Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
The 10 Best Things to do for Honeymoon in Canterbury Region, South Island
Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the countrys third largest urban area.
Restaurants in Canterbury Region
1. Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 478 reviews
Escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating across an ever changing landscape. Come fly with us!
2. Lake Pukaki
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 738 reviews
Reviewed By pd7 - London, United Kingdom
Fabulously picturesque/scenic lake and views with its ridiculously turquoise colour! Just amazing - especially as you drive towards the far distant mountains and they inch closer & higher - we had to stop again & again & again for photos and just to stroll around and take it in. Superb drive from the east coast across south island to the mountains & Aoraki/Mt Cook. A definite must see Top 10 location of NZ.
3. Akaroa Dolphins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,138 reviews
Let our crew, including our dolphin spotting dogs, take you on a journey of discovery through the long history of Akaroa harbour and its inhabitants. Our low-lying luxurious, spacious boat ensures you have a closer encounter with the rare Hector’s dolphins. We also endeavour to give you the best possible viewing of our local New Zealand fur seals, penguins and seabirds. Along the way, you will get to see sea caves and other spectacular volcanic formations too. We offer a friendly and comfortable experience that includes complimentary drinks of local award-winning wine, beer or juice, as well as some delicious home baking. Our 100% locally owned and operated business is committed to raising awareness and protecting the marine environment. That is why a portion of your fare goes towards protecting our wildlife. To find out more about our conservation commits please visit our website. Please note, we do not swim with the dolphins.
4. Hooker Valley Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Falsendrach - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We did the Hooker Valley trail in May, just after NZ dropped to Covid Alert Level 2. It was a great time to do it with the lack of tourists around. Because of the popularity the Hooker Trail is usually very busy, sometimes with so many people on the trail you feel like you're walking in a queue. Parking can be an issue if you're arriving later in the day and you sometimes have to park on the access road and walk 15-20mins to the trail start. With the current Covid international travel restrictions though there's few tourists and it's not hard to get a space in the carpark. Wonderfully though this time it felt virtually empty. Sure, we ran into other people but only about 60-70 rather than the 1000+ you'd expect. The trail is about 90mins each way, culminating at Hooker Lake. Do allow extra time as we happily spent an hour playing at the frozen-over lake skipping stones & throwing sheets of ice around. As far as reward vs effort goes, the Hooker Valley trail is one of the best short tracks you can do as it's wide, mostly flat, taking you over three suspension bridges that offer gorgeous views of turbulent pale azure water rushing underneath, majestic hills sweeping up on either side and Mt Cook/Aoraki as a stunning backdrop. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the trail is mostly rock, & switch out to boots in colder/wetter weather. Layers are essential & you'll find that coming back in the afternoon it's quite a bit cooler once the sun has dipped behind the peaks. And on that note, bring a torch or headlamp if you're setting off within 4 hours of sunset. There are some toilets about two thirds the way along the track but they aren't great. You should definitely pack some hand sanitiser & a roll of toilet paper in case they run out (they frequently do). At the height of the tourist seasons there's usually a queue.
5. Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,143 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GreeceHelena - Whanganui, New Zealand
I set out this morning to walk the loop, Kaikoura to the Peninsula Walkway. Quite a steep climb up to the Point Kean Lookout, then the track levels off as you continue along the cliff tops with panoramic views of ocean, rocky coastline and twisted limestone. What I didn't see were seals and not a great deal of sea birds. Thankfully, yesterday I watched masses of seals and their pups playing at Ohau Point. I carried on past Whalers Bay to South Bay, returning via Tom's Track... a most enjoyable 13km walk.
6. Gem Alpaca Stud
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Gem Alpaca Stud is situated on the main highway from Christchurch to Queenstown - perfectly placed for your stop over. Come on in and feed, touch and meet our Alpaca, Llama & sheep. Get your up close photos with our beautiful animals. Large covered veranda and outdoor seating with our farm shop open 7 days featuring a huge range of alpaca products. We also now have refreshments, ice creams, coffee and cold drinks. Farm Visits daily 11am, 1pm and 3pm $25.00 per adult, $15 per child, children 5 and under are FREE. PLEASE NOTE: No public toilets on site. please use facilities in the township just 1 minutes drive away.
Reviewed By taniat358
This farm + tour was amaze-balls!! We highly highly recommend this place. Lovely staff, lovely shop selling souvenirs and alpaca related goodies. The tour was amazing, the guide was very informative walking us through the different Alpaca sections, giving us food we can feed them. She knew the name of every Alpaca, and they were all so friendly and super cute. You got up right close to them all. Loved our experience. You even get wellies to wear so your own shoes stay clean. Towards the end of the tour, the guide also gave us top tips of what to see and do during our South Island road trip! We did this tour in Jan 2020, we got there for the last tour (think about 4pm), and we were lucky enough to be the only ones in the group, so felt like we had a private tour. Loved it. THX U, we had a great time!!!
7. Terrace Edge Vineyard & Olive Grove
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Terrace Edge is a family-owned, organic vineyard & olive grove, with expansive views of the river valley and foothills of the Southern Alps.Take a short tour through the olive grove and Pinot Noir vines to the "roasted slope", a spectacular place where the Syrah vines cling to the 45 degree angle slope. Enjoy a tasting of 8 premium wines, cool climate extra virgin olive oil and table olives.
Reviewed By 408daniellej - Christchurch, New Zealand
This family run vineyard offers an exceptional tasting experience, very personalised and offers detailed information on the history, organic certification, and products created on this property. In a beautiful setting on the 'Terrace Edge', this is a must visit in the Waipara area. Thank you for hosting our group yesterday, we had a great time !
8. SkyScape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
This distinctive accommodation is designed to maximise the extraordinary views of the Mackenzie Country both day and night, with a bedroom built predominantly of glass. This unique building comprises a glass-roofed bedroom, as well as a grass roofed kitchenette and bathroom and is located on a farm, within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Reviewed By Travellingtom2021
Bevan and Bridget have created a wee slice of paradise in the middle of Mackenzie Country. Fantastic accommodation, so well presented and thoughtful, with the eco-friendly design of the room. Peaceful and isolated, it was the perfect place to relax and unwind with views looking out over the the land and of course, billions of stars once the sun sets, either from the outdoor bath or the comfort of the roomy bed. The magical sight of seeing stars drifting across the glass ceiling as you lay in bed is an experience like no other. I will definitely be back and highly recommend Skyscape for anyone looking to experience something special.
9. Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,689 reviews
At the heart of Christchurch's reputation as the Garden City, the Gardens are a place of ever-changing beauty. Showcasing flora and fauna of New Zealand and other parts of the world, the Gardens feature one of the finest collections of exotic and local plants in New Zealand. With more than 1.1 Million visitors each year the Botanic Gardens are one of the Christchurch's most popular and well-loved attractions.
Reviewed By Addie1960 - Maroochydore, Australia
I hopped off the city tram across from the gardens, the flowering trees and blossoms were in full bloom, very beautiful and peaceful plenty of seats and green grass to sit and relax, and the waterways were great Very well taken care of, pet friendly park
10. Christchurch Gondola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,181 reviews
For a “top” experience in Christchurch (15 minute drive from central city), enjoy a relaxing ride to the summit of the Port Hills. Spectacular 360 degree views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, the majestic Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains. Plenty to see and do - experience the Time Tunnel Ride, go shopping, relax and enjoy a snack or beverage at the Red Rock Cafe.
Reviewed By TonyBCambs
The only way to travel - it's quick and efficient and good value, and has the benfit of great views from the top!
