Explore everything Canterbury has to offer
It’s hard to beat a backdrop of the Southern Alps. Pair that with a range of world-class vineyards and stunning glacial lakes - and you have an experience to be reckoned with.
Take a journey through the Alps, examining the night sky from Lake Tekapo, or swim in the sea with nature's finest off the coast of Kaikōura. Relax and unwind in the Hanmer Springs hot pools and visit a French settlement tucked away in a beautiful bay. If you’re looking for an escape, Canterbury has you covered.
Akaroa
Our own slice of French heritage tucked away in Banks Peninsula is an easy drive from Christchurch. The surrounding land is a result of two volcanic cones, their craters forming the harbours for both Akaroa and Lyttleton. Akaroa is our only French settlement in the country and the town is filled with historic cottages and charming street names.
Explore the French inspired menus at local cafes and restaurants or head into the harbour to see penguins, fur seals and dolphins on a chartered cruise.
Methven
With its proximity to Mt Hutt, it’s no surprise that Methven turns into a snow sports mecca during the winter months. Known for its obsession with outdoor activities, good hospitality and relaxed lifestyle, it’s bustling year round.
Go on a scenic flight, feel the adrenaline rush of jet boating or grab a bike and take to the tracks. Don’t mind heights? Jump in a hot air balloon and experience Methven from the sky.
Waipara
Get lost amongst the vines in Waipara - a valley known as one of our premier wine regions for Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes. However it’s not just vineyards, Waipara is home to nut farms, olive groves and lavender fields. Bring your bike and take to the cycleway to treat yourself to a stroll along the many walks in this area.
Hamner Springs
Sometimes you find a place where there’s a little bit of everything for everyone - welcome to Hamner Springs. With activities available year round, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to press pause or a bit of self indulgence. Set amongst the mountain range and forest, you’ll find a range of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops.
For those after adventure, winter is the perfect time to take to the slopes. Hamner Springs also offers great trekking via foot or horseback, mountain biking, jet boating and bungy jumping.
For something a bit more sedentary, try a few rounds of golf or head to the thermal pools. Immerse yourself in the naturally heated water or indulge in a range of spa therapies - don’t worry there’s a hydroslide for the kids.
Kaikōura
A coastal town where encountering marine life is a fact of everyday life. Whether you’d like to go whale watching, swim with fur seals or go snorkelling with dolphins - Kaikōura has you covered.
Find yourself exploring a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants - just make sure you try the local crayfish, it’s not one to miss.
Arthur’s Pass
If you’re looking for an engineering feat in the Southern Alps, you’ve found it here. A complex mix of bridges, viaducts, rock shelters and redirected waterfalls - Arthur’s Pass National Park has it all.
Take the Tranz Alpine rail service and find shingle riverbeds and beech forest on the eastern side, and deep rivers riddling through dense rainforest on the western side. Don’t forget the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, it’s only a short 30 minute walk and is definitely worth it.
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Our highest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook offers picturesque views in every direction. While storms can be unforgiving and create dangerous conditions for climbers, it’s a remarkable place to visit first-hand.
A variety of walks begin near the village and are all roughly a few hours for a return trip. To make the most of your time, tour the Tasman Glacier, go flightseeing and on clear evenings, the stargazing is not to be missed.
Lake Tekapo
Stargazing doesn’t get much better than this. Breathtaking by day and mesmerising at night, Lake Tekapo is located in the Mackenzie Basin. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd for a picturesque juxtaposition of the lake and beyond - the Southern Alps.
If you’re visiting between April and September, it’s the perfect time to see the Southern Lights. Follow the shore for a hike to Mount John Observatory. At over 1000m high, it offers the best view of the remarkable light show.
Omarama
Positioned near the south of the Mackenzie Basin is Omarama, which means ‘the place of light’. If you are driving through, it’s a great place to stop by. Rendezvous in your own private hot tub under the starry night sky or experience some internationally-renowned gliding. Soar across the Waitaki Valley and McKenzie Basin - this is New Zealand scenery at its finest.
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Looking for more inspiration? Check out our rundown on the Waikato and West Coast regions.
Images courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.
