Things to See and Do
National parks
The Southern Alps are an almost constant companion for Canterbury road-trippers, with two national parks offering a chance to explore them on hiking trails, and overnight in campervan- friendly campsites. Two hours from Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass National Park lies on the Great Alpine Highway to Greymouth. Trails from the visitor centre reach various vantage points to survey its medley of craggy peaks, scree slopes, steep gorges and braided rivers.
Further south, on the road to Queenstown, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is named for New Zealand’s highest mountain, the ‘cloud piercer’. It stands sentry with other mighty peaks and vast valleys – some lined with glaciers – that can be admired from Mt Cook Village and on surrounding trails. White Horse Hill campsite is a dramatic spot to spy the mountains through wafting clouds.​
Walking & hiking
While Canterbury’s national parks are hiking hotspots, numerous other reserves offer similarly scenic walks with easy parking and campsites at the trailheads. These include Craigieburn Forest Park (near Arthur’s Pass), Peel Forest (near Geraldine), and Ruataniwha Conservation Park (near Twizel).
Christchurch’s Botanic Garden is great for an amble, as are the cottage-lined backstreets of Akaroa, and Caroline Bay Park in Timaru. The Hanmer Springs area is also wonderful for walking, its surrounding forests featuring a veritable arboretum of native and exotic trees.
Food & Wine
A rural region with a big appetite for local produce, Canterbury has a wealth of great cafes, restaurants, bars and artisan producers. A taste of New Zealand’s exploding craft beer scene can be had at Pomeroy’s and Cassels brew-bars in Christchurch; to the north, the Waipara Valley stakes its place on the wine-touring route. Artisan cheese factories include Geraldine’s Talbot Forest, and Barry’s Bay on the way to Akaroa.
Rural Canterbury is a hotbed of great home baking, including venerable meat pies crafted in country bakeries such as those in Darfield and Sheffield. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of regular farmers’ markets – great for stocking up your Britz campervan kitchen.​
Aquatic activities
With around 800 kilometres of coastline and scores of rivers, Canterbury is a great place to dip a toe in the water. Punting on the Avon River is a gentle introduction and offers a unique perspective of inner Christchurch; popular beaches within 30 minutes’ drive of centre include New Brighton and Sumner, but there are plenty more north and south.
Akaroa Harbour is a hive of activities such as kayaking, sailing, scenic cruises and even swimming with dolphins. There are also ocean fishing trips, somewhat overshadowed by angling for salmon and trout in legendary rivers such as the Rakaia and Waimakariri. Jet boats tackle the white water, with even more exciting adventures offered by Rangitata Rafts, with trips for chicken and champion alike.
Arts & culture
Cantabrians have buoyed themselves on a life raft of creativity in the wake of the earthquakes, especially in Christchurch’s CBD. Vibrant street art, sculpture, gardens and general enterprise has sprung up in the city’s holes and cracks, egged on by the gregarious Gap Filler project. Canterbury Museum, in Hagley Park, retells quake tales alongside wide-ranging exhibits. Two notable cultural institutions on Banks Peninsula are Akaroa Museum and the Maori & Colonial Museum in Okains Bay, while Timaru is home to South Canterbury Museum and Aigantighe Art Gallery. For events and festivals throughout the region, check out Be There.​
Nature & Scenic
Christchurch & Canterbury
The bird’s-eye views of the patchwork-like Canterbury Plains and how they interact with New Zealand’s largest and most picturesque mountain range, the Southern Alps, offer an unforgettable welcome.
Spanning 190 kilometres, the Canterbury Plains are New Zealand’s largest area of flat land at low altitude. Converted from indigenous tussock into productive farm land by the early settlers in the mid 19th century, they represent a cornerstone of the Canterbury economy.
To the east of the plains is the South Pacific Ocean, while the western boundary is marked by the Southern Alps, extending 550 kilometres in a south westerly direction from beyond Canterbury’s northern border.
The beauty of the alps can be experienced by a visit to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, while living remnants of the ice age in the form of spectacular glaciers are also within driving distance of Christchurch.
