The Canterbury Region

(Incorporating Kaikoura, Maruia Springs, Arthurs Pass, Lake Pukaki, Waimate)

Significant natural features include: the Kaikoura Ranges, the two major passes to the West Coast being the Lewis Pass with the Maruia and Hanmer thermal springs, and Arthurs Pass with its spectacular alpine scenery.

The Canterbury Plains with its braided rivers sourced high in the mountains of the alpine divide, and the Banks Peninsula with its two flooded volcanic craters. The tussock country which surrounds Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki with its nearby dominating peak of Mount Cook.

Forest, Maritime and National Parks

Hanmer Forest Park, contains and old exotic forest with a wide variety of species as well as significant tracts of natives. This provides a recreational resource for the thermal resort town of Hanmer Springs which is a popular escape destination from Christchurch. The well developed pools area provides relaxation and family activities.

Lake Sumner Forest Park

Access is by foot only and is popular with trampers. It contains an old gold miners route over the Southern Alps to the West Coast. Lake Sumner provides fishing opportunities. On the northern boundary to the park is Maruia Springs Thermal Resort which comprises accommodation, pool and restaurant facilities, but no town or village. The resort and restaurant carry a Japanese Theme.

Craigieburn Forest Park.

Located near Arthurs Pass, plantations here are used for research into mountain land management. There are picnic areas and ski fields as well as hiking and tramping opportunities.

Arthurs Pass National Park.

The park covers 98,000 ha, on both sides of the main divide and comprised predominantly beech forest and alpine peaks with rise up above the bush line.

Deep gorges with rushing rivers and spectacular falls showcase the power of nature. The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre has comprehensive information and interpretational displays on both the flora, fauna and geology of the area, as well as an insight into its history.

Arthurs Pass Village has eateries, petrol and public conveniences.

The Tranzalpine Train calls at the railway station twice a day on its return journey between Christchurch and Greymouth.

Watch for the Kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot, attracted to the village by the promise of 'high octane' food scraps, which visitors are discouraged from making available as its prevents the birds from occupying themselves by foraging in the bush for its proper diet, leaving the birds with time to get get up to all manner of mischief and destructive behaviour. Birds which get out of control have to be relocated by the Department of Conservation away from populated areas.

Mount Cook National Park

Over one third of the park is made up of permanent snow and glacier ice.

Dominating the scenery is the majestic peak if Mount Cook (Aoraki- the cloud piercer) at 3764m. Mount Cook village provides visitor facilities and has a small airport. Scenic flights around Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier are available some involving glacier landings. Access to the village is from Highway 8, 11 km north of Twizel and is 55km from that turnoff. The road follows the shore of Lake Pukaki most of the way the lake being fed from the glacial melt.

General

The plains and high country of Canterbury have been a mainstay of the sheep farming industry from its inception. This is still the case and whilst the land supports huge numbers of animals you would be forgiven for wondering "where are they all' but the vastness of the landscape soon dilutes their visual impact. The lowlands and river plains support more diverse agriculture and the plains area around Christchurch viewed from the air is a many coloured quilt of grazing and horticulture. North Canterbury, in particular the Waipara region is becoming an established and recognised wine growing district.

Visit the Wine Region Map and click on the Waipara Region for a list of wineries to visit. Not restricted to this area wineries can be found around Kaikoura and Banks Peninsula.

Christchurch is the commercial centre of Canterbury with the greater city area housing about 350,000. The city celebrated its 150th anniversary in December 2000, being 150 years since the arrival of the 'first four ships' of colonial settlers at Lyttelton Harbour, just over the Port Hills. In that time it has grown from a few small shacks to what is now colloquially known as the 'Garden City', not only for its public parks and gardens but also for the large number of private gardening enthusiasts. Museums, galleries, bars and cafes, the Tram, Arts Centre (in the old university buildings), Hagley Park, the botanical gardens, and the Avon River all provide venues for recreation social, sporting and cultural activities.

The Canterbury region has several ski fields Mt Hutt, near Methven and Porter Heights on the way to Arthurs Pass, being commercial fields plus many club operated fields which are open to the public.

