Canterbury What to See & Do

New Zealand Canterbury What to See & Do. If you are looking for comprehensive travel information for Canterbury What to See & Do including Activities, Natural Attractions, Food and Wine, Entertainment, Shopping and Information & Services, you will find it here on AA Travel.

Canterbury is full of wonderful things to see and do, with something for everyone. If it's not here, you won't have to travel far to find it. As this country is known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World', you can always find thrills of every kind nearby, from bungy jumping and skydiving to jet boating and white-water rafting. Our 14 national parks are perfect for tramping, where spectacular scenery abounds. Our geothermal hotspots provide natural thermal pools, shooting geysers and bubbling mud pools, while our incredible wildlife is a must-see for animal lovers. There are plenty of picturesque beaches for swimming, surfing or relaxing, mountain ranges for skiing and snowboarding, glassy lakes for fishing and water sports, and native forests for exploring. Try delicious gourmet delights, visit an art or craft studio, go shopping, check out a Maori cultural performance or take advantage of our exciting range of events. And that's just the beginning!

Canterbury: Canterbury is home to many districts - Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Selwyn, Ashburton, South Canterbury, Mackenzie, Banks Peninsula, Waimate, as well as the city of Christchurch. Kaikoura is where the mountains meet the sea. Experience the marine life - see the giant sperm whale, the world's largest variety of pelagic birds, or swim with the acrobatic dusky dolphins. Within the Hurunui region lies Hanmer Springs, a scenic alpine and thermal village offering a multitude of exciting challenges - from bungy jumping to jet boating, forest walks to mountain biking. The Waipara wine region offers plenty of opportunities to sample a variety of excellent wines. The Waimakariri District has safe beaches and braided rivers, fishing, walks, scenic countryside, crafts and museums. Selwyn District extends from the edge of Christchurch to Arthur's Pass National Park and the main divide of the Southern Alps mountain range. The district is known for its wineries, golf courses, high-country lakes and rivers. The Ashburton District is home to an array of adventurous pursuits - skiing, hot-air ballooning and jet boating. For a more relaxed pace, visit a historic high-country sheep station or enjoy a round of golf. Attractive towns, lush pasture, rolling green hills and braided rivers make up the South Canterbury District. It is home to the country's largest Maori rock collection and many scenic and cultural activities. The Mackenzie region is renowned for its scenic beauty and the hospitality of its high-country people. It is home to Aoraki/ Mt Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. Enjoy lake cruises, heli-skiing, star gazing, or scenic flights over the Southern Alps. Step back into Maori, French, British and whaling history when visiting Canterbury's oldest village, Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. See the rare Hector's dolphin, or go for one of the many walks ranging from one hour to four days. Waimate, just south of Timaru, is home to New Zealand's largest wallabies. Visitors can enjoy a variety of native bushwalks located close to town.