Canterbury Activity Highlights
Canterbury | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
When you see the Canterbury landscape you just want to get out there and interact with it. The region is packed solid with opportunities to encounter the amazing environment.
Canterbury Activity Highlights Overview
There is so much to see and do in the Canterbury region.
Enjoy fast and furious white water rafting on the Rangitata River. Sample quality wines at one of the Waipara Valley wineries, complemented by contemporary New Zealand cuisine. See Kaikoura's famous whales—up close and personal or from the air. Take a leisurely punt ride along the Avon River through the centre of Christchurch. Or walk the alpine trails of Mount Cook National Park, then explore the Tasman Glacier terminal lake by boat.
In winter go skiing or snowboarding at one of the are 14 ski fields in the region. Relax afterwards and soak in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs, or go flightseeing over the snow-covered Southern Alps.
» Canterbury Activities Directory
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Have a Whale of a Time in Kaikoura
A variety of rare marine mammals converge off this piece of coast - sperm whales, New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and penguins.
- Go whale-watching by boat or air, all year round
- Swim with or observe dolphins on a dolphin encounter
- Experience seal swimming with a land-based or boat-based guided seal snorkelling tour
- Take a bird watching tour, to view seabirds, albatross , molly-mawks, petrels and many more
- Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway—three hours return to visit a seal colony, limestone formations and a seabird colony
- Visit Fyffe House, a colonial whalers cottage
» Kaikoura Regional Information
History and Adventure in the Central South Island District
The area between Christchurch and Dunedin is a must if you're doing a self-drive tour of the South Island
- The area has the largest collection on Māori Rock Art in New Zealand
- Timaru has the largest collection of preserved urban Victorian and Edwardian architecture in New Zealand
- Book with Rangitata Rafts for a day of rafting grade 5 rapids
- The Artisan Forge and Gallery is the only commercial blacksmith in New Zealand - visit for a demonstration
- The Pleasant Point Railway is home to the world's only Ford Model T Railcar and the railway society have regular steaming days
- Sip awarding winning wine at Opihi Vineyard
- Take in a glassblowing demonstration at Denise Belanger-Taylor's studio
- Enjoy a trip around Caroline Bay with Timaru Marine Cruises
- Stay at Castle Claremont, a boutique hotel with convention facilities and its own church
- Visit the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum
- Sample the tastes at Barkers Fruits in Geraldine
- Walk, bike or be at one with nature in the Waimate District
Delicious Indulgence - Hurunui District (Hanmer Springs and the Waipara Valley)
Relax and rejuvenate with hot spas, excellent wine, great food and thrilling adventure.
- Soak in the hot thermal pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve
- Hike or bike through Hanmer Springs Forest and find some of New Zealand's oldest exotic plantings
- Go jet boating in the Waiau, or Waimakariri Gorge
- Ski at Mount Lyford or Hanmer Springs
- Discover the wineries of the Waipara Valley. Stop for a tasting and a meal
- Ride the Weka Pass historic railway from Waipara to Waikari
- Do a wine tour the slow way - in a wagon behind a team of Clydesdale horses
- Ride through the high country with Hurunui Horse Treks
- Drive the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route which links popular Canterbury destinations Hanmer Springs, Waipara Valley and Kaikoura
Fishing, Skiing and Walking Around Ashburton
The Ashburton District can offer you a memorable Canterbury experience.
- Try the world famous trout and salmon fishing on the braided Rakaia river
- Go skiing at Mount Hutt in winter
- From Methven you can go hot air ballooning, jet boating, parachuting and mountain biking
- Walk to historical sites, deep river canyons and native beech forest in the Mount Hutt Forest area and along the Mount Somers Sub Alpine Walkway
- Visit Ashford Craft Village in Ashburton for local and New Zealand-made arts and crafts
- Travel to Selwyn and visit Lake Coleridge. This deep blue high country lake and adjacent village are renowned for their fishing, water skiing and scenery
Useful Canterbury Links
To help plan your Canterbury holiday choose from the main categories below:
- Canterbury Accommodation
- Canterbury Tours
- Canterbury Attractions and Activities
- Canterbury Transport
- Canterbury Cuisine and Dining
- Canterbury Shopping
- Canterbury Visitor Information
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Canterbury Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Canterbury region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Canterbury region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Canterbury region.
History
History of the Canterbury region.
Canterbury Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Canterbury.