Arena Motel

Tranz Scenic Trains
Tranz Scenic runs a number of world renowned breathtaking train journeys, two of which start two minutes from our door!

The TRANZALPINE is the traverse of the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. Travel from one side of the south island to the other, beginning near the Pacific Ocean and ending by the Tasman Sea. The train journey offers a wealth of scenery as you travel from the Canterbury Plains, ascending through beech rain forests past spectacular vista?s, along the foothills of the Alps, and through a jumble of gulleys and gorges. There are 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts along the way, the highest being the ?Staircase Viaduct? standing at over 70 metres.
Travel one way or do the one day return trip . Another, more relaxing alternative is to get off at Lake Brunner (Moana ) - The Station House Cafe will meet the train ( by arrangement ), have a nice lunch and a walk by the very scenic lake then catch the train on its return trip.

The TRANZCOASTAL travels up the east coast from Christchurch to Picton. Many travellers stop off at Kaikoura on the way to take in the beautiful Pacific Ocean and go on a whale watching tour or swim with the dolphins. The train journey is glorious, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the captivating Pacific Ocean seashore on the other. There are 22 tunnels to travel through as the railway hugs the rugged coastline on its way to Picton and the Marlborough Sounds.

Christchurch City
Renowned as the Garden City, this beautiful, historic city has so much to offer visitors and locals alike. It is the largest city in the South Island and has a noticeable English flair in the architecture and culture.

You will find buskers, street stalls and markets in the Cathedral Square. Take a leisurely stroll along the Avon River which is a focal point for various activities. Punting, fine dining, the arts centre and the vibrant botanical gardens are just a few of the attractions alongside the Avon. There is a fully restored Victorian electric tram that takes you round the city centre, taking you to many of Christchurch?s sights, or hire a bycycle though us and take your time.

Other activities further a field from the city centre include:
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve the only place you?re guaranteed close up encounters with kiwi?s, day and night.
- The Gondola rewarding you with spectacular views of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, the Alps and Lyttleton harbour.
- At the Antarctic Centre, which is adjacent to the airport, you can get a feel of the gruelling Antarctic conditions with its Indoor Snow & Ice experience and a thrilling outdoor Antarctic Hagglund Ride.
- Take a wildlife cruise around Lyttelton Harbour and swim with the rare Hectors Dolphins.
- Visit Christchurch?s various museums, art galleries, caf??s, bars, restaurants and shops.

DAY TRIPS
Tours and shuttle buses availabe localy. We can arrange these for you at short notice. (each about 1.5 hours drive)

Akaroa
Banks Peninsula was formed following the violent eruptions of two volcanoes. A crater nurses the picturesque harbour of Akaroa with many smaller bays indenting the spectacular coastline. It is the only site in New Zealand of French settlement and it still retains its old French charm, many streets have French names, and there are descendants of the original French families still living in Akaroa. There are boutique shops and fine restaurants along rue Lavaud, rue Jolie and the waterfront. Activities such as swimming with Hectors dolphins, Wine and Cheese tour, horse trekking, paragliding, harbour and sea kayaking and jet skiing all keep the active tourist occupied. Akaroa is also the birth place of Frank Worsley, Captain of the Endurance and Navigator to Ernest Shackleton on his Trans Antarctic expedition.

Kaikoura
Most popular for its marine-mammal watching, Kaikoura offers close encounters with the sperm whale, Hector?s dolphin (the smallest and rarest dolphin), the dusky dolphin (found only in the southern hemisphere), the NZ fur seal and the bottlenose dolphin. Other animals and birds frequently seen include the orca (killer whale), common dolphins, pilot whales, blue penguins and the royal and wandering albatross. Kaikoura has a number of dive centres and fishing charters for the more active marine nut.

Hanmer Springs
The resort of Hanmer is famed for its thermal pools, its therapeutic waters offers a relaxing way to spend an afternoon amid the Alpine scenery. The town itself has a relaxed atmosphere with its many caf??s and restaurants. Other activities include, two main skiing areas nearby, horse treks, various walks in exotic forestland, popular mountain biking trips and the Thrillseekers Canyon, the towns adrenaline centre for bungy jumping, canyoning, tandem paragliding, jet-boating and whitewater rafting.

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