an interesting overview of the industry, followed by a tasting selection. At Oxford we dine at celebrity chef Jo Seagar's café and cooking school. Enjoy a main course from their latest lunch menu showcasing local produce, accompanied by a glass of wine. Check out the latest kitchen gadgets at the adjoining cook shop. Homeward we stop for wine tasting of premium South Island wines at St Helena Winery and tour New Zealand's unique town-in-the-making, Pegasus Town.
Cost $70, suitable for 10-30 people. Duration: 5 ½ hours.
Carve Your Own - Anyone Can Do It! - 9.00am to 12noon
Create your very own bone carving using simple hand tools. No experience is required to make a unique carving that will surpass most souvenirs that you can buy. Choose from a range of contemporary designs or create your own, you will have fun and learn a new skill while making something beautiful. Morning tea and transfers are included.
Cost $65, suitable for 5-10 people. Duration: 3 hours.
