From the silvery beaches of the coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury landscape offers some of the most spectacular scenery. The highest point of the region is the highest point of New Zealand. The spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook stands at 3754 metres. At the other end of the scale, the submarine trenches off the coast of Kaikoura are thousands of metres deep, providing an ideal environment for the whales, dolphins and seals that live there permanently. Between the mountains and the sea, the vast plains are patchworked with the patterns of rural life.
The Canterbury region incorporates the stylish and contemporary city of Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and hub of this stunning region; the seaside settlement of Kaikoura steeped in Maori history and tradition; the delightful alpine spa resort of Hanmer Springs; the quaint French inspired seaside village of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula; Timaru with its heritage architecture and stunning views over Caroline Bay; the turquoise gemstone hue of Lake Tekapo and the pristine snow capped mountains surrounding Aoraki Mount Cook; the high country area and ski fields near Methven and the farming community of Darfield.
MUST SEE & DO
- In Christchurch visit the Botanic Gardens and the International Antarctic Centre, ride on the tram and take a punt on the Avon River, then drive up to the Port Hills to admire the view over the city, Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps or visit one of the nearby wineries for lunch and wine tasting
- Visit Akaroa and take a harbour cruise to see the rare hectors dolphins and bird life
- In Kaikoura take a walk on the Peninsula to see the seals, enjoy a Whale Watch tour, swim with the dolphins or join a bird watching cruise
- At Hanmer Springs soak in the soothing mineral waters at the Thermal Pools & Spa, enjoy a jetboating trip or walk to the lookout at Conical Hill
- Stay in the Mt Cook National Park and take a flight over Mt Cook and the region's awesome glaciers, marvel at the stars at the Mt John Observatory and enjoy the numerous walks in the area
