An amazing arena for adventure and indulgence

The highest point of the region is the highest point of New Zealand. The spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook stands at 3754 metres (Aoraki is Maori for Cloud Piercer).

At the other end of the scale, the submarine trenches off the coast of Kaikoura are thousands of metres deep, providing an ideal environment for the whales, dolphins and seals that live there permanently.

Between the mountains and the sea, the vast plains are patchworked with the patterns of rural life. Hundreds of years ago, Maori moa hunters worked these plains leaving a rock art record of their successes.

In the two cities of the region, Christchurch and Timaru, great care has been taken to preserve Canterbury's colonial heritage. Grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
This park is a land of ice and rock. Glaciers cover 40% of its area and there are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres, including New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki Mount Cook. Mount Cook Village is a base for climbers and hikers.

Alpine Pacific Triangle Touring Route
The Alpine Pacific Triangle takes you to the gourmet area of Waipara, spa delights of Hanmer Springs and marine mammals of Kaikoura. Between destinations, enjoy the beautiful country scenery.

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour were formed by volcanic eruptions, many thousands of years ago. Originally a French settlement, the historic town of Akaroa is a place to enjoy fine cuisine and wildlife cruises.

Not far away from the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, Rangiora is a thriving country town located between the Waimakiriri and Ashley Rivers. Here you will experience the tranquility of a country lifestyle where peaceful seclusion and other iconic rural townships encompass the very essence in making this district so special.

The landscape is defined by the mighty Waimakariri River, dramatic gorges, wide braided rivers, mountains and foothills, high country tussock, rural plains and boundless beaches – Waimakariri is a great outdoor adventure playground.

The Inland Scenic Route SH 72 leads through Rangiora which is within comfortable driving distance from the Canterbury ski fields, vineyards, golf courses, sporting venues and other local and regional attractions.

The lively and creative 'garden city' is the gateway to the spectacular South Island of New Zealand.

Christchurch sits on the central east coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is bordered by the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour to the south, the beaches of Pegasus Bay to the east, and the sprawling Canterbury Plains to the west. It is the South Island's largest city and, with an international airport, is a gateway to all that it has to offer.

Christchurch was founded in the 1850s as a settlement of the Church of England. It is today often described as New Zealand's most English city.

The city is built around beautiful parks and gardens, and is dissected by the River Avon, which meanders through the city. The city centres on Cathedral Square, home of the once impressive Christ Church Cathedral. Many of the city's top sights are within walking distance of the Square. But due to the recent and devastating earthquakes, part of the central city has been closed off due to the extent of damaged caused.

A short drive from the city centre is the lovely seaside resort of Sumner, which has a sandy beach and a selection of cafes and restaurants. A drive over the Port Hills to the south of Sumner offers spectacular views of the city and Canterbury Plains, to the Southern Alps beyond.

Lyttleton, on the southern side of the Port Hills, is a picturesque little town perched on the hills above Lyttleton Harbour. It was here that the Canterbury Pilgrims landed in 1850 and is today one of New Zealand?s busiest ports. Further a field, the stunning Banks Peninsula and its picturesque town of Akaroa are a worthwhile excursion from the city.

On the edge an ancient volcano and only 85 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, Akaroa is an historic French and British settlement. With its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés, it is a delightful place for your next holiday. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or explore one of the neighbouring bays. Charter a boat out onto the harbour, where scenic, fishing, and wildlife encounter cruises are available.

The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and is home to a variety of sea and bird life including the world‚s smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin.

There are activities for everyone including wildlife cruises, swimming with the dolphins, boat hire and sea kayaking.

This busy coastal South Island port and holiday gateway to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the Central South Island.  The town is known for its elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, made of valcanic bluestone.  Timaru's focal point is beautiful Caroline Bay.

The excellent museum explores the area's whaling history.  There is also Maori artefacts and a replica of the first aeroplane designed and flown by local farmer and inventor, Richard Pearse.

Located 19km north of Timaru, is Pleasant Point the home of the Pleasant Point steam railway, the award-winning Opihi vineyard and Denheath House.

Timaru is a convenient base for winter skiers, and there are several ski areas within two hours' drive including Mt Dobson, Fox Peak, Mt Hutt, Ohau and Tekapo.