Things to do in Canterbury

Canterbury is a large region on the East Coast of the South Island. Many top tourist towns and cities are in this area, just waiting to be explored! Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and is known for its beautiful gardens, buildings, punting down the Avon River, and many more activities! Kaikoura is one of New Zealand's top marine wildlife areas, known for its dolphin, whale, seal and albatross encounters. Hanmer Springs is an attractive resort town, a perfect year-round holiday destination for action-packed activities and relaxing in the popular natural hot water springs. Akaroa is New Zealand's only French settlement, a beautiful, quaint village and harbour. Canterbury is also home to Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain in the Southern Alps, and the Tasman Glacier with fantastic scenic flights, heli-skiing, and tramping areas. Stunning Lake Tekapo with many activities, including ice-skating and its Observatory Stargazing Tours. There are many more top attractions and activities, including great ski fields, hiking, biking, and plenty more things to see and do in Canterbury.

Best Attractions and free things to do in Canterbury

1. Golf

There's always a calming moment at a golf course. This Canterbury golf course has never-ending picturesque views and beautifully cut grass for miles.

The Woodlands Course at Harewood, remodeled in 2012 by renowned golf architect Turner McPherson, is one of Canterbury's finest golf venues. You won't find a finer facility to enhance your golf game than this one, which features a championship course, large short-game practice and putting areas, and a 23-bay covered driving range.

2. Seal Kayak Tour

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is just what you and your family need this summer. Seal Kayak Kaikoura is the first kayak trip in New Zealand that allows you to choose between pedaling and paddling. With the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal, kayaking in and around the gorgeous Kaikoura Peninsula will be a breeze. Viewing the New Zealand Fur Seal has a 100 percent success rate for us. Other marine life to see includes the blue penguin, albatross, and a variety of others. Come capture the fun and friendly fur seals that will be playing around and under your hands-free pedal kayak.

3. Skydiving Kiwis Otautahi

Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi is our latest initiative in conjunction with GCH Aviation - Garden City Helicopters, and it's a one-of-a-kind adventure for thrill enthusiasts. This renowned helidive combines a breathtaking helicopter trip over the skyline of Tautahi Christchurch with a skydive from a helicopter over the Sumner Beach coastline. The one and only heli dive in New Zealand is Skydiving Kiwis tautahi. Only seven other destinations in the world offer a heli dive, including Switzerland, Hawaii, Mt. Everest, Australia, and Dubai.

4. Dolphin Encounter

Kaikoura has earned the distinction of being New Zealand's most sought-after spot for outstanding wildlife viewing in a stunning seaside setting. The Dolphin Encounter excursion gives you the option of swimming with dusky dolphins or staying on board and watching them from the comfort of the boat. The boats are all designed specifically for watching marine mammals, with walk-around decks and access to the bow for the best views of the dusky dolphins.

5. Hot Air Balloon

Your flight will take off in Mt. Hutt's foothills, where the mountains give great protection from the northwesterly winds. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, including Mt. Cook and Mt. Aspiring! Enjoy the Eastern views as well as the patchwork beauty of the plains to the Pacific Coast along the journey. After taking off, you'll soar to an altitude that provides amazing panoramic views of the mountains, then descend to a lower height for the second half of the flight to enjoy a different perspective by flying closer to the ground. Enjoy a celebration drink and snack in the landing paddock before boarding the chase car and returning to Methven.

Take your friends and family and create lifelong memories atop the world!

6. Mt Cook scenic flights

Heliworks Mt Cook, based at Aoraki/Mt Cook Airport, offers breathtaking scenic flights throughout the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Heliworks has access to a number of landing sites on the Tasman Glacier and throughout the National Park. A landing on the Tasman Glacier is included in every scenic flight. Join in on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

8. Albatross Encounter

The Albatross Encounter tour provides an up-close and personal look at Kaikoura's diverse assortment of seabirds, including the majestic albatross. The sights that are regularly seen on our tour will not disappoint. It is known as the "albatross capital of the world" because of the diversity of albatross species that can be seen in one compact location so close to shore. In just 2.5 hours, you will encounter a diverse range of species, providing excellent photographic chances to capture special moments from your tour. The experienced birding specialists' informative and factual commentary is also a pleasure.

9. Discovery Tour

Plant your own unique tree to aid with the regeneration of our native ecosystem and leave your stamp on the history of our newly founded "Mable Hope reserve."

You will acquire an understanding of the value of New Zealand's native forest and explore some of the crucial connections created with our native fauna on a stunning scenic drive over an ancient volcano, accompanied by our experienced guide.

In Pohatu Bay, you'll find a wonderful blend of thriving sheep farms, penguin colonies, and native woods.

This farming family's conservation efforts have helped the penguins grow throughout the years, but they've also designed their agricultural operations to balance economy and ecology in order to conserve the biodiversity in their backyard.

10. Guided Wildlife Kayaking

On the Wildlife Kayaking experiences with Kaikoura Kayaks, experience the thrill of watching Fur Seals dodge, weave, and dive around your kayak. They paddle gracefully down the coast as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula in search of Octopus, their favorite food. Marvel as hundreds of Pelagic (ocean-going) birds swoop in to clean up the appetizing leftovers. This journey takes you around the magnificent coastal seas, where you'll see breathtaking vistas of sheer cliff faces, rugged rocks, and mountain ranges while looking for Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins.

Top attractions in Canterbury

Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight: Take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscape of Canterbury and enjoy the stunning views of the region from above. You'll get to see the beautiful mountains, lakes, and valleys of the region and see the beautiful colors of the sunrise or sunset.

