Things to do and activities in Little River and Banks Peninsula
There is plenty to do on the Penisnsula! Plan a day. Birdlings flat has the gemstone museum, Little River has an art gallery and a couple of craft/gift shops. Drive up to hilltop for a great view of the harbour and Banks Peninsula. Check out the Duvauchelle wharf and the Barry's Bay cheese factory. Learn the history of the Ōnawe Pa site. Visit Akaroa for scenic cruises, Star Gazing, boutique cinema and an esplanade stroll. Check out some of the bush walks available, or visit Okains Bay and Akaroa museums.
Where is Encryptomania?
4267 Christchurch Akaroa Road, Little River, Canterbury, New Zealand.
We are just under an hour's drive from Christchurch.
What is an Escape Room?
An escape game is a real-life experience where players enter a game space and explore. Successful teams work together to discover clues and solve puzzles. The group strives to use elements of the room to reach the endpoint.
A good escape room has a captivating theme and puzzles set to keep your team busy.
Will I be locked in a room?
We do not lock people in rooms as this would be dangerous in the case of an emergency.
Can we drink alcohol before a game?
Intoxicated people will be asked to leave. Alcohol consumption risks accidental damage to props and spoils games for other players.
How long does the whole experience take?
Our escape rooms are 1 hour long. Participants to date report time going by very quickly.
The experience continues as people debrief and share their responses - usually at a local cafe or during the car ride home.
Can I get help?
You are provided with self service hints and are recommended to use them based on progress.
Some people prefer not to take help so they can try a room again at a future time with another team.
Other people are desperate to reach the finish line.
We leave the choice with your team, but do not guarantee every group will finish.
Is there an age limit?
Our rooms are recommended for families with teenagers and older. 14 years and over is our guideline.
We require each team to have at least one responsible team member aged 18 years and over.
If you have a younger family member, you may check with us about accommodating them with your close supervision. Younger children are likely to find the puzzles colourful but difficult.
Will other people be in the room with us?
Your team of 2 to 6 people are the only people in the room.
A game host will keep an eye on people's general wellbeing via remote camera.
Do I need to bring anything?
Rooms are not suitable for food and drink. A lock up cabinet is available to store belongings.
Bring your willingness to have fun, explore and work collaboratively.
How long does it take to get there?
We are the first gateway town for the Banks Peninsula. The Christchurch-Akaroa highway is currently 80kmph. The online drive time estimate from Christchurch's city center is 54 minutes.
Plan to arrive early and stop at the local township toilets, on the left of the Craft Station.
Do I need to arrive early?
Your arrival time allows for a 15 minute pre-game briefing, pre-payment and signing of terms and conditions.
What happens if something isn't working?
If something appears to be malfunctioning, alert your game host and we will do our best to resolve the immediate issue so the game can continue.
Can I play more than one game?
Puzzle solving is an active sport, so it is a good idea to wrap up before you exhaust yourself entirely. Two rooms in one day would be VERY intense and is not recommended.
Is there a toilet?
We don't have a toilet on site. There are 24 hour toilets in the Little River township by the craft station. We recommend a stop off before you arrive.
Is there a bar?
We do not have a bar or have cafe facilities. Little River has an excellent renovated pub, a couple of cafes and a coffee cart available at different times.
We recommend planning ahead for a post escape room coffee and/or food.