Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
What to do and see in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. 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!!!
2. Famlan Farm Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Famlan is an animal farm park that's an Ideal outing for Families, Schools, Preschools, groups and animal lovers of all ages. All of our animals are very friendly most will let you get in with them some will be all over you (especially if you have FOOD) Last entry is at 3.30pm
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. Banks Peninsula
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,169 reviews
Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, New Zealand is a must see for its stunning views, beautiful bays and quirky campgrounds. Little River is the gateway to the peninsula. The township has a hotel/pub, 2 cafes, a petrol station, art gallery, craft store and small museum. There are B&Bs, plus the Little River Campground in Okuti Valley Road. They have affordable campervan parks with power, cabins and tentsites set beside a river. The southern bays have some of the best surf, if you know the secret spots as well as good, safe swimming beaches, walking tracks and the Little River Rail Trail. It is a a place that is often over looked as tourists head to Akaroa. If you want to experience more than the usual, to get off the beaten track and really explore, ask at the craft station, which has an info centre.
Reviewed By Edmundo_de_ABQ - Albuquerque, United States
Beautiful drive between Akaroa and Christchurch with many different points of beauty and interest to see along the way. Worth taking the time to traverse the highway running through it.
6. Godley Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Emma542 - Auckland, New Zealand
We did a loop walk from Taylor’s Mistake car park around the coast up to the gun emplacements and continued around to circle back down to the beach. Amazing views up and down the coast and along to Lyttelton harbour around the other side of the heads. Looks more daunting than it is - gradual climb on well formed track, not too strenuous. Took us about 2.5hrs at average pace with a few photo and drink stops along the way. Definitely worth checking out.
7. Taylors Mistake - Awaroa / Godley Head Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By amazinggrace2019
It was hot, but what a lovely walk. The road to thd carpark is narrow so tske your time. Once there, it is easy to follow the well signposted track which winds up and down around the headland to Godley Heads. We saw seals, swimmers divers, boaties. Its not too strenuous and the track is a good walking surface and quite wide.
8. Mona Vale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By GSL2 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Mona Vale is an old, established garden running alongside the river. Lots of interesting plants and corners to explore including a rose garden and a water-lily pond. There were ducklings when we last visited and it was fascinating watching the mama duck herding her 7 little ones as they dived around the water lilies. You don't need to join a tour; nice to just wander at leisure. There is a restaurant there, but looked very formal, so we didn't get anything there. Would have been nice to have somewhere to get an icecream or a smoothie as it was a warm day.
9. Port Hills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By FushNChips - Christchurch, New Zealand
I’m lucky enough to live 15mins away from the Port Hills. I’m a runner and being up here as the sun rises or sets is something rather amazing. Definitely get up here if you can, the walking tracks are well maintained and the views are spectacular
10. The Point Sheep Shearing Show
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Enjoy the atmosphere of an original shearing shed. The show consists of hand feeding our drysdale Ram ??? Ram-Man??? (who is very photogenic) watching a sheep being shorn, the wool being sorted and pressed. This is followed by a general discussion giving information about sheep shearing, sheep breeds and wool types. Hold a shearing hand piece, old blades shears and Ram horns. During spring you can touch, hold and feed a lamb. Time 30 minutes.
Reviewed By alanalajh - Singapore, Singapore
If you have 15-30 minutes to spare in Kaikoura, take a 5 minute drive out to the Kaikoura point (seal colony), and visit the Point Sheep Shearing Show. The show is very informative as Pete explains the history of shearing at his farm, information about the shearing and fleece cleaning process, with 2-3 sheep dogs there to help out. It's a great family event, highly recommended.
