Canterbury attractions & activities

Canterbury is a vast playground, with a fantastic range of sporting and outdoor activities right on our doorstep. In fact where else is it possible to go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. Below is just a taste of some of the activities and experiences Canterbury has to offer.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3745 metres. Located in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and surrounded by glaciers, it’s a popular tourist destination. Nearby is the lake and township of Lake Tekapo - a popular base for the various activities the region has to offer, including fly fishing, golf, skiing/snowboarding, ice-skating, hot pools and scenic flights.

Cycling & Hiking

With the city located on relatively flat land, Christchurch is well suited to commuter and recreational cycling. In the summer, some of the Canterbury’s ski fields become a mountain biker’s paradise or closer to home the port hills offers a variety of different tracks. You don’t need wheels to enjoy what the city, and the region in general has to offer, though. Walkers and trampers (ramblers) of all abilities enjoy the amazing range of tracks from the mountains to the coast.

Hanmer Springs

One and a half hours from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is a popular alpine retreat for Christchurch locals. The major attraction at Hanmer is kicking back and relaxing at the thermal pools and spa, but if adventure is what you’re after Hanmer also offers activities such as bungee jumping, quad biking, skiing, mountain biking and nearby hiking trails.

Skiing

The New Zealand ski season runs from June to October, but with thirteen (commercial and club) ski fields in Canterbury alone, skiers and snowboarders are spoilt for choice. Around two hours easy drive, Mount Hutt is the closest commercial ski field to Christchurch.

Surfing

New Zealand offers some fantastic surfing, with Canterbury’s coastline providing a variety of surf spots. Both of Christchurch’s main city beaches, New Brighton and Sumner, are good for surfing but Taylors Mistake - a short drive around the headlands from Sumner, is the most popular with locals.

Vineyards and Wineries

Dotted all around the region are some superb vineyards. The Waipara Valley is situated only 40 minutes’ drive north of Christchurch, and with around 80 vineyards it’s claimed to be the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand. In February/March each year the region hosts the Wairapa Wine and Food Celebration, a great family event.

Whale Watching

Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where you can view whales in their natural habitat. Sperm whales can be viewed all year round whilst, humpbacks, killer, pilot, blue and southern right whales make their appearances more seasonally. Another favourite with tourists are the New Zealand fur seals, and the dusky dolphin.

These are just a few of the activities the Canterbury region has to offer: