Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
What to do and see in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. 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 !
2. 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.
3. Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 865 reviews
Free admission* | Discover New Zealand’s military aviation story at the place where it all began. Engage with stories of the men and women who have helped shape New Zealand’s military aviation journey, and reflect on their service and sacrifice through years of war and peace. Explore the diverse collection at your own pace through immersive exhibitions, or join a free, guided ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour. View the historic aircraft on display, embark on a Museum Hunt with the kids, or test your flying skills in the ‘Mosquito Mission’ flight simulator! Price: FREE Admission - *activity charges may apply. Opening Hours: Daily (except Christmas Day), 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Reviewed By supergrumps14 - Durham, United Kingdom
Stopped of here for a brief visit while on a tour of NZ I was impressed by the range of Exhibits on display and the knowledge of the guides friendly staff, and a nice little cafe, and its free, (Donations Welcomed)# well worth a stop off
4. Canterbury Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,769 reviews
Free entry (donations appreciated) where you can experience New Zealand's rich cultural and natural history. See rare Maori artefacts and more than 1,000 paua shells adorning the walls of the famous Paua Shell House. Walk down the Christchurch Street and be transported back in time with the sights and sounds of the city's pioneering days. Discover one of the world's most significant collections from the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and discovery. Regular temporary exhibitions.
Reviewed By pancj2018 - Lima, Peru
This is a terrific local/regional museum. It has one of the best Maori exhibits in all of New Zealand, which in itself is enough to justify a visit. They have an excellent discussion of jade/nephrite, which can be very helpful for future shopping, as well as wonderful presentations of Maori art and material culture. They also have traditional natural history exhibitions of NZ birds and wildlife which we found highly informative. I spent my career working in a natural history museum and found the Canterbury Museum a good representative of the type. Admission is free!
5. TranzAlpine Train
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,436 reviews
The TranzAlpine is a long-distance train between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Unlike normal passenger trains, the TranzAlpine is designed to provide a window to New Zealand's best scenery, with large reclined seating and huge panoramic windows. The spectacular TranzAlpine journey begins by roaming through the vast farmsteads of the Canterbury Plains to the spectacular gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. The TranzAlpine then ascends into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass National Park, before descending through lush beech forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always-popular glaciers. All services feature panoramic windows, reclined seating, GPS triggered at-seat commentary, a fully licensed cafe, toilets, and open air viewing decks. The TranzAlpine is operated by The Great Journeys of New Zealand, and runs daily throughout the year.
6. Pegasus Bay Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Pegasus Bay is a family owned and operated winery in North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley. The unique setting operates as a premium events venue. The winery cellar door is open Saturday and Sunday
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
It's been some years since we visited any of the North Canterbury wineries and weren't sure what to expect when we booked for a wine tasting and lunch here - and I have to say we were mightily impressed. A rustic building in an attractive setting with beautiful gardens added to excellent wines and a quite superb lunch sitting in the sun. The food was a genuine surprise; an interesting menu with quality fresh ingredients superbly cooked and beautifully presented. We enjoyed our dishes of fish, duck breast and wagyu beed plus some lovely desserts. Clearly a quality chef in the kitchen. And our server, a pleasant, professional and friendly lad from Canada was another plus. A great experience all round. Highly recommended.
7. Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Reviewed By Champagne552014 - Sydney, Australia
We spent over three hours in this beautifully presented modern Art Gallery, as there was plenty to see, and entry is free. I loved the sailing paintings upstairs, by van der Voorden. He really knew how to portray clouds and waves. The highlight for me was the Ron Mueck silicon sculpture of a man at a table. What brilliant attention to detail (that's real hair). Thank you staff for being so helpful too! If you need a break, there is a lovely restaurant at the entrance, or it is a short stroll to Riverside Markets, which is also well worth a visit. Don't miss this excellent Art Gallery when you next visit Christchurch.
8. Kaikoura i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
We are the official Kaikoura i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and your local experts in our region which is the number one choice for visitors. This Qualmark endorsed centre is part of New Zealand's official Visitor Information Network (i-SITE) and the only official government approved information and booking centre in Kaikoura. We are also the only visitor centre not owned or affiliated with any tourism operator thus remain unbiased about the best products to suit our visitors. We are your ‘one stop shop’ for travel advice and bookings for Kaikoura tours, activities and accommodation. As an official i-SITE, we also specialise in travel arrangements for all New Zealand destinations. Better still, our service to you is FREE
Reviewed By Rosemary73 - Ashburton, New Zealand
We called into the centre to see what additional information might be available for the area on biking tracks. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We always visit these centres as usually they have the current un to date information. A fairly good selection in the gift shop as well.
9. Torlesse Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By P8951XLalanm
A family run winery in Waipara, about 1 hour North of Christchurch. Kim and Maggie Rainer produce wonderful wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, for you to sample and offer very nice light meals to accompany them. Their premium "Omihi Road" range is outstanding.
10. International Antarctic Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,724 reviews
It's the ultimate Antarctic adventure! Experience the dramatic seasonal lighting in the four seasons of Antarctica show where it 'snows' every 6 minutes. Venture out on to 'the ice' from Scott Base to play in 'Antarctica' the snow & ice experience and survive an Antarctic storm! How long can you hold your hand in the icy Antarctic water? Hang out with Little Blue Penguins, buckle up for the famously exciting Hagglund ride, take an awesome simulated 4D Antarctic cruise, watch Happy Feet 4D, then watch a stunning movie on a MASSIVE screen! It's the closest you'll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition!
Reviewed By vpmuscat - New South Wales, Australia
We visited the antartic centre on our way to Picton so we only had around 3 hours to spare which was perfect for us and we were able to see pretty much everything though you could spend longer there if you wish, coats and shoe covers are provided for the Antarctic experience, the penguin talk is very informative and the penguins are very cute too, and the hagglund ride is a bit of fun as well as educational and the 4D movies are excellent, a must do when visiting Christchurch.
