The Canterbury Region includes a large central portion of the East Coast of the South Island, centred around the city of Christchurch.
From the silvery beaches of the East Coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury landscape is impossible to ignore. Big scenery is the order of the day - huge panoramas of ocean or mountains, great sweeps of pastureland, massive amounts of sky. It’s easy to be awestruck - but if you want to be totally flabbergasted, take a hot air balloon ride. The experience of floating across the Canterbury Plains with the majesty of the Southern Alps behind you will ingrain itself on your memory forever.
Two hours north of Christchurch is Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. Fur seals lounge on rocks just metres from the shore, dusky and Hector’s dolphins frolic in the sea within sight of town, while only a few kilometres further out, giant sperm whales haunt the depths. The sperm whale can be seen all year round off Kaikoura and is the third largest whale in the world, only beaten by the blue and fin whales.
Not far from Kaikoura is the scenic alpine and thermal village of Hanmer Springs. Since 1859 this spa town has attracted visitors seeking to relax, unwind and ease their aches and pains in the soothing mineral waters. There is a variety of outdoor activities on offer in Hanmer Springs, including skiing, mountain biking, forest walks, river rafting and bungy jumping. While just north of Christchurch, take time out to discover the wine makers of the beautiful Waipara Valley.
Inland from Christchurch on the Great Alpine Highway, SH73, lie the magnificent Southern Alps - only an hour from the Christchurch. The villages of Springfield and Arthur's Pass make ideal bases for all kinds of activities - visit the information centres for bookings and more information. You can also experience the TranzAlpine - one of the world's most spectacular train journeys that takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth.
Step back into New Zealand’s past in Akaroa, Canterbury’s oldest village. You’ll hear about Maori, whaling, French and British history. Natural history is another topic to explore - in summer you might even get the chance to swim with the world's rarest dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin.
South of Christchurch lie the Ashburton and Timaru districts. Ashburton district is home to all kinds of exciting activities like skiing, hot air ballooning and salmon fishing. Timaru district features many attractive towns, rolling green hills, lush pasture and braided rivers.
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