Porters Pass, Canterbury  © Lawrence Smith

About Canterbury

The Canterbury region stretches from the Pacific Ocean on the South Island’s east coast, through the inland patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged Southern Alps. Canterbury is a large region of variety; home to cities, farms, wineries, coastal townships and ski resorts.

Ocean to Alpine

In the centre of this diverse destination lies the region’s picturesque capital – Christchurch, ‘The Garden City’ – and the rural appeal of Central Canterbury. The charming small towns of Rangiora, Woodend & Kaiapoi, Oxford, Darfield and Springfield may not be firm fixtures on the tourist map, but for a relaxing taste of heartland New Zealand you can’t get much better. A foray further inland will take you to the isolated Arthur's Pass village and national park - a top spot for outdoor adventure!

Canterbury Skiing

With its mix of commercial and club skifields, plus world-class heli-skiing, Canterbury offers skiers and boarders a veritable smorgasbord of winter options. Located at the foot of the Southern Alps, Mt Hutt boasts a speedy six-seater chairlift to carry skiers and snowboarders to some of the most varied terrain in the South Island.

Along the Craigieburn range, club fields Mt Cheeseman, Mt Olympus and Craigieburn Valley provide a welcoming atmosphere and week-long activities, whilst popular Porters - just 89km from Christchurch - is another great day-trip option. And for something a little different, nearby Helipark offers 380ha of free-riding backcountry terrain accessed only by helicopter.

Rural Attraction

The Canterbury regions sprinkling of rural townships are an attraction in themselves, with glimpses of typical Kiwi farm life on offer throughout. Spend a night at a Canterbury farmstay or enjoy a local farm tour. Farmland also makes up some of the area's great walking tracks.

History Lessons

From the historic Kaiapoi Pa site to the National Scouting Museum or the tiny Oxford jail house, the Canterbury region holds bundles of well-kept historical secrets that can be uncovered on a journey through the area.

Arthur's Pass National Park

Established in 1929 as the first national park in the South Island, Arthur's Pass National Park straddles the mighty Southern Alps between Canterbury and the West Coast. Although comparatively small in size, the park is known as a real alpine getaway full of dense native bush, steep gorges, braided rivers and snowy peaks. Back country huts and campsites are dotted throughout the expansive park, offering hikers a real New Zealand back country experience.

Canterbury

Accommodation

 Accommodation in Canterbury includes luxury hotels, cosy B&Bs, motels and busy backpacker hostels. Further into the country, classic New Zealand farm stays and holiday homes are available.

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 Boats idle on Christchurch's Avon River  Heather Hapeta

Canterbury

Activities

 Canterbury is able to offer an array of activitiies, both adventurous and cultural. Take a punt down the Avon River or spend a day at the Christchurch International Antarctic Centre.

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