Banks Peninsula has two harbour areas both formed by the eruption of separate volcanoes. One forming the Lyttelton Harbour basin and the other Akaroa, once the crater rims were breached by seawater. Lyttelton has a commercial shipping port for South Island sea freight and is visited over the summer months my many international cruise liners. The town is an eclectic mix of historic and modern buildings, on the slopes of the harbourside hills.

Akaroa is a peaceful village with a picturesque harbour catering mainly to small fishing and pleasure boats. The street names reflect the origins of the village as a French settlement. Both harbors have scenic and wildlife cruises.

Kaikoura is the home of whale watching amongst other activities such as swimming with dolphins and seals. This seaside town has its origins as a whaling station, a far cry from today's activities. These gentle giants come here to feed the rich waters which plunge to great depths not far from shore. You can imagine that the sea floor is almost a continuation of the soaring slopes of the Kaikoura Ranges. Made up of two chains of mountains, the Seaward and Inland Kaikouras are snow capped in winter and offer a spectacular backdrop when viewed from offshore on the various boat trips.

The rivers of the region offer recreational activities in the form of fishing, rafting and jet boating. The mouths of the Canterbury and South Canterbury rivers are popular for their seasonal salmon runs. Ashburton is well located for this. Timaru is a port town situated on Caroline Bay, which has a lovely beach with good facilities. Temuka is known for its pottery which produces tableware used for both domestic and commercial use.

The hydro lakes of South Canterbury, Lakes Benmore and Aviemore attract boaties in the summer for camping and water skiing.

South Canterbury has some attractive small villages such as Staveley which is an ideal base for exploring the popular Mount Somers area including the Lost World of Erewhon and walks on the Mount Somers Walkway. Waimate (which has a fine selection of historic buildings) and Geraldine which is close to Peel Forest, and Fairlie, close to Mt Dobson and Fox Peak ski fields.

 

A SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES IN THIS REGION

Akaroa, Ashburton,  Christchurch,  Fairlie,  Geraldine,  Governors Bay, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura,  Lake Tekapo,  Lyttelton,  Methven,Mount Somers,  Omarama and  Pleasant Point.

 Christchurch

Canterbury Trails Guided Tour Akaroa
Personally Guided Day Tour - Akaroa & Banks Peninsula from Christchurch featuring two options Banks Peninsula and Akaroa includes Akaroa harbour cruise or Banks Peninsula and Akaroa includes Akaroa swim with dolphins.
Website: Click here

Canterbury Trails Guided Tour Kaikoura
A guided day trip to Kaikoura with Canterbury Trails provides the opportunity to travel to this unique coastal region. Your knowledgeable guide will ensure that you make the most of both your journey and your destination.
Website: Click here

Canterbury Trails Guided Tour Arthurs Pass
Personally Guided Day Tours - Arthurs Pass National Park and Otira Gorge. The Southern Alps of New Zealand is a truly spectacular mountain range and, once you leave the Canterbury Plains, the route between Christchurch and Arthurs Pass has an awe inspiring landscape at every turn.
Website: Click here

Christchurch Wildlife Cruises Lyttelton Harbour
Unwind in the sea air as we whisk you away to experience the extensive local marine life including the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphins. Watch also for the New Zealand Fur Seal and White Flippered Blue Penguin.
:Website: Click here

High Country Explorer Guided Tour Arthurs Pass
Travel the Canterbury Plains, river and high country with High Country Explorer, including the renowned TranzAlpine Train. By incorporating 4 different modes of transport from one location to the next, you will be able to visit areas normally inaccessible, and experience more spectacular scenery and grandeur.
Website: Click here

Christchurch Antarctic Centre, interactive ‘Museum’ giving a very good interpretation of Antarctic exploration and the link with Christchurch. (The ideal place to wait for a flight as it’s adjacent to the airport)
Website: Click here 

Drive to Akaroa - Self drive-Day trip to the French influenced village of Akaroa, via the seaside village of Sumner and Lyttelton Harbour, all day, cafes at Akaroa for lunch. Take hiking boots or shoes if you want to walk in Montgomery Park. 
(Allow all day)

Drive from Christchurch, through the seaside suburb of Sumner and over the hills to the Port of Lyttelton, drive around the harbour bays to the Wheatsheaf Tavern and turn right, drive over Gebbies Pass to the Black Tulip Tea Rooms, turn left to Akaroa. Stop at Little River for interesting Antiques at the end of the village plus further on a specialist Rhododendron Nursery. Through Cooptown and up the hill, to Akaroa via Mongomery Park -at the top there is a big green sign which says ‘Eastern Bays’, take this road (If you get to the Hill Top Tavern on your left, you have gone too far) drive for a couple of hundred yards and you will see a sign saying ’Department of conservation, Montgomery Scenic Reserve’ suggest you take the walk here, a bit of a scramble higher up but great views of Akaroa Harbour and Pigeon Bay on the other side of the ridge. Continue on this road a little ways until you have a choice of Pigeon Bay to your left or Takamatua to your right. Take the road to your right, at the bottom of the hill turn left and drive to Akaroa
To travel directly to Akaroa – after Cooptown, go up the hill and continue on past the Hill Top Tavern.
In Akaroa consider taking the catamaran trip here, the harbour is home to Hectors Dolphins. Return to Christchurch via to main low land road through Tai Tapu and Halswell. A short diversion on the way back is Birdlings Flat where the surf pounds the stony beach. Look for the access road on your left after passing through Little River and after Lake Forsyth.

The Christchurch Arts Centre, an eclectic group of artisans located in the historic university buildings, adjacent to botanical gardens and museum. Weekend craft and food stalls
Website: http://www.artscentre.org.nz  includes arts diary.

Christchurch Botanical Gardens, a marvelous place to recover gently from your flight or to contemplate your return home.  http://www.ccc.govt.nz/botanicgardens/

Walking the Port Hills around Christchurch, numerous short and long hikes accessed from the Summit Road, Native bush to Tussock walks, extinct volcanic features, great views over the city, plains and harbour. Freedom walk or guided with Ian McLeods Walking Tours
Phone: +64 (03) 365 6672
Website: http://www.walkaway.co.nz 

Willowbank Wildlife Park – including Kiwi Reserve, Husseys Road, Christchurch. New Zealand and worldwide species. Open daily 10a.m – 10 p.m.
Phone +64 (03) 359 6226
Website: www.willowbank.co.nz 

Canterbury Museum, very good interpretation of early settlement and Maori exhibits, located adjacent to the botanical gardens. http://www.canterburymuseum.com/ 

Day trip to Arthurs Pass Alpine Village, either on the Tranzalpine Train or independently by car. Train goes to the West Coast and back, approx 4 hours in Arthurs Pass for walking, then catch return train. Watch for Kea’s our alpine Parrots.
Website: http://www.tranzrailtravel.co.nz 

 

 Akaroa

Akaroa Harbour dolphin watching and swimming
Your swimming with dolphins experience at Akaroa is just 90 minutes from Christchurch. A 'must do' for all animal lovers with a basic level of swimming ability, whether as part of a day trip to Akaroa or as part of your stopover in this scenic haven. Swimming with Dolphins Akaroa is a two hour cruise.
Website: Click here

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises
Make this two hour cruise on Akaroa Harbour, part of your day trip to Akaroa, or allow time for it during your stopover. Akaroa is located 90 minutes drive from from Christchurch. Akaroa township enjoys a stunning setting on the shores of this picturesque harbour.
Website: Click here

Akaroa Golf Club, Pawsons Valley Road, Duvauchelle, visitors welcome, hire equipment available from Duvauchelle Hotel. 18-hole course Par 67.

Akaroa Rentals Limited, moped and scooter hire
P O Box 112, Akaroa. 14 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa, New Zealand
Phone: 03 304 7220 Fax: 03 304 8021
e-mail: rentals@destinationakaroa.co.nz
 Website: http://www.akaroarentals.co.nz 

Pohatu Marine Reserve, Day Tours to Volcanic Rim and Flea Bay Marine Reserve Unique wildlife, sea kayaking, snorkeling, refreshments. Evening penguin watch, tours in season. Book at Akaroa Information Centre
Phone: +64 (03) 302 8600
e-mail: tours@pohatu.co.nz
Website: http://www.pohatu.co.nz 

 

Hanmer Springs.

