by Canterbury, bordered by the snow-capped Southern Alps to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, is New Zealand’s largest region.
Christchurch is a city of arts and culture and the gateway to the fun and adventurous South Island. The main tourist destinations in the Canterbury region are only one or two hours’ drive from Christchurch International Airport.
Canterbury is a vast and magnificent natural wonderland that offers a variety of outdoor experiences and thrilling adventures. It is also home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (3754 m), surrounded by the Southern Alps and more magnificent than its European namesake.
In the Canterbury region, visitors can speed down stunning ski slopes, play golf on world-class courses, experience water sports (swimming, surfing, windsurfing, jet boating or white water rafting) or cycle along scenic trails, taste award winning wines in beautiful vineyards, stroll through flowery gardens or relax in alpine hot springs.
The new look of Christchurch
Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, is one of the oldest cities in New Zealand. Christchurch’s world-renowned architectural heritage, the neo-Gothic architecture, was badly damaged by the earthquake in February 2011. Today, in the Garden City, one of the world’s 10 best cities to visit in 2013, with art exhibitions, container shopping malls, chic bars and restaurants, and the world’s first cardboard church, Christchurch is being transformed into a modern and creative city.
History
According to the oral history of the Maori people, the Maori people arrived in the Canterbury region about 1000 years ago. The ancient Maori rock mural site in south Canterbury contains valuable works of art and is an important testimony to early Maori culture. In the 19th century, British immigrants moved here, attracted by large tracts of land suitable for farming. The seaside village of Akaroa, a French settlement on BanksPeninsula, still retains its early French charm.
Explore Canterbury
One of the best ways to explore Canterbury from Christchurch is on a road trip. Following The scenic Alpine Triangle highway through picturesque country hills and rugged coasts, Visit the alpine spa resort village of Hanmer Springs, the wine-producing Waipara Valley and the popular coastal ecotourism resort of Kaikoura.
Two of the most scenic train lines operated by New Zealand Rail company KiwiRail depart from Christchurch. Board the Pacific Coast Train and head north along the rugged Pacific coastline to the port of Picton. You can also experience one of the world’s most famous train journeys, the TranzAlpine, across the Canterbury Plains, down the WaimakaririRiver into deep canyons and through the mighty Southern Alps.
Favourable atmospheric conditions and varied natural landscapes make Canterbury one of New Zealand’s most famous hot air ballooning destinations.
Outdoor activities in Canterbury
Canterbury is an outdoor paradise, with outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing in the air, water and mountains. Giant sperm whales can be seen off the coast of Kaikoura, dolphins can be spotted in the turquoise Akarova Harbour, and the daring Kea can be seen in the foothills.
Hanmer Springs is a resort town where you can enjoy biking, hiking, fishing, bungee jumping and soothing geothermal springs.
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is an internationally renowned mountain climbing and trekking destination. Glaciers cover 40% of the park, there are 23 peaks over 3,000 metres above sea level and 10 major ski areas, including the vast Mt Hutt ski area and the family-friendly Porters ski area.
At the same time, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve can see brighter stars than almost anywhere else in the world.
