Tourists are being encouraged to take the Alpine Pacific Touring (APT) route that brings together three neighbouring districts.
Some of the main attractions on the APT, through the rural countryside north of Christchurch, encompass food and wine, alpine and coastal landscapes, marine wildlife encounters, an alpine spa, and outdoor adventures round the year.
The NZTA-approved route, although a longer version of the Alpine Pacific Triangle route (as it was once known as), has been designed to showcase the best of the regions affected by the Kaikoura earthquake in November 2016.
The 450km APT starts at Christchurch International Airport, travelling to Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs, and passes through what’s become known as ‘the coolest little wine region in the country’—the Waipara Valley.
Hurunui Tourism marketing manager Shane Adcock says the route includes some of New Zealand’s most popular attractions - the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs with the iconic Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, and Kaikoura with its whale watching and eco-tourism experiences.
“There are also some fantastic highlights in between—Cheviot, Mt Lyford, stunning scenery on the inland roads and a sensational coastal drive. There’s plenty to see and do making the APT a good three- to four-day journey,” Hurunui Tourism marketing manager Shane Adcock says.
MCD recently visited Kaikoura. Check out our video here:
https://www.nzmcd.co.nz/videos/1705/video-kaikoura
Source: Tourism New Zealand
