The Canterbury and West Coast region of the South Island is a place of dramatic diversity - an area to explore and enjoy.
The region's largest city, Christchurch, is full of reminders of our colonial past, and it is also inter-mingled with the technology and style of modern life. It provides a gateway to a host of other places and experiences in the north of the South Island.
North east of the region is Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. Here you will find underwater canyons where whales gather to feed, and further west you can relax at the thermal spas of Hanmer Springs. New Zealand Alpine spa village.
Heading to the West Coast, New Zealand's wildest area, you'll come across the beautiful Pancake Rocks, the blowholes at Punakaiki, and the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
Heading south will take you through the high coutry of Cantebury, to the foot of the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook with picturesque turquoise lakes and stunning mountain scenes.
Canterbury/West Coast – from the Alps to the Ocean.
CHRISTCHURCH & CANTERBURY
Canterbury – Heart of the South Island
Christchurch, gateway to the South Island; Garden city of the world. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the unique playground of Canterbury, which stretches from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.
Although it is the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is incredibly friendly and at the same time elegant and sophisticated. Because the city is so compact, getting about is effortless. Whether you walk, cycle or drive, all the key attractions are within easy distance of the city centre. Sample superb Canterbury wines, and fresh produce like Canterbury lamb, salmon, ostrich or Kaikoura crayfish at your pick of award-winning restaurants, or stop for coffee in one of the many vibrant city cafes.
Canterbury is not only rich in beauty; it offers a wealth of unparalleled experiences. You can get close to the whales in Kaikoura, swim with the worlds rarest dolphin near the charming French settlement of Akaroa, soak in a thermal hot pool in the Alpine Village of Hanmer Springs, tour New Zealand’s hottest wine region, Waipara, hike through spectacular scenery near Arthur’s Pass, fish for our prize salmon in Rakaia, mountain bike through beautiful hill country around Timaru and Waimate, make a pilgrimage to Australasia’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook or float tranquilly above the plains in a hot air balloon.
One day is not enough to experience all the city has to offer.
Quick Facts
| Category |
Details |
| Population: |
350,000 est at June 2006 |
| Climate: |
Canterbury has warm summers and cool to cold winters. Maximum temperatures in summer are typically in the 27o-33o range. The highest temperature ever recorded in Christchurch was 42o. In winter the temperatures can range from 2ºC-12ºC. |
| Cultural Mix: |
NZ European, Maori, Pacific, Asian. |
| Famous For: |
Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Garden City, Gateway to South Island, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Alps to Ocean |
| Transport: |
- City Buses
- Christchurch Free Central City Shuttle Services: The shuttle which is a distinctive yellow colour runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening.
- Christchurch Tramway Limited: A historic tram ride around the city centre. Trundle through the tree lined streets, past buzzing streetside cafes. A great way to experience the inner city of Christchurch. www.tram.co.nz
- Punting on the Avon River: Sit back, relax in a punt as a boatman guide past the sights of the central city www.punting.co.nz
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| The people: |
Musicians
Bic Runga, Bo Runga, Hayley Westenra, Scribe
Actors
Phil Keoghan
Aritsts
Bill Sutton
Writers
Essie Summers, Edith Ngaio Marsh, Mary Ursula Bethell, Margaret Mahy, Gordon Ogilvie, Keri Hulme
Chefs
Michael Lee Richards, Celia Hay, Jo Seager (with restaurant and school)
Inventors
John Britten |
Three of New Zealand’s popular recreational destinations, Hanmer Springs, Waipara Valley Wine Region and Kaikoura are linked by the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route. The easy and pleasant drive around the entire touring route is 370 kilometres, beginning at its southern end just 45 minutes drive from Christchurch International Airport or Christchurch City, and at its northern end from Kaikoura. At almost every turn, new and exciting vistas unfold –pastoral hill country, cloud-piercing mountains, tumbling rivers, shady forests, serene lakes, surging seascapes, sculptured limestone formations and bubbling hot springs.
Quick Facts
| Category |
Details |
| Population: |
11,300 (provisional 2006 Census night population) |
| Climate: |
Seasons often vary dramatically with searing summers and snowfalls in winter. Autumn temperatures are mild with stunning seasonal colours, while exotic flowers, green pastures and lambs dominate the spring landscape.
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| Cultural Mix: |
From the 1991 census 97.1% of people (9,276) in the Hurunui District said they belong to the European ethnic group. 5.4% of people (516) in the Hurunui District said they belong to the Mäori ethnic group. The population of the Hurunui District contains a smaller proportion of Pacific peoples (0.4%) and a smaller proportion of Asian people (0.5%).
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| Famous For: |
Hanmer Springs and the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa also Waipara Valley Wine Region |
| The people: |
Musicians
Phil Garland
Artists
Corina Hazlett, Maree Hare, Sharon Earl, Jane McIntosh, Marie Rusbatch-Dawson
Writers
Bernadette Hall
Wine Maker Personalities
Daniel Schuster, John McCaskey, Alan McCorkindale, Matthew Donaldson
Sporting Legends
Alex Wyllie, Robbie Deans |