From the silvery beaches of the 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 and massive amounts of sky.
Float above the plains in a hot air balloon or soak in relaxing thermal pools. Enjoy the excellent food and wine or visit the amazing coastline and view the extensive marine life. And all only a three hour direct flight away.
From the silvery beaches of the 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 and massive amounts of sky.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
An amazing arena for adventure and indulgence
The highest point of the region is the highest point of New Zealand. The spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook stands at 3754 metres (Aoraki is Maori for Cloud Piercer). 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. Hundreds of years ago, Maori moa hunters worked these plains leaving a rock art record of their successes.
In the two cities of the region, Christchurch and Timaru, great care has been taken to preserve Canterbury’s colonial heritage. Grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park This park is a land of ice and rock. Glaciers cover 40% of its area and there are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres, including New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki Mount Cook. Mount Cook Village is a base for climbers and hikers.
Alpine Pacific Triangle Touring Route
The Alpine Pacific Triangle takes you to the gourmet area of Waipara, spa delights of Hanmer Springs and marine mammals of Kaikoura. Between destinations, enjoy the beautiful country scenery.
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour were formed by volcanic eruptions, many thousands of years ago. Originally a French settlement, the historic town of Akaroa is a place to enjoy fine cuisine and wildlife cruises.
Key Tips
Christchurch international airport receives flights from Australia, Asia, the UK and the USA, providing a convenient gateway to South Island destinations.
Comfortable driving distances let you pack more into your holiday. In Canterbury it’s possible to go surfing and skiing on the same day!
Mount Hutt is usually the first New Zealand ski field to open and the last to close. Snowmakers keep the slopes in top shape.
The city of Timaru has a domestic airport. Flights arrive daily from Wellington.
Related Links
www.newzealand.com Pages
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Christchurch Airport Christchurch airport is the South Island's largest. Find out about its facilities and transport options from the airport to the city.
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New Zealand Food and Wine Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
Ben Fogle's New Zealand Adventures "For 10 minutes I stood transfixed, until it took one final bow and with a flick of its tail disappeared back into the depths of the South Pacific..." - Read about Ben's experiences at www.telegraph.co.uk
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Backpack Canterbury Adrenaline pumping information on backpacker accommodation, activities and transport options in Canterbury.
Spring provides idyllic, mild conditions for touring the region. Wander the gracious public and private gardens of Christchurch and Timaru, then drive to the high country through charming rural towns, where lambs, wildflowers and fresh pastures make for postcard-perfect scenery.
In restaurants you’ll enjoy fresh asparagus and other seasonal specialities.
The spring thaw makes it a wild time to ride the Waimakariri River in a jet boat, or drive up to Arthur’s Pass and watch the waterfalls.
