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Canterbury

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Things to do in Canterbury

Attractions (220)

Tours (99)

Nightlife (13)

Shopping (19)

Traveller recommended attractions
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Ranked #1 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 22 reviews
Owner description: Christchurch based tour operator offering small group, day tours to Akaroa, Waipara wineries, Arthurs Pass, Kaikoura, and... more » Owner description: Christchurch based tour operator offering small group, day tours to Akaroa, Waipara wineries, Arthurs Pass, Kaikoura, and Hanmer Springs, giving you a very personalized tour. Cruise ship tours from Akaroa are also available. Activities such as whale watching, swimming with dolphins, TranzAlpine Train, thermal pools, spa treatments, jet boating, and wine tastings are all on offer. Private charters for 2 people to 200 people are also available. « less
Ranked #2 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 34 reviews
Attraction type  Hiking Trails
Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo
Map | Photos
Ranked #3 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 139 reviews
Attraction type  Bodies of Water
Distance  181.1 km from city centre
Banks Peninsula, Christchurch
Map | Photos
Ranked #4 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 70 reviews
Owner description: Little River is the gateway to Banks Peninsula. There is plenty to see and do and worth stopping for more than an ice cream.... more » Owner description: Little River is the gateway to Banks Peninsula. There is plenty to see and do and worth stopping for more than an ice cream. The township has a pub, 2 cafes, a petrol station, art gallery, craft store and small museum. There are B&Bs, the Little River Campground as well as 'the silos'. The southern bays have some of the best surf, if you know the secret spots as well as good, safe swimming beaches, walking tracks and the Little River Rail Trail. It is a a place that is often over looked as tourists head to Akaroa. If you want to experience more than the usual, to get off the beaten track and really explore, ask at the craft station, which has an info centre. « less
Attraction type  Geologic Formations
Distance  0.1 km from city centre
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Ranked #5 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 83 reviews
Attraction type  Hiking Trails
Map | Photos
Ranked #6 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 222 reviews
This garden is home to the best collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand.
Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  0.7 km from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #7 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 20 reviews
Attraction type  Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Distance  40.4 km from city centre
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Ranked #8 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 29 reviews
Owner description: Experience the extreme rush of tandem skydiving in New Zealand by doing a skydive over Kaikoura’s breathtaking coastal and... more » Owner description: Experience the extreme rush of tandem skydiving in New Zealand by doing a skydive over Kaikoura’s breathtaking coastal and alpine scenery. The best the North and South Island have to offer!Powered only by gravity you will freefall at 200kph and be simply jumping for joy from the whole experience. We are not a “factory” type skydiving centre so can promise you an “adrenaline rush” without hurrying you through the process. We appreciate that everyone is different and have confidence in saying we provide New Zealand’s most personal skydiving experience! Instruction is offered in English, Dutch, German and the odd word of Kiwi slang! « less
Attraction type  Sports Complexes
Seal Colony, Kaikoura
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Ranked #9 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 89 reviews
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  135.6 km from city centre
The Court Theatre, Christchurch
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Ranked #10 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 16 reviews
Attraction type  Theatres
Distance  0.6 km from city centre
Ranked #11 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 12 reviews
Attraction type  Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Thrillseekers, Hanmer Springs
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Ranked #12 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 23 reviews
Owner description: JET Hanmer Spring’s spectacular Waiau Gorge, for an unforgettable experience in a beautiful environment. Manoeuvre with... more » Owner description: JET Hanmer Spring’s spectacular Waiau Gorge, for an unforgettable experience in a beautiful environment. Manoeuvre with classic jet boat power 30kms along the Waiau River, under the historic bridge and between deep canyon walls. BUNGY from the historic 135 year old Waiau Ferry bridge, for a 35 metre free fall to the river canyon below. Experience the adrenalin high on the way down and pure elation on the bounce back up! RAFT an alpine river and marvel at the twist rock, water holes, pink marble and faultline. In clear water you may see salmon and trout as you float down the Waiau River canