Pokolbin’s fortunes have been dictated by the vineyards that surround it. Wine grapes were first planted in the area in the 1870s, but development was relatively slow and uneven until the 1970s, when Australian achieved the recognition it deserved as a major wine producer and the Lower Hunter was at the vanguard of this movement. Winding country roads lead from the town to some of the region's best known wineries including Lindeman's, Tyrrell's, Tulloch, Lake’s Folly, Brokenwood and Bimbadgen.

One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre based at Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. The centre includes a hagglund ride, ice voyage 4D Show, a snow and ice experience, penguin encounter and an informative, hands-on display.

Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola whisks you nearly a kilometre to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbour and to the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the East, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch and revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Cafe.