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 South Islands 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 Zealands only French settlement, a beautiful quaint village and harbour. Canterbury is also home to Mt Cook, New Zealands 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

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 freefall 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 freefall 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 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 the 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 higher altitude and enjoy the stunning view for longer.