New Zealand
Canterbury
Canterbury at a Glance
The Canterbury Region includes a large central portion of the East Coast of the South Island, centred around the city of Christchurch.
From the silvery beaches of the East Coast to the jagged
peaks of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury landscape is
impossible to ignore. Big scenery is the order of the day -
huge panoramas of ocean or mountains, great sweeps of
pastureland, massive amounts of sky. It's easy to be
awestruck - but if you want to be totally flabbergasted, take a
hot air balloon ride. The experience of floating across the
Canterbury Plains with the majesty of the Southern Alps
behind you will ingrain itself on your memory forever.
Two hours north of
Christchurch is Kaikoura,
where the mountains meet
the sea. Fur seals lounge on
rocks just metres from the
shore, dusky and Hector's
dolphins frolic in the sea
within sight of town, while
only a few kilometres further
out, giant sperm whales
haunt the depths. The sperm
whale can be seen all year
round off Kaikoura and is the
third largest whale in the
world, only beaten by the
blue and fin whales.
Not far from Kaikoura is the scenic alpine and thermal village
of Hanmer Springs. Since 1859 this spa town has attracted
visitors seeking to relax, unwind and ease their aches and
pains in the soothing mineral waters. There is a variety of
outdoor activities on offer in Hanmer Springs, including skiing,
mountain biking, forest walks, river rafting and bungy
jumping. While just north of Christchurch, take time out to
discover the wine makers of the beautiful Waipara Valley.
Inland from Christchurch lie the magnificent Southern Alps -
only an hour from the city. The village of Arthur's Pass makes
an ideal base for all kinds of activities. You can also
experience the TranzAlpine - one of the world's most
spectacular train journeys that takes you from Christchurch to
Greymouth.
Step back into New Zealand's past in Akaroa, Canterbury's
oldest village. You'll hear about Maori, whaling, French and
British history. Natural history is another topic to explore - in
summer you might even get the chance to swim with the
world's rarest dolphin, the Hector's dolphin.
South of Christchurch lie the Ashburton and Timaru districts.
Ashburton district is home to all kinds of exciting activities like
skiing, hot air ballooning and salmon fishing. Timaru district
features many attractive towns, rolling green hills, lush
pasture and braided rivers.
Main Centres
Christchurch the largest city in the South Island
Kaikoura translated from Maori means 'a place for
eating crayfish'
Hanmer Springs a peaceful alpine village
Timaru features significant Maori rock art collections
Lake Tekapo beautiful lakeside town
Methven gateway to Mount Hutt
Akaroa attractive village with a French history
Darfield gateway to the Southern Alps and a key stop
on Inland Scenic Route 72
RETURN TO SOUTH ISLAND REGION
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