Canterbury & West Coast 

 Christchurch is one of New Zealand's most beautiful cities - grand old stone buildings are complemented by lush parks and gardens. It is renowned for the huge number of adventure activities right on its doorstep.

From the picture postcard views, hot thermal pools and adventure activities of Hanmer Springs to the wineries of the Hurunui, this area has everything to fulfill your adventurous nature!

Kaikoura offers stunning coastal scenery and wildlife encounters from forest-clad mountains to a coastline that is home to seals, dolphins and whales.

The West Coast is unique in New Zealand and the world for its rich natural beauty and depth of history. Stretching along 600 kilometres of coastline are snowcapped mountains, ancient rainforests, pounding surf, glaciers and lakes.

Wine & Food

Christchurch & Canterbury
The fresh and exciting flavours of Christchurch and Canterbury offer something to tempt any palate.  Canterbury’s unique climate and geography make it a perfect place to grow and create some of the world’s best meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit, cheeses, wines and artisan products.

Once known mainly for its superb lamb, this flat, fertile landscape is now a haven for discerning foodies of every persuasion and boasts some of New Zealand’s finest restaurants.  Christchurch city itself offers visitors the choice of over 400 bars, restaurants and cafes.

Waipara in North Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s most award winning wine regions.  There has been spectacular growth in quality and production here in recent years.  Wineries in the region have begun to open their cellar doors for people to enjoy not only their captivating wines but also their succulent cuisine.

Nature & Scenic

Christchurch & Canterbury
The bird’s-eye views of the patchwork-like Canterbury Plains and how they interact with New Zealand’s largest and most picturesque mountain range, the Southern Alps, offer an unforgettable welcome.

Spanning 190 kilometres, the Canterbury Plains are New Zealand’s largest area of flat land at low altitude. Converted from indigenous tussock into productive farm land by the early settlers in the mid 19th century, they represent a cornerstone of the Canterbury economy.

To the east of the plains is the South Pacific Ocean, while the western boundary is marked by the Southern Alps, extending 550 kilometres in a south westerly direction from beyond Canterbury’s northern border.

The beauty of the alps can be experienced by a visit to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, while living remnants of the ice age in the form of spectacular glaciers are also within driving distance of Christchurch.

Art & Culture

Christchurch & Canterbury
The largest South Island Art Gallery opened May 2003 located in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct, a stunning modern glass and steel structure.  A designated cultural precinct stretches from Cathedral Square along the heritage tram line to the Botanic Gardens, taking in art galleries, cafes, the Arts Centre and the historic Museum and Christ’s College buildings.

Check out the sounds from the Symphony Orchestra started over 40 years ago. The Christchurch Symphony is rated the second best in the country playing a wide range of music from baroque to modern 21st century pop and jazz. For cultural interaction, visit Ko Tane Maori Experience, an authentic  Maori cultural experience, with a traditional powhiri (greeting), cultural performances/show and living village and wildlife reserve, with a traditional ‘Taste of New Zealand’ dinner or Maori Tours Kaikoura where you can explore historic Maori sites, visit family homes and marae and learn about Ngai Tahu culture.

Beach & Coastal Encounters

Christchurch & Canterbury
From Christchurch’s early days, city residents have enjoyed coming to Sumner and neighbouring Scarborough beaches for their summer fun. The area is also distinctive for its two unusual rock features, Cave Rock ( Tuawera) and Shag Rock (Rapanui). Stop for ice cream, a cold drink, coffee or even gourmet pizza at one of the local stores, restaurants and cafes.

On the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the seaside settlement of Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic mountains which are snow capped for many months of the year.  The unique combination of ocean and mountains never fails to leave visitors to Kaikoura in awe.  The township is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains. In the waters off this peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting 'close to nature'.

Banks Peninsula is the result of violent eruptions from three ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the surroundings bays are the remaining legacy of earth’s fury.

Akaroa is the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Their influence is still evident in this vibrant tourist town - look for French street names, quaint historical buildings and inspired cuisine.

Wildlife Experiences

Christchurch & Canterbury
Canterbury’s complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, making it an ideal place for getting ‘close to nature’.  Rocky peninsulas, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains, lead to the home of seals, whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins and spectacular birdlife; including the mighty albatross.  Kaikoura offers a unique combination of ocean and mountains offers stunning coastal alpine scenery and a host of eco-tourism activities, including whale watching, dolphin swimming, walks and much more.

The spectacular volcanic craters of Banks Peninsula provide a rich environment for marine life; including the Hector Dolphin, the world's rarest and smallest.