Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Christchurch & Canterbury
Why Go?
Nowhere in New Zealand is changing and developing as fast as post-earthquake Christch-
urch, and visiting the country's second-largest city as it's being rebuilt and reborn is both
interesting and inspiring.
A short drive from Christchurch's dynamic re-emergence, Banks Peninsula conceals hid-
den bays and beaches - a backdrop for wildlife cruises with a sunset return to the attrac-
tions of Akaroa. To the north are the vineyards of the Waipara Valley and the family-holi-
day ambience of Hanmer Springs. Westwards, the well-ordered farms of the Canterbury
Plains morph quickly into the dramatic wilderness of the Southern Alps.
Canterbury's summertime attractions include tramping along the braided rivers and
alpine valleys around Arthur's Pass and mountain biking around the turquoise lakes of the
Mackenzie Country. During winter, the attention switches to the skifields. Throughout the
seasons, Aoraki/Mt Cook, the country's tallest peak, stands sentinel over this diverse re-
gion.
When to Go
»
Canterbury is one of NZ's driest regions, as moisture-laden westerlies from the Tasman
Sea dump their rainfall on the West Coast before hitting the eastern South Island. Visit
from January to March for hot and settled summer weather and plenty of opportunities to
get active amid the region's spectacular landscapes.
»
It's also festival time in Christchurch with January's World Buskers Festival and the
Ellerslie International Flower Show in March.
»
Hit the winter slopes from July to October at Mt Hutt or on Canterbury's smaller club ski
fields.
Best Places to Eat
»
Pegasus Bay (
Click here
)
»
Cornershop Bistro (
Click here
)
