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Canterbury Regional Information
The Canterbury region encompasses a huge area that includes Arthur's Pass National Park, Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch City, Akaroa and Kaikoura and Hamner Springs.
Kaikoura is a small seaside village that was once a whaleing station. Kaikoura's most unique feature is the huge sea trenches that are thousands of metres deep just off shore. These trenches bring in the food that whales, dolphins and seals love. This is the only place in the country where you can go whale watching (by boat, helicopter or plane) and is one of the best places to see or swim with dolphins.
Inland from Kaikoura is Hamner Springs, which is well known for its thermal springs and great fishing rivers.
The Garden City of Christchurch is the most English city outside of England! With the Avon River meandering through the city, it's famous Botanical Gardens, Cable cars, shopping and restaurants, for those who enjoy city life, this is a must.
Only one hour from Christchurch is Akaroa, a beautiful harbour with a French influence. A cruise on the harbour is the best way to appreciate the picturesque harbour and to see the world's rarest and smallest dolphin, the Hector dolphin
Two hours from Christchurch is Arthur's Pass National Park. Many people travel through this region via the TranzAlpine train but to truly appreciate it vast, dramatic mountains and valleys you really need to get out and walk one of the short trails or be able to stand outside and spin 360 degrees to try and fathom the vastness of it all.
Mount Cook or Aoraki (meaning cloud piercer in Maori) is the country's tallest mountain at 3754 metres. This National Park offers hiking trails, glacier flights and the best star gazing spot in the country!
NORTH ISLAND REGIONS
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SOUTH ISLAND REGIONS
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