Transport options in Canterbury
While the Canterbury region lends itself to self drive - either in a rental car
or campervan - air and rail travel offer their own special scenic experiences.
It's a smart idea to alternate between driving yourself around and letting someone
else do the work. The TranzAlpine railway over Arthur's Pass is one example of
a journey that is best appreciated as a passenger.
Getting to and from Canterbury
By Road
State Highway 1 runs the length of the Canterbury region, linking to State Highways 7 and 73 from the west coast and State Highway 77 to the Mackenzie Country. Road conditions are generally excellent, although ice and snow can be a hazard in winter.
Coach services to Christchurch include Bottom Bus, Kiwi Experience, Southern Link and Intercity.
Driving times from Christchurch to major cities and towns:
- Nelson - 6 hours
- Blenheim - 4 hours 30 minutes
- Dunedin - 4 hours 30 minutes
- Queenstown - 6 hours 30 minutes
- Greymouth - 3 hours 45 minutes
By Air
Christchurch airport is located 30 minutes drive west of the central city. The airport receives international flights from Australia, Asia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA. Domestic flights from New Zealand's main centres arrive several times a day.
Timaru has a domestic airport and receives daily flights from key New Zealand centres.
By Rail
The TranzAlpine, rated one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, travels daily from Christchurch to Greymouth over Arthur's Pass.
The TranzCoastal travels daily between Christchurch and Picton where it connects with the InterIslander. This journey is also very scenic, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and high coastal ranges on the other.
Getting around Canterbury
All the major rental vehicle companies are represented in Christchurch and Timaru. It's easy to collect a rental car or motorhome from the airport. A number of tour companies can help you to experience Canterbury without the hassle of driving.
Christchurch Tramway is an inner city tour experience that allows you to hop on and off as much as you like. In the evening you can board the Restaurant Tram for a la carte dining while you glide past the historic buildings.
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