Visit the pools in the Thermal Reserve, and relax in the soothing waters from the naturally heated mineral springs. A range of open-air pool options plus private thermal suites, which include their own thermal pool, shower and changing areas. The reserve also contains massage and natural therapies facilities, freshwater lap pool and family activities area with water slides and water falls.
Website: http://www.hanmersprings.co.nz/thermal/pools/ 

Hanmer Forest provides plenty of opportunities for walks of varying lengths and degree of fitness required. Most trails are classified as "easy" and require only sensible, comfortable footwear. The shortest walk is the Arboretum Track at 5 minutes; longer walks still classed as "easy" can be up to 2 1/2 hours. Then there are the more challenging routes and Day Tramps of up to 7 hours return requiring proper Hiking Boots and supplementary clothing to allow for adverse changes to the weather.
Website: http://hanmerforest.co.nz 

Mountain Biking in Hanmer is popular in this area and certain trails are open to bikers. Mountain bikes and accessories can be hired in the town, and information provided on trails. The forest roads and mountain bike tracks south of Jollies Pass Road offer easy, flat biking. Jacks and Jollies Passes offer more strenuous riding.
Website:  http://www.hanmeradventure.co.nz/mountain.htm

Horse Riding Hanmer Springs; Just 15min from Hanmer Adventure Centre, situated at the edge of the forest in Rogerson Valley is Hanmer Horses and their purpose built facility.
Explore the spectacular Hanmer Springs countryside crossing mountain streams on horseback taking in awesome views, an experience that you will not forget.
Website: http://www.hanmeradventure.co.nz/horse.htm 

Thrillseekers Bungy
Experience the thrill of a lifetime! The 135 year old Waiau Ferry Bridge is the site of our bungy jump. At 35 metres high it allows you more than enough time to experience the range of emotions from sheer terror to pure elation in the seconds it takes you to plummet towards the river. We issue certificates to all those who jump & offer souvenir photos & T-shirts to those wanting that little extra reminder of their experience
Website: http://www.thrillseekerscanyon.co.nz/ 

 

Kaikoura

Whale Watch Kaikoura
Off the coast of the village is a marine environment so rich in nutrients that it attracts some of the most magnificent creatures with which we share our planet. Amongst these is the Giant Sperm Whale which can grow up to 20 metres in length
Website: Click here

Dolphin Encounter tours and Swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura, a very special experience in the waters off the Kaikoura Coast where dolphins and other sea mammals are numerous. They come to feed in the rich waters, where deep sea trenches generate nutrient laden currents.
Website: Click here

Albatross Encounter
The Albatross Encounter Kaikoura tour is a unique boat based tour and a truly breathtaking experience taking you up close and personal to the majestic albatross. The Kaikoura coastline boasts one of the largest numbers of different types of seabirds within a small area than anywhere in New Zealand, if not the world, and this tour is an opportunity to view the diverse array of seabirds along the beautiful Kaikoura landscape.
Website: Click here

Wings over Whales operate the airborne version of Whale watching
Freephone in NZ:0800 655-121
Website: www.whales.co.nz   

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway follows the coastline and provides access to several NZ Fur Seal colonies. The distance is 4.5 kms and takes approx 2 1/2 hours, one way. The route links the termination of the coastal road at South Bay and the end of the road that runs through Kaikoura past the wharf. Double the time for the return trip or arrange transport for a one-way trip.
 

Ashburton district

Ashburton River Walk, 19km 5 1/2 hours (one way) from the town along the northern bank of the Ashburton River to the coast at Hakatere.

Adventure Skydives, Ashburton Airport
Freephone in NZ: 0800 666 228

Rangitata Fishing Safaris 4WD and Jet boat
Phone: +64 (03) 308 1353
Website: www.fishnhunt.co.nz/fishingguides/nz/salmon 

Fairlie, Geraldine, Methven, Mt Hutt and Mt Somers.

