Canterbury

Stretching from the wild Pacific coast to the soaring Southern Alps, Canterbury is New Zealand’s largest region and a land of epic contrasts. Here you’ll find the garden city of Christchurch, the turquoise lakes of the Mackenzie Basin, and the towering peak of Aoraki / Mount Cook. Whether you’re whale watching off Kaikōura, soaking in hot pools at Hanmer Springs, or exploring the Banks Peninsula’s French-influenced Akaroa, Canterbury delivers a quintessential Kiwi road-trip experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Christchurch – A revitalised city blending heritage architecture with street art, the Avon River punting, and the award-winning Canterbury Museum.
• Aoraki / Mount Cook – New Zealand’s highest peak, with world-class hiking (the Hooker Valley Track is a must), stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and glacier ski-plane flights.
• Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki – Iconic milky-blue lakes framed by mountains; visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Tekapo and take in the views from the Pukaki lookout.
• Akaroa – A charming French-flavoured harbour town on Banks Peninsula, perfect for dolphin cruises, artisan food, and coastal walks.
• Hanmer Springs – Relax in thermal pools amid alpine scenery, with mountain biking, bungy jumping, and forest walks nearby.
• Arthur’s Pass – A dramatic alpine crossing on the road from Christchurch to the West Coast, with short walks to waterfalls and kea sightings.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least 5–7 days to do justice to Canterbury. Start with 1–2 days in Christchurch, then drive the scenic route through Arthur’s Pass or head south to the Mackenzie Basin. Spend 2–3 days around Aoraki / Mount Cook and the lakes, and add a day for Akaroa or Hanmer Springs. A self-drive itinerary is ideal, as many of the best spots are spread along State Highways 1, 73, and 8.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Tasman – A sun-soaked region of golden beaches, national parks, and craft breweries, a 4–5 hour drive north from Christchurch.
• West Coast – Rugged wilderness with glaciers, rainforest, and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, accessible via Arthur’s Pass (3–4 hours drive).
• Otago – Home to Queenstown, Wanaka, and the historic gold-rush towns of the Central Otago region, a 3–4 hour drive south from Lake Tekapo.

Please check official sources for current details.