Between mountains and sea, Canterbury offers diverse wildlife and nature attractions. Whilst Hanmer Springs, north of Christchurch, delivers adventure and relaxation.

 

Kaikoura, situated within spectacular coastal alpine scenery between Christchurch and Picton delivers a jewel of eco-tourism.

This little town is home to an abundance of marine life offering many activities for you to endulge in such as whale watching tours, allowing you to see many different species of whale throughout the year. Fur seals and Dusky as well as rare Hector’s dolphins are common, along with a variety of sea birds and other marine life.

 

Hanmer Springs offers adventure activities such as mountain biking and hiking trails, salmon & trout fishing, bungy jumping, jet boating and quad biking.  At famed Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa, visitors can relax in thermal sulphur and hot rock pools.

 

For those who favour Alpine scenery there is the Alpine Triangle touring route - the route delivers a scenic highway which traverses pastoral hill country and rugged seascapes - the Alpine Triangle is well known for connecting Hanmer Springs alpine spa with the Waipara Valley wine region and coastal Kaikoura.

 

Canterbury is an adventure and nature haven full of unique outdoor experiences with a landscape which is dominated by Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.  

Huge sperm whales frequent the Kaikoura coast with an abundance of dolphins playing in Akaroa harbour, and cheeky alpine parrots entertaining tourists at Arthur’s Pass.

 

Whether by air, on water or in the mountains, The Canterbury region delivers a varied choice of outdoor experiences.

 

 

 

"situated within spectacular coastal alpine scenery between Christchurch and Picton delivers a jewel of eco-tourism."