At Staveley just inland from Ashburton, visits to the Historic Lime Kilns, Sharplin Falls, and the important Mount Somers conservation area including the Lost World of Erewhon and the Mount Somers walkway.

Tussock and Beech Ecotours run 1 - 3 day guided nature tours to mountain beech forest, Mount Somers walkway, Lake Heron and Erewhon.
One of the options is a guided tour which includes a visit to Mt Sunday, site of Edoras in The Two Towers in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Phone: +64 (03) 303 0880
Fax: +64 (03) 303 0980
e-mail: ecotour@nature.net.nz

Walk Rakaia Gorge Track, 10km return 3-4 hours. start and finishes Rakaia Gorge Bridge. Follows the north east bank of the Rakaia River, Interpretive panels explain geology and history of the area.

Mount Hutt ski field, a popular commercial field with plenty of lifts and infrastructure.
Website: www.nzski.com

Washpen Falls Walkway, Windwhistle. A privately owned walkway situated within a unique volcanic canyon. Allow two and a half hours.
Contact Tom & Jen McElrea
Phone: +64 (03) 3186 813
e-mail: j.mcelrea@xtra.co.nz  
view their cottage accommodation Click Here

Ranelagh Rides, Methven. Horse riding and wagon trips
Phone: +64 (03) 302 8626

Aoraki Balloon Safaris Methven, view of Mount Cook and Canterbury plains
Freephone in NZ: 0800 256 837
Website: www.nzballooning.com 

Rakaia Gorge Scenic Jet Ltd, Jet boat the Rakaia Gorge
Phone: +64 (03) 318 6515

White Water Jets and Fishing, Rakaia River
Phone: +64 (03) 318 6574

Rangitata Rafts, Rangitata River. full day trips includes 3 hrs rafting and BBQ dinner.
Freephone in NZ: 0800 251 251

Mount Dobson and Fox Peak ski fields are located just out of Fairlie; these are club-operated fields and are open to the public.

Peel Forest, 21 km north of Geraldine, an area of native bush has a variety of short walks and tracks (1-3 hours).

Picnic at Waihi, Orari or Te Moana Gorges out of Geraldine.

 

Pleasant Point near Timaru

Timaru Walkways, a 3.5 km, 1 hour (one way), walk the length of centennial Park and a 2.7km, 1hr 10min(one way) walk from Saltwater Creek, Redruth to the Caledonian Sports ground, follows Saltwater Creek.

Pareora River Walk, 13.5km south west from Timaru. 16km of track (one way) mostly following the north bank of the Pareora River. Good bird life along this river.

 

Lake Tekapo, Omarama and Mount Cook

Cycle Hire from the Alpine Inn
Freephone in NZ: 0800 835 276

Icesport Tekapo, outdoor ice rinks in winter, subject to weather
Phone: +64 (03) 680 6550

Lake Tekapo Adventures and Cruises, wilderness Adventures
Freephone in NZ: 0800 528 624
Website: www.laketekapo.co.nz

Alpine Recreation, Lake Tekapo. Mount Cook Trekking and Climbing
Phone: +64 (03) 680 6736
e-mail: alprec@voyager.co.nz
Website: www.alpinerecreation.co.nz  

Kiwi Pete Fishing Trips, Lake Tekapo 4WD or luxury launch.
Phone: +64 (03) 680 6721

Air Safaris, Lake Tekapo. 50 min scenic flights, glaciers, Mt Cook, Westland & National Parks.
Freephone in NZ: 0800 806 880

Twizel Horse Treks. 1hr to 3 day treks
Freephone in NZ: 0800 245 549

Black Stilt Guided Tours, Tekapo is home to the black stilt (endangered) and crested grebe. Contact Mt Cook-Mackenzie Visitor Info Centre
Phone: +64 (03) 435 0801 or
Dept of Conservation Twizel
Phone: +64 (03) 435 0802

High Country Expeditions, climbing and abseiling
Website:  http://www.highcountrynz.com

Max's Fishing Trips, Omarama.
Phone: +64 (03) 438 9468
e-mail: maxsfishing@xtra.co.nz 

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