Canterbury Regional Information

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Canterbury offers one of the most diverse of New Zealand's landscapes. Bounded by the Southern Alps to the west, and the Pacific to the east, the region of Canterbury is largely flat, arable farmland. A planned settlement of the 1800's, Canterbury has strong English influences. Serviced primarily by its main city, Christchurch, this region oozes with European appeal and charm. But, just as the landscape is varying, so too is the history. Ride out to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula and take in the colonial French charm that abounds in the streets, buildings and place names of this historic town. The Banks Peninsula itself is of huge geological and historical significance to Canterbury, and indeed New Zealand. Formed from Lyttelton and Akaroa volcanoes, Banks Peninsula was named after the principal scientist on Captain Cook's voyages from 1769 onwards. Included on the peninsula is Lyttelton, the historic port that serves Christchurch. Drive via tunnel under the Port Hills from Christchurch, and arrive in Lyttelton. Here you can look to the sheltering hills and witness the historic marine Timeball Station, one of only seven working examples left in the world.

Canterbury is an extremely large province, stretching from Kaikoura in the north, Timaru to the south and bordered by the picturesque and foreboding Alps to the west. Naturally, there is much to see and do. Travel northwards along the undulating rural hills to Kaikoura, which offers unique opportunities in eco-tourism. It is internationally renowned for its whale watching operations. Take a jet boat out into the ocean and wait to catch a glimpse at the huge sperm whales that surface, leap and plunge into the sea. Tourists can also take the chance to swim with the dolphins that inhabit the area. Additionally, pull over on the coastal highway and gaze at the seals lazing on the suncaked rocks as petrels and mollyhawks dive for ocean fish. Inland lies the resort of Hanmer. Famed for its thermal pools, treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters. Hanmer offers all the facilities a tourist requires, restaurants, camping facilities and motels, all nestled into an idyllic paradise. For those yearning for thrill-seeking pastimes go bungy-jumping, strap into a jetboat or tackle the forest tramps, all in Hanmer.

Along the same theme, travel deep into the mountainous Southern Alps. Just 90 minutes from Christchurch lies Mt. Hutt skifield. This particular ski resort has an impressive international reputation and indeed has hosted world champion grand prix ski meets. Serviced by the town of Methven, where ample accommodation, pubs and restaurants abound this tranquil town comes alive in the ski season. Tourists also have the luxury of choice when it comes to ski pursuits in the Canterbury region as it is served by another 11 fields. The Alps offer an outdoor sporting bonanza ranging from perilous trekking along rugged ridges to mountain climbing in the summer months. Cut across the Canterbury Plains by road or rail and ascend the mountains to Arthur's Pass. From here you can access the rustic West Coast or stop off to hike, hunt or fish in the magnificent Southern Alps. On the Plains themselves, lies the town of Ashburton. This settlement supplies the surrounding district, which consists largely of pastoral land, and has the reputation as being the bread basket of New Zealand. Tourists can relax in the country pace on the ground, or if they wish, view the harvest from a hot air balloon. Fast paced attractions are available as well. For instance, the Ashburton District is well known for jetboating along the shallow and windy rivers and tributaries that carve through the Plains. Don some waterproof trousers, grab a rod and take to these rivers in search of the elusive salmon. Further south still along the flat plains lies the South Canterbury city of Timaru. Supporting a bustling port, Timaru is another gateway to the Alps, where opportunities such as heli-skiing and mountain climbing exist. Timaru is close to New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki or Mt. Cook, which dominates the McKenzie Country region. Travel inland via Geraldine, on your way enjoy the legendary hospitality of the High Country people, the tussock highlands of Canterbury and the scenic beauty of the region.