What's On in Christchurch and Canterbury

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Circle the South
From $1,079 AUD Per Person, Twin Share

Further Information
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
Email: info@christchurchnz.com
Website: www.christchurchnz.com

Amazing snow, relaxing thermal springs and spectacular scenery - soak it all up in one astounding region. Explore the vibrant city of Christchurch and venture north, south and west to indulge in your ultimate winter holiday escape.

The tram drivers provide an entertaining and informative commentary as you travel around the heart of Christchurch

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Christchurch and Canterbury

Take a 3 hour direct flight and sample the abundance of activities in Christchurch and Canterbury this winter. Ski or snowboard at one of more than a dozen ski areas, take your seat aboard one of the ‘top six train journeys in the world’ into the heart of the Southern Alps, or simply unwind in the natural thermal hot pools at Hanmer Springs.

Our enticing winter playground and unique winter experiences are here, waiting for you. Whatever the flavour, Christchurch and Canterbury has it all! Come explore, discover and relax in the spectacular beauty this winter!

Christchurch City

Be greeted by crisp early morning frosts, followed by clear, stunning sunny winter days, perfect for making the most of the city’s unique charm. Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city, is loved for its parks and gardens, exceptional historic architecture and wide, tree-lined streets.

Cathedral Square, Christchurch - click for more.

Climb the steps up the cathedral spire and you'll be rewarded with an astounding view.

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Enjoy the garden city’s mix of refined lifestyle and culture. Take a trip to historic sites, museums and heritage buildings, or travel up the scenic gondola. Indulge yourself at one of Christchurch’s many vibrant restaurants, all offering menus filled with hearty local produce.

From Christchurch you can embark on one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world - the TranzAlpine. From outdoor carriages you can capture first hand the newly green fields, river gorges, alpine valleys and snow-capped mountains.

Methven

Only 90 minutes from Christchurch International Airport, Methven and Mt Hutt skifield awaits snow enthusiasts!

Snowboarding on Mt Hutt skifield

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Nestled on the checkerboard farms of the Canterbury Plains and dwarfed by a picturesque snow-capped mountain range, Methven is no secret to the ski crowd. In only 30 minutes you are skiing and boarding the world-class alpine terrain of Mt Hutt. Take the new high speed six seater chairlift which carries you from the base non-stop to the summit of Mt Hutt in only 4 ½ minutes!

Après ski, kick back and relax with fellow skiers and boarders at Methven’s many cafes, restaurants, warm familiar local pubs and bars.

Methven has something for everyone boasting a reputation as a sport lovers’ mecca. You name it, you can do it, from skiing, fly fishing, golfing, jet boating, parachuting, tramping, mountain bike riding, horse riding, to hot air ballooning.

Selwyn

Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps, Selwyn District offers a landscape of lakes, rivers and rugged wilderness mountains.

Drive the Great Alpine Highway to the untamed heart of the Southern Alps - admired the world over and proudly part of our backyard.

Ski and snowboard the many ski areas including Porters, Broken River, Craigieburn, Cheeseman and Temple Basin all with on mountain accommodation.

Akaroa

Set in a stunning natural harbour, the French settlement of Akaroa is the perfect winter escape from Christchurch. Just a short drive across Banks Peninsula you will find a harbourside town oozing with charm.

Enjoy a fantastic coffee or the fine cuisine at one of the many boulevard cafes with glistening blue waters and stunning harbour vistas forming your backdrop. You will be spoilt for choice with a myriad of things to do and see around this seaside village. Unwind in the sea air on a nature harbour cruise, swim with the rare Hectors dolphin, take a seal and penguin colony tour or sail on the harbour.

Woodland Ponds in Hanmer Springs

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Alpine Pacific Triangle

There really is no better time to experience Hanmer Springs than winter. It is not uncommon to experience snow in the alpine town. Relax in the therapeutic mineral waters at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa as snowflakes fall, or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment.

Take a hike up Conical Hill or experience the many activities in Hanmer Springs including jet boating, horse trekking, quad biking, or take a mountain bike through the alpine forest.

The famous Waipara Valley wine region boasts many notable vineyards including award winning Pegasus Bay and Daniel Schuster - the views alone from these vineyards make them well worth a visit.

Kaikoura

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the glistening ocean and snow capped majestic mountains forming your backdrop during the months of winter. The scene of the Southern Alps falling to the coastal shores will leave you in awe.

Experience the thrill of giant sperm whales up close in Kaikoura or take a flight and enjoy an aerial view of Kaikoura’s mighty whales. Kaikoura has a rich array of wildlife, from dusky dolphins and albatross to playful seals.

Central South Island

Hot Air Ballooning in Christchurch

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Absorb the sweeping panoramic views and stunning landscape of the Central South Island. Take a mountain bike ride around the hills, enjoy a spectacular scenic flight or play golf on one of the many picturesque golf courses around the heartland of the South Island.

Jump aboard a 4WD safari to explore high country sheep stations, go on a horse trek or experience the country’s best white water rafting on the spectacular Rangitata River.

Mackenzie District

Cradled in the Makenzie Alpine basin, discover turquoise glacier fed lakes and rugged alpine scenery including the majestic 3754 metre Aoraki Mount Cook - Australasia’s tallest mountain located adjacent to the spectacular Tasman Glacier. Experience the excellent ski fields of Roundhill and Ohau, or perhaps heli-ski the magnificent Tasman Glacier.

Take a relaxing soak in the hot pools on the shores of Lake Tekapo surrounded by the snow-capped mountains and pine forests, or enjoy a massage to leave you truly rested. Feeling a little more active, a mid-winter ice-skate on the lakes edge is a must.