Canterbury

Indulge your senses in a totally fresh experience…

Canterbury, a unique combination of nine supremely beautiful and different districts, and the city of Christchurch, on the East coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Within two hours’ drive of Christchurch International Airport …

See – the beauty, the grandeur, the awesome magnificence of sea, sky, and mountains.

Hear – the tranquility, the peace.

Touch – the warmth, the friendliness, the basic down-to-earth Kiwi good humour.

Smell – the excitement, the fear, of death-defying outdoor adventure.
Taste – some of the most exquisite food and wine available in the world.

Visit the nine districts of Canterbury:

• Kaikoura
• Hurunui
• Waimakariri
• Banks Peninsula
• Ashburton
• Selwyn
• Mackenzie
• Timaru
• Waimate
Or the city of Christchurch…

Kaikoura
Rugged coastal beauty set against a stunning mountain backdrop – marine life, bird life, a rich Maori historical background, hunting, skiing, crafts and wine. Close to Nature, Kaikoura is starkly beautiful – it’s spectacular – and it’s not to be missed.

Hurunui
Action, thrills and high activity mixed with alpine scenic splendour and a naturally heated thermal complex that is second to none,
will ensure that the Hurunui will satisfy your thirst for life.

Waimakariri
Waimakariri’s two major towns, Kaiapoi and Rangiora, are within an hour’s drive of Christchurch, travelling North along State Highway 1.

Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula – scenic, charming, relaxing, beautiful.

Ashburton
Whatever it takes to make your visit to Canterbury totally memorable, you’ll find it in Ashburton. Ski Mt Hutt for the longest ski season in New Zealand, fish for salmon on the world ranked Rakaia River, play the most scenic game of golf you’ve ever played at the Terrace Downs Resort, or float above the plains and mountains in a hot air balloon. Sounds idyllic? – it is!

Selwyn
Home to one of the most spectacular train journeys of the world, Arthurs Pass National Park, the Waimakariri Canyon, the serenity of Lake Coleridge, sensational Selwyn is the place that has it all when you want to get away from it all…

Aoraki/ Mt Cook Mackenzie
At 3,754 metres above sea level, Aoraki/Mt Cook provides the focal point of the Mackenzie country. Combine that with the unique deep turquoise colour of several glacial lakes and you have scenery that’ll leave you breathless – but there’s more … much, much more…

Timaru
The largest collection of Maori rock art in New Zealand, Edwardian architectural treasures, the world renowned Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, whitewater rafting, home base for the internationally acclaimed Temuka pottery. Some of the excellent reasons for spending time in the Central South Island – there are hundreds more…

Waimate
Native bush walks, New Zealand’s largest wallaby population, the annual Strawberry Fare, hunting and fishing, gardens and mountain biking. Waimate, centre of the South, a unique corner or relaxed rural New Zealand charm…

The City of Christchurch
A unique blend of historic charm and exciting city life. A delicate balance of hustle and bustle with fresh tranquility. All the facilities and none of the frustrations. This will weave a spell on you and leave you enchanted.