The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food.
The city of Christchurch promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. It’s an excellent base for Canterbury explorations.
Hanmer Springs is purpose-built for rest and rejuvenation. There’s never a dull moment while you work your way through the area’s outdoor adventures.
The picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura is all about adventure on or near the sea. Watch whales, snorkel with seals or tuck into a plate of crayfish.
Lake Tekapo is a photographer’s dream come true. The snow-topped mountains, turquoise blue lake and tussock-covered hills will have you enthralled.
Take a break in Timaru and enjoy the beachside attractions of Caroline Bay. You’ll find a maze, mini golf, gardens, an aviary and wonderful walks.
Twizel is a handy base for explorations of Mount Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin. From mountain climbing to heli-biking, it’s all here.
Amberley is a place to find country hospitality on your journey through North Canterbury. Enjoy fresh air and mountain views – golf and fishing too!
The alpine village of Arthur’s Pass is a base for mountain adventures. Walk to a waterfall, hike to alpine meadows, climb a peak or hunt for red deer.
Ashburton is a large town that serves the surrounding farming district. It sits between two major rivers, so fly fishing is the local obsession.
A taste of Cheviot hospitality might be just what you need on the road between Christchurch and Kaikoura. This rural town is very welcoming.
Fairlie is known as the ‘Gateway to the Mackenzie Country’. It’s an attractive rural service town that doubles as a ski town in winter.
Geraldine is a pretty country town with an artistic streak. Shop for arts and crafts, refresh at a friendly café and take a stroll around the historic trail.
Kaiapoi was once the site of a major Ngai Tahu trading settlement. You can visit the pa, which appears as a series of low grassy mounds.
Jet boating and trout fishing are two ways to enjoy the spectacular environment around Kurow, which sits at the junction of two rivers.
Harbour cruises and great cafés attract visitors to the historic port town of Lyttelton, just twenty minutes from the centre of Christchurch city.
In winter, Methven is a snow sport town. In every other season, it’s a place to launch yourself into all kinds of outdoor adventure activities.
The Mina railway station serves Cheviot and other settlements in coastal North Canterbury.
Mount Cook village nestles below New Zealand’s tallest peaks. It’s an ideal base for alpine walks that will leave you breathless in more ways than one.
Nestled in a broad basin between mountain ranges, Omarama is well known to glider pilots. Come here to soar in the skies and fish in the fast rivers.
The thriving country town of Rangiora serves the local agricultural and horticultural community. There’s no better place to enjoy Canterbury lamb.
Will you stop in Temuka to fish for salmon or shop for stoneware? This South Canterbury country town is a centre of angling and pottery.
Look for the huge white horse high on the hills behind Waimate. Created from slabs of concrete, the image is more than 25 metres high.
Wine is the reason to stay a while in Waipara. The area is known for superb Pinot Noir and Riesling. You’ll also find some wonderful food experiences.
Winchester marks the southern end of the Inland Scenic Route 72, a delightful road trip that traces the eastern edge of the Southern Alps.