- Alpine Pacific Triangle
- Hurunui High Country Track – Culverden
- Kaikoura Coast Track - Cheviot
- Kaikoura Wilderness Walks – Kaikoura
Art & Culture
Christchurch & Canterbury
The largest South Island Art Gallery opened May 2003 located in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct, a stunning modern glass and steel structure. A designated cultural precinct stretches from Cathedral Square along the heritage tram line to the Botanic Gardens, taking in art galleries, cafes, the Arts Centre and the historic Museum and Christ’s College buildings.
Check out the sounds from the Symphony Orchestra started over 40 years ago. The Christchurch Symphony is rated the second best in the country playing a wide range of music from baroque to modern 21st century pop and jazz. For cultural interaction, visit Ko Tane Maori Experience, an authentic Maori cultural experience, with a traditional powhiri (greeting), cultural performances/show and living village and wildlife reserve, with a traditional ‘Taste of New Zealand’ dinner or Maori Tours Kaikoura where you can explore historic Maori sites, visit family homes and marae and learn about Ngai Tahu culture.
- Alpine Pacific Triangle
- Majuba Gallery & Design Store – Hanmer Springs
- The Rocking Frog – Waikari
- Crossroads Gallery – Cheviot
- Maori Tours Kaikoura - Kaikourav
Beach & Coastal Encounters
Christchurch & Canterbury
From Christchurch’s early days, city residents have enjoyed coming to Sumner and neighbouring Scarborough beaches for their summer fun. The area is also distinctive for its two unusual rock features, Cave Rock ( Tuawera) and Shag Rock (Rapanui). Stop for ice cream, a cold drink, coffee or even gourmet pizza at one of the local stores, restaurants and cafes.
On the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the seaside settlement of Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic mountains which are snow capped for many months of the year. The unique combination of ocean and mountains never fails to leave visitors to Kaikoura in awe. The township is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains. In the waters off this peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting 'close to nature'.
Banks Peninsula is the result of violent eruptions from three ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the surroundings bays are the remaining legacy of earth’s fury.
Akaroa is the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Their influence is still evident in this vibrant tourist town - look for French street names, quaint historical buildings and inspired cuisine.
- Alpine Pacific Triangle
- Motunau Beach
- Gore Bay
Wildlife Experiences
Christchurch & Canterbury
Canterbury’s complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, making it an ideal place for getting ‘close to nature’. Rocky peninsulas, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains, lead to the home of seals, whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins and spectacular birdlife; including the mighty albatross. Kaikoura offers a unique combination of ocean and mountains offers stunning coastal alpine scenery and a host of eco-tourism activities, including whale watching, dolphin swimming, walks and much more.
The spectacular volcanic craters of Banks Peninsula provide a rich environment for marine life; including the Hector Dolphin, the world's rarest and smallest.
- Alpine Pacific Triangle
- Wai ariki Nature Park – Hanmer Springs
- Albatross & Dolphin Encounter – Kaikoura
- Whale Watch – Kaikoura
- Seal Swim – Kaikoura
- Seal Colony - Kaikoura
Britz Tips
- Campervan travel is easy around this area, with clear road signage, spacious parking and excellent visitor services.
- There are around 40 holiday parks in Canterbury, including six within 20 minutes’ drive of central Christchurch; the wider region is also well serviced. These parks are well used to touring campervanners and foster a sociable atmosphere.
- There are a dozen vehicle-accessible Department of Conservation campsites, many around the Arthur’s Pass area.
- Outside of January and Easter when New Zealand holidaymakers are out in force, campsite bookings are usually not required so campervan travellers are free to follow a flexible itinerary.
- As Canterbury’s alpine areas can get cold even in summer, warm clothes are essential. In winter, visitors should be prepared to encounter snow.
- Snow bunnies should head to Mt Hutt, one of Australasia’s highest ski resorts.
- Freedom camping is permitted in some places; i-SITE visitor centres can advise where and what rules apply