3 Day Trips

Highlights

  • Hanmer Springs
  • Kaikoura
  • Waipara Wine Valley

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 hr from Christchurch to Kaikoura

  • by bus:

    2 hr 40 min from Christchurch to Kaikoura

CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

Discover unique wildlife, soak in luxurious hot pools or sample world-class wines with these top day trips in North Canterbury.

Waipara Wine Valley

Christchurch - Canterbury
Pegasus Bay Restaurant and Winery, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Award winning vineyards
  • Olive groves
  • Walking and cycling trails

Proximity

  • by car:

    55 min from Christchurch

  • by bus:

    50 min from Christchurch

WAIPARA VALLEY

A wine region known for superb Pinot Noir and Riesling.

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Home to acres upon acres of grapevines, the picturesque Waipara valley is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, in particular Pinot Noir and Riesling. Take your pick of vineyard restaurants and tasting rooms; you can also visit olive groves and nut farms to round out your gourmet experience. There’s a handy cycleway and walkway connecting the wineries.

Hanmer Springs

Christchurch - Canterbury
Hanmer Springs, Hurunui, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Natural hot springs
  • Bungy jumping & Jet boating
  • Horse treks

Proximity

  • by car:

    1 hr 55 min from Christchurch

  • by bus:

    2 hr 10 min from Christchurch

TOP EXPERIENCES IN HANMER SPRINGS

Offering the best of adventure and relaxation.

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Best known for its natural hot pools, Hanmer Springs is an alpine resort town with something for everyone. The adventurous should head straight for the forest and mountains on foot, horseback or bike; bungy jumping, jetboating and skiing are also options. Relax with a leisurely round of golf, soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools and indulge in some spa therapy (leave the kids at the hydroslides), or stroll the main street’s boutique shops and eateries.

Kaikoura

The waters off the coastal town of Kaikoura are a haven for several species of whale., New Zealand

Highlights

  • Dolphins, seals and whale encounters
  • Coastal walkway
  • Delicious seafood

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 hr from Christchurch

  • by bus:

    2 hr 40 min from Christchurch

TOP EXPERIENCES IN KAIKOURA

Stunning scenic flights, whale watching and other wildlife encounters.

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Located between the magnificent Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean, the coastal town of Kaikoura specialises in marine mammal encounters. Here, you can go whale watching by sea or air at any time of year, swim with dusky dolphins or brush shoulders with playful fur seals. Coastal walks such as the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway are a chance to spot sea birds and learn more about the area’s history. Don’t leave before tucking into a plate of crayfish – the seafood here is spectacular.

View North Canterbury day trips below

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