A Smart Choice For Car Rental In Christchurch City
A car gives you access to more than just the city centre. Head to the Port Hills for panoramic views, explore Lyttelton's harbourfront cafes, or drive to Akaroa for a French-inspired day trip. With a rental, the entire Canterbury region is within easy reach.
Travelling with your own vehicle also makes it easier to explore Christchurch's many attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens, New Regent Street, and the International Antarctic Centre, all without juggling schedules or relying on taxis.
Car rentals are ideal for business travellers, families, and visitors wanting a more flexible experience. Booking a car rental in Christchurch City ensures you're ready to go — wherever the road may lead.
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NZ Herald
4 days ago
- NZ Herald
Cruising the Kimberley on board Ponant's luxury small ship Le Jacques Cartier
On board, it's a French affair – from elegant staterooms with private balconies to fine dining and champagne, a spa, and a plunge pool. What sets it apart is its team of expert naturalists who accompany guests on Zodiac excursions along the Kimberley's spectacular coastline, sharing stories about the ancient sandstone cliffs, Aboriginal rock art and abundance of wildlife. The ship's design blends modern elegance with expedition-ready functionality. The ship features 92 staterooms and suites spread across four passenger decks, offering airy, light-filled spaces with ocean views. A hydraulic marina at the stern is the focal point for expertly planned, daily Zodiac excursions. The spaces It might be classified as a small ship but it never feels crowded on board Le Jacques Cartier. With roughly 150 guests on board during my sailing, there's always a spot to relax, drink or dine. Public areas include the observation lounge on deck six, an 188-seat theatre (where daily briefings take place), indoor and outdoor dining across two levels, a wellness centre with spa, sauna and gym, and an infinity-edge pool. A popular gathering point is the main lounge, which opens early for coffee and pastries and transitions throughout the day from the excursion meeting point to a hub for activities like quizzes and French lessons, to afternoon tea and post-dinner dancing. There are plenty of places to seek entertainment on board. Photo / Supplied The Observatory is ideal for enjoying the cocktail of the day, watching the sunset or settling in with a book. Don't miss the unique Blue Eye Lounge on deck zero, a world-first underwater observatory where guests can watch marine life and listen to the ocean through hydrophones – or just enjoy a Curacao-infused Blue Eye cocktail and music. Boarding and check-in The starting point for Ponant's 'Australia's Iconic Kimberley Cruise' is Broome, on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people – a tropical coastal town in Western Australia known for its multicultural heritage, pearling industry and postcard-perfect sights like Cable Beach. Ponant offers an optional one-night pre-cruise package, and it's well worth adding Broome to your itinerary. Airport transfers to the Mangrove Hotel, the official cruise meeting point, are included. Cruising the Kimberley on board Ponant's luxury small ship Le Jacques Cartier. Photo / Supplied Check-in is seamless: guests drop their bags at the Ponant desk, enjoy light refreshments, then receive their cabin keys before boarding a shuttle to the port – all within an hour. By 4pm, we were welcomed aboard by Captain Christophe Dupuy and shown directly to our stateroom, where our luggage was waiting. All that remained was to unpack and head for a welcome cocktail before setting sail. Food and drink There are just two restaurants on board – the fine dining, multi-course Le Nautilus, and the more casual Grill Restaurant on the pool deck – but the offering is so varied (and included in your fare), it feels abundant. The Grill is a go-to at lunchtime when the sun is shining and an elaborate poolside cooking station turns out everything from big pans of paella brimming with chorizo, octopus, mussels, chicken and rice, to a seafood extravaganza complete with prawn towers and trays of shellfish. The fine dining, multi-course restaurant, Le Nautilus. Photo / Supplied In the air-conditioned Le Nautilus, with its crisp white tablecloths and sparkling glassware, expect a six-course French menu designed by executive chef Philippe Morvan, alongside an alternative menu of 'Australian-friendly' options – a rack of NZ lamb one night, chicken parmy the next – a selection of French wines, and attentive service. The tables are designed for socialising, with plenty for six or more, as friendships are inevitably formed during the cruise. For those who prefer a quiet table for two, there's always one to be found. Pastry chef Kevin Tiraboshi's desserts are an absolute standout (think pecan pie, lemon meringue tart, pistachio financier, mille-feuille and big bowls of chocolate mousse) that have most guests indulging at both lunch and dinner. The understated desserts are often the heroes, like the crème anglaise, served from a jug, which caused many a queue. No French cruise is complete without a cheese buffet, and Le Jacques Cartier's offered an astonishing array of French selections and accompaniments, from Coulommiers and ash brie to Morbier, Comté and Cantal. The room Compact yet cleverly designed, our Prestige Stateroom delivers boutique hotel comfort at sea. At 19sq m, it fits a king bed, seating area, wardrobe, mini bar and a private balcony – with thoughtful storage and luxe details throughout. Prestige Stateroom. Photo / Supplied The bathroom, stocked with Clarins products, even offers ocean views from the shower. Daily turndown includes a parade of petit fours, and 24/7 room service means you can enjoy a Ponant burger and a glass of champagne while you watch a movie in bed. Spas, saunas and gyms Don't expect to get your step count up on this cruise. The most walking I did was from the cabin to the breakfast buffet, with daily expeditions often restricted to a Zodiac cruise without touching land. So if you're keen to earn that second slice of lemon meringue pie, the compact gym, with its ocean outlook, is the place to be. The on-board spa. Photo / Supplied You might even spot dolphins while you work out (true story). In lieu of a walking loop on an upper level, I also made the most of the stairwell and long hallways. I loved the spa and salon, with its dreamy menu of facials, massages and hair treatments using Clarins products, perfect for an at-sea day. The crew With 127 crew members to a maximum of 184 guests, Le Jacques Cartier offers impressively attentive service. You quickly get to know the hard-working and personable team, from Agus, who keeps our stateroom impeccably clean, to Iwan, the waiter who remembers our spice preference and ensures Tabasco appears on the breakfast table (even sharing a sachet of sambal from his personal stash). Sommelier Claudelie always has an armful of French wine to match the day's menu, while restaurant manager Jennyfer glides through the dining room with effortless efficiency. Cruise director Johan keeps the schedule running smoothly with charm and precision, and the true stars – the naturalists – are walking encyclopaedias and great company on excursions. Hunter River and Porosus Creek Cruising. Photo / Supplied Expeditions Each day, the ship anchors at a new location in the Kimberley on its way from Broome to Darwin. Expert-led Zodiac excursions take guests into mangrove-lined rivers, to ancient Aboriginal rock art, and zoom right up close to Talbot Bay's Horizontal Falls. A highlight is Montgomery Reef, which appears to rise dramatically from the sea as the tide drops. You will see wildlife, including crocodiles (a real thrill as a New Zealander), green turtles, mudskippers, stingrays and nesting seabirds. Guests are assigned to small expedition groups at the start of the journey, which is a great way to forge bonds across the 10-day voyage. You won't swim (as well as crocodiles, there are sharks, jellyfish and dangerous tides), but you will cruise through dramatic gorges and toast champagne beneath King George Falls. This is not a cruise for independent explorers or active hikers – with only two opportunities to step ashore, walking is minimal (even accounting for those return trips to the buffet and bar). But for lovers of luxury and wild, remote beauty, at a very gentle pace, it's unforgettable. Price From $14,129 per person for a 10-night Australia's Iconic Kimberley. Includes daily expert-led excursions, onboard meals and drinks, including 24/7 room service and mini bar. The writer was a guest on board courtesy of Ponant. She flew courtesy of Qantas and Virgin Australia.
NZ Herald
19-07-2025
- NZ Herald
What's new in Central Otago, New Zealand
You can even cycle around the track before the park opens with the Power Hour by Trail Journeys. At the end of last year, the team added to the fun with a new 18-hole mini-golf course. It's a fabulously eclectic mix of famous pop culture cars – think Herbie and Lightning McQueen – and more local icons like the famous giant Cromwell fruit, a tractor, and even an overgrown Sanga's pie (if you haven't tried these local delicacies, please rectify this as soon as possible) Can you get a hole-in-one at the Sanga's pie course? Penny Black Right on the shores of Lake Dunstan, Penny Black has been a local favourite for some time now. But last year, the owners decided to hand over management and take it from a local pub with great bar bites to a very different food experience. Chef Steven Sepsey has an impressive culinary CV, including time on the pans at highly awarded Aosta in Arrowtown. He is bringing big-city fare to Cromwell, and the locals are loving it. The menu is all about twists on Kiwi classics, and even though it's the kind of creative kai that wouldn't be out of place in Auckland, Sydney, or Melbourne, the vibe remains eternally approachable. All the best bits about fine dining, minus any pretensions. Penny Black offers Kiwi classic dishes, and creative dishes that show the city's best offerings. Penny Black visitors are in for a unique time. For example, this extraordinary shellfish dish as a starter. Cottages at Monte Christo If you're looking for somewhere amazing to stay, the new accommodation at Monte Christo Vineyard is where it's at. The country chic vibe of the cottages makes them the perfect place to hole up after a long day enjoying Central Otago, all earthy tones, natural textures, warm lighting, woolly throws, oversized cushions and luxurious bathrooms, which feel a bit like a spa. Monte Christo is one of Central Otago's newest vineyards and weirdly also its oldest. In 1863, French prospector Jean Désiré Féraud became one of the first people to produce wine in Aotearoa, but by the late 1800s had shut down operations and torn out the vines. The Paris family recently revived it, incorporating the original stone building and even replanting a direct descendant of the original vine clone. They have a stunning underground tasting room and winery tours on offer. Hold your intimate gatherings at the new cottage accommodations at Monte Christo Vineyard. Station Brewing Yes, Central Otago is wine country, but they do brew a cracking beer too. In October 2023, Station Brewing rolled into Alexandra, much to the delight of locals. It's a laid-back, no-fuss, bring-the-kids kind of spot that churns out great ales, hazys and pilsners. The founder has spent a decade honing his craft across Samoa, Germany and New Zealand and it shows in the drinking. Food-wise, they're not mucking around either – think brisket-loaded fries, juicy smash burgers, sticky wings and other soul-hugging dishes you want with a beer in hand. Skip the usual glass of Central Otago wine and grab a beer at Station Brewing. Orchard Garden Opened late last year by ex-Dunedin dwellers Bryan and Frances Raymond, Orchard Garden is the kind of place where you can let the kids loose and reclaim a bit of sanity. With a meticulously-pruned macrocarpa maze, vast rambling gardens and giant lawn games like cornhole, Jenga and Connect Four, it's easy to see why this place has so quickly become such a hit. Once everyone is sufficiently tired, grab a platter, some cabinet food or something off the menu and kick back. Lake Dunstan Explorer Whether you're cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail or just keen to soak up the scenery, the Lake Dunstan Explorer is a great, and relatively new, way to experience this part of Central Otago's stunning landscape. Hop on the Lake Dunstan Explorer to enjoy Central Otago's stunning landscape. Founded by the chatty and informative Andrew Dalton a couple of years ago, the boat trip takes you across the lake with plenty of photo stops and interesting commentary. You'll get up-close views of trail highlights like the Hugo Swing Bridge and those famous, often-photographed cantilevered boardwalks that cling to the cliffs. Most people use the service as a scenic and very pleasant way to transport themselves and their bikes, pre- or post-ride, but you can also book it as a standalone trip – either directly or through Obelisk Tours. If conditions allow, there may even be a diversion to the lone Miner's Cottage, a fab photo stop with tales to tell. Whether you're on two wheels or not, this is a spectacular way to view the lake, the landscape and the trail from a totally different angle. Have a photo stop at the lone Miner's Cottage. Wooing Tree Cellar Door Wooing Tree Wines have always had a presence in Cromwell but as of last year they are right in the heart of it with a beautiful new cellar door experience. (Fun fact, the vineyard is named after an infamous radiata pine that was known as a wooing spot – the site of many blossoming romances, the odd teenage tipple and whatever else may have come after that). It's a great place, especially if you don't have time to go further afield to more remote wineries but still want great Central Otago pinot – their Blondie bubbles and Rosé are particularly popular too. Grab a bottle to take back to your accommodation, do a tasting at the counter or settle in at an indoor or outdoor table for wine with lunch, dinner or a platter. Wooing Tree Cellar Door offers a new wine tasting and buying experience. Jackson Orchards Most people make a stop at a fruit stall when in Central Otago – and honestly, you'd be mad not to. This is the beating heart of some of the best produce in the country (especially during stone fruit season – all those juicy cherries, peaches and plums). As of last year, you can also stock up on artisan products such as dried fruit, sweets, spreads, jerky, pasta, olives, gourmet salts, and snacks when you stop at Jackson Orchards – or even grab lunch or a sweet treat. Take a quick tour around Jackson Orchards and get to know how your food is made. The She Bakes Caravan sells bangin' cakes, scones and slices, Kitchen Window turns out salad bowls, soups and toasties from the same kitchen where it produces its wildly popular condiments; there's coffee, warmed cookies – it's a whole thing. If you're there in summer, don't miss Jackson Orchards tours – a wonderful way to connect with where your food comes from. Get your favorite snacks and souvenirs to take along the road, from dried fruit to gourmet snacks. Coming Soon The fun doesn't stop here. Watch out for the completion of the 32km Kawarau Gorge Trail, which will link Gibbston Valley to Bannockburn, and a new Cooking School due to open later this spring at The Packing Shed in Alexandra.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Scoop
A Smart Choice For Car Rental In Christchurch City
Christchurch is a city of resilience and reinvention, with an expanding mix of art, gardens, and green space — and the best way to experience it all is with a car rental in Christchurch City. A car gives you access to more than just the city centre. Head to the Port Hills for panoramic views, explore Lyttelton's harbourfront cafes, or drive to Akaroa for a French-inspired day trip. With a rental, the entire Canterbury region is within easy reach. Travelling with your own vehicle also makes it easier to explore Christchurch's many attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens, New Regent Street, and the International Antarctic Centre, all without juggling schedules or relying on taxis. Car rentals are ideal for business travellers, families, and visitors wanting a more flexible experience. Booking a car rental in Christchurch City ensures you're ready to go — wherever the road may lead.