Aoraki/ Mt Cook scenic flights: This is a spectacular way to see the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. You'll fly over rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows and get an unforgettable view of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Guided Wildlife Kayaking: This is a unique way to explore the stunning coastal region of Canterbury by kayak. You'll have the opportunity to see the local wildlife and explore the beautiful coastal scenery of the region.

Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi: Experience the thrill of skydiving over the beautiful landscapes of Canterbury. You'll get an incredible view of the region as you free-fall and then enjoy a peaceful parachute ride back to the ground.

Evening Penguin Safari: This is a unique opportunity to see the little penguins coming ashore to their nesting colonies. You will go on a guided tour, watch them waddle up the beach and into their burrows, and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them. It's a great way to learn about these adorable birds and see them in their natural habitat.

Top fun activities in Canterbury

Dolphin Encounter: Swim with or watch Kaikoura's Dusky Dolphins: Kaikoura is known for its population of dusky dolphins, a unique opportunity to swim or watch them up close in the wild. You'll have the opportunity to see these playful and curious creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and conservation.

Seal Kayak Tour: This is a unique way to explore the Kaikoura coast by kayak. You'll paddle through the crystal-clear waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula, taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife of the region, including seals and other marine mammals.

Daves Diving Kaikoura: For those who love diving, Kaikoura offers an unforgettable experience with its clear waters and rich marine life. You can dive in the kelp forest, swim with seals and dolphins, and see the colorful fish and invertebrates of the region

Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi: Experience the thrill of skydiving over the beautiful landscapes of Canterbury. You'll get an incredible view of the region as you free-fall and then enjoy a peaceful parachute ride back to the ground.

Jetboat Ride Hanmer Springs: Enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride through the Hanmer Springs. You'll see the beautiful scenery of the region and experience the exhilaration of high-speed jetboating. The ride will take you through the narrow canyons and rapids of the river, making it a thrilling and exciting experience for the whole family.

The best things to do with kids and children’s activities in Canterbury

Evening Penguin Safari: This is a fun and educational experience for kids where they can see the little penguins coming ashore to their nesting colonies. They'll learn about the conservation efforts to protect these adorable birds and get to see them in their natural habitat.

Dolphin Encounter: Swim with or watch Kaikoura's Dusky Dolphins: This is a unique opportunity for kids to see and learn about the playful and curious dusky dolphins in their natural habitat. It's a great way to introduce them to marine conservation and the importance of protecting these amazing creatures.

Shamarra Alpacas: This is a fun and interactive experience for kids where they can meet and learn about alpacas. They can feed and pet the alpacas and learn about their care and behavior.

Kaikōura Helicopters: Classic Whale Watch: This is a great way for kids to see the giant Sperm Whales and other marine life up close. They'll have the opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and conservation.

Discover Christchurch Tour: This is a fun and interactive tour of Christchurch, where kids can learn about the history and culture of the city. They'll get to see the city's most famous landmarks. This tour is a great way to explore the city and learn about the special qualities of Christchurch.

Best day trips from Canterbury

24/48 Hour Pohatu Package at a penguin colony: This is a unique experience where you can spend 24 to 48 hours at a penguin colony, watching the penguins come ashore to nest and care for their chicks. The package includes a guided tour of the colony, accommodation, and meals. It's a great way to see the penguins in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and conservation.

Get involved Discovery Tour: This is a fun and educational experience that includes short walks through prehistoric native habitats, 400-year-old beech trees, and immense tree ferns. It's a great way to learn about the unique ecology of New Zealand and what the country looked like before human settlement.

Golf: Canterbury offers many beautiful golf courses where you can enjoy a round of golf while enjoying the beautiful views of the region.

Dolphin Encounter: This is a unique opportunity to see and learn about the playful and curious dusky dolphins in their natural habitat. It's a great way to introduce kids to marine conservation and the importance of protecting these amazing creatures.

Guided Wildlife Kayaking: This is a fun and unique way to explore the stunning coastal region of Canterbury by kayak. Kids will have the opportunity to see the local wildlife and explore the beautiful coastal scenery of the region. This is a great way to introduce them to the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation.

The best things to do near Canterbury

Abel Tasman Experience: One of the most popular helicopter tours - and for very good reasons! From the convenient base at Nelson Airport, board one of our modern helicopters and be whisked away to a subtropical paradise, consistently rated as one of New Zealand's best beaches. You'll have time for a walk, a swim, or lunch at the lodge. The only problem is you won't want to leave!

Heli-Picnic: Enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic at a hidden alpine lake. Fly north from our base at Nelson Airport, over the Abel Tasman National Park. Admire the pristine waters and golden sand beaches. You will then head into the Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand's second-largest national park, and land at a hidden alpine lake. Take a short walk to the nearby waterfall and relax in total serenity.

Southern Blend Kayak and walk: This half-day guided kayak and afternoon unguided walk tour in Abel Tasman involves paddling between Marahau and Observation Beach. It then takes you through the safe, sheltered, and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves, reefs, and tidal lagoons, this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak. After your kayak take an easy unguided walk through native fern gullies and bush-clad headlands back to Marahau.

1 Day Freedom Kayak Rental: Freedom kayaking gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your own pace. Kahu Kayaks will equip you with everything you need to have an enjoyable and safe sea kayaking experience.

Paragliding from the Higher take off at Coronet Peak: Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you paraglide from the higher take off at Coronet Peak. With the Higher take off point, you can reach a higher altitude and enjoy the stunning view for longer.