Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
Things to do in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Bodies of Water
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. 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.
2. Lake Alexandrina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By mebates00 - Belfast, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful lake in the Mackenzie district of S Island New Zealand. The autumn colours were spectacular! The lake is a severe location far from the ‘real world’ in terms of stillness solitude and calm. Visit if you can...just a short drive from Lake Tekapo!
3. Avon River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 649 reviews
A unique part of the city, the Avon River sustains a diverse plant and animal life and is a source of many recreational activities.
Reviewed By riggersrock - Port Ludlow, United States
Thought it would be a quick little stroll but this park is amazing and the river just calls to you. Found a bench and just enjoyed. Weeping willows are impressive, this place is perfect for photos.
4. Lake Tekapo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,629 reviews
Reviewed By Travelove58
Lake Tekapo is very similar to the many other lakes we have seen in South Island- they are all amazingly beautiful, so tranquil & so stunning. The lakes here are usually a part of the just as awesome mountains. An added attraction here is an old antiquated nice church. The feeling is just great, strolling along the beach & admiring the awesome views in front. In the morning, the sun rising from the back of the mountains shines against towards the sea & creates a stunning blanket of white rays.
5. Diamond Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By martine_grant - Fairlight, Australia
Not far from Christchurch. Banks Peninsula is full of different Bays and surprises. The trips are as great as the destinations. If you have time, drive to Akaroa too.
6. Victoria Lake
7. Governors Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Sadoldsamuria - Northumberland, United Kingdom
We spent 10 days in a quaint cottage here. Not much in Govenors bay (hamlet) but the sea views and tracks along the shoreline are wonderful. Highspot of our stay wrre the days we spent in the gardens of Ohinetahi. Amd inspirational garden, cared for ny two engagingly typical dpwn to earth kiwis. Some of the sculptures were truely womderful
8. Lake Lyndon
9. Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Jules060617 - Lausanne, Switzerland
This is not a long walk (allow 60 minutes plus drive) but it is straight up a hill with many well laid out steps so expect to huff and puff going up. The view at the top overlooking Abel Tasman's glacier lake and it's iceberg with a backcloth that includes a different face of Mount Cook is worth the effort. Be careful if you are wearing a hat as one sailed off someone's head while I was taking pictures and fell inaccessibly to the moraine below. If you don't want to walk, at least drive part of the way for the views.
10. Lake Ohau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By skyhighski - La Roche-des-Arnauds, France
Spent the day on the shore of the lake, swimming, sun bathing and enjoying a wonderful picnic with a bunch of friends, the surrounding mountains are magnificent and the region is simply spectacular, well worth the drive
