The Canterbury Region includes a large central portion of the East
Coast of the South Island; home to mountainous regions that include the
spectacular Arthur's Pass and Mount Cook - New Zealand's tallest mountain.
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 bungee jumping. While just north
of Christchurch, take time out to discover the wine makers of the beautiful
Waipara Valley.
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.
Canterbury is fortunate in having an abundance of high quality natural and
physical resources. However, there are many competing demands on these resources
and Environment Canterbury has the responsibility, under the Resource Management
Act and other legislation, for managing a diverse range of natural resources and
related environmental issues including water quantity, water quality, solid and
hazardous waste, air quality, natural hazards, and aspects of land resources.
Air Tickets Online -
