Christchurch City Area Activities

Christchurch combines historical elegance with local culture, famous for its stunning natural scenery and thriving city life, making it an excellent base from which to explore Canterbury.

Embark on a wildlife cruise in Akaroa Harbour to discover New Zealand's rarest Hector's dolphins; get up close with alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas Farm, located 20 kilometers to the west.

Timaru

Visit the ancient seaside boulders - Moeraki Boulders; encounter Oamaru's smallest residents - tour the blue penguin colony and watch these little creatures return from the sea and head back to their nests at night; completely relax in the Oamaru hot springs; visit the Oamaru Victorian Precinct to explore the world of the Victorian era.

Greymouth

A scenic train journey through the mountains, traveling from one coast of New Zealand to the other; Hokitika Tree Top Walk along a 20-meter high, 450-meter long walkway, walking at the top of the temperate rainforest, taking in the lush rainforest scenery below; floating in a hot air balloon over the beautiful Canterbury Plains.

Waipara

Take a walk on the Waipara Valley trails and enjoy the scenery of Waipara Valley; including the Mt Cass Walkway and Tiromoana Bush Walk. You can also go surfing at Leithfield Beach or take a stroll along the beach with the sea breeze.

Hanmer Springs

The largest geothermal hot spring center in New Zealand, located at the foot of the Southern Alps. It offers a variety of activities suitable for different groups of people, from personal comfort and relaxation to family bonding time. The facilities range from outdoor hot springs to private hot springs, from sulfur pools to geothermal pools, from saunas to steam rooms, and from a relaxing lazy river to children's water slides, and much more.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a seaside town located 2.5 hours' drive from Christchurch. The town is situated between the rugged Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning scenery and a beautiful environment. The mountains kiss the sea, and the sea embraces the mountains, creating a habitat for a diverse range of marine wildlife. In addition, the unique Kaikoura offers exciting adventure activities and fascinating Maori history and culture.