• The Giant's House

    Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

    Banks Peninsula is home to picturesque bays, seaside villages, boutique galleries, cafés and spectacular harbour wildlife. Only 20 minutes from Christchurch is the historic port town of Lyttelton. While a 90 minute scenic drive takes you to the French inspired village of Akaroa.

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook

    Aoraki / Mount Cook Mackenzie

    Pristine snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and a network of turquoise canals form the tapestry of this remarkable region. At the heart of it all towers Australasia's highest peak, the majestic Aoraki / Mount Cook and it all begins only 2.5 hours away from Christchurch International Airport.

  • Kea

    Arthur's Pass & Selwyn

    'Sensational' is how we describe what's on offer in this area of 'middle earth' New Zealand. Experience Selwyn's scenery, ski fields, outdoor pursuits, gardens, food, wine and hospitality, and you'll soon agree that this word sums the region up nicely.

  • Hummingbird Coffee

    Christchurch

    One of Lonely Planet's top 10 city to visit in 2013. The South Island's "Garden City" is accessible via Christchurch International Airport and scenic rail services.

  • Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

    Hanmer Springs & Hurunui

    Adventure, wine and thermal waters – experience all of this and more on Hurunui's Alpine Pacific driving route. Beginning only 45 minutes from Christchurch, you can enjoy award-winning wine in the Waipara Valley before heading to the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs.

  • Seals

    Kaikoura

    Only 2.5 hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is internationally renowned as a whale watching destination. Discover its astonishing wildlife, spectacular coastline, breathtaking scenery and fascinating Māori and European history.

  • Rangitata Rafts

    Mid Canterbury

    Located in the heart of Canterbury, Mid Canterbury is a region of sweeping plains, stretching from the magnificent Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean and bordered by spectacular braided rivers and high country lakes.

  • Waimate farmland

    South Canterbury

    A great snapshot of the best of New Zealand - with beautiful outdoor environments, rich art, history and heritage, plenty of outdoor adventures, fabulous fare, and great Kiwi hospitality.

  • Farmers' Markets

    Waimakariri

    Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch you can enjoy jet boating on the Waimakariri River, kayaking and sailing on Lake Pegasus, horse riding, farm tours and farmers' markets. Enjoy Canterbury hospitality and experience our New Zealand country lifestyle.

Explore Canterbury from the ocean to the alps

From the Pacific Ocean, ancient volcanic peninsula and wondrous marine life, across patchwork plains, home to adrenalin pumping activities, lush vineyards and braided rivers rising to pristine glacial lakes and the majestic Southern Alps presided over by Aoraki / Mount Cook. You will find something special in Canterbury.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Pristine snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and a network of turquoise canals form the tapestry of this remarkable region. At the heart of it all towers Australasia's highest peak, the majestic Aoraki / Mount Cook and it all begins only 2.5 hours away from Christchurch International Airport.

Hummingbird Coffee

One of Lonely Planet's top 10 city to visit in 2013. The South Island's "Garden City" is accessible via Christchurch International Airport and scenic rail services.

Kea

'Sensational' is how we describe what's on offer in this area of 'middle earth' New Zealand. Experience Selwyn's scenery, ski fields, outdoor pursuits, gardens, food, wine and hospitality, and you'll soon agree that this word sums the region up nicely.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Adventure, wine and thermal waters – experience all of this and more on Hurunui's Alpine Pacific driving route. Beginning only 45 minutes from Christchurch, you can enjoy award-winning wine in the Waipara Valley before heading to the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs.

Rangitata Rafts

Located in the heart of Canterbury, Mid Canterbury is a region of sweeping plains, stretching from the magnificent Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean and bordered by spectacular braided rivers and high country lakes.

Seals

Only 2.5 hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is internationally renowned as a whale watching destination. Discover its astonishing wildlife, spectacular coastline, breathtaking scenery and fascinating Māori and European history.

The Giant's House

Banks Peninsula is home to picturesque bays, seaside villages, boutique galleries, cafés and spectacular harbour wildlife. Only 20 minutes from Christchurch is the historic port town of Lyttelton. While a 90 minute scenic drive takes you to the French inspired village of Akaroa.

Waimate farmland

A great snapshot of the best of New Zealand - with beautiful outdoor environments, rich art, history and heritage, plenty of outdoor adventures, fabulous fare, and great Kiwi hospitality.

Farmers' Markets

Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch you can enjoy jet boating on the Waimakariri River, kayaking and sailing on Lake Pegasus, horse riding, farm tours and farmers' markets. Enjoy Canterbury hospitality and experience our New Zealand country lifestyle.

Canterbury map

A comprehensive Canterbury touring map. Highlighting key touring routes and hidden gems found throughout the region. Download map (PDF, 2.27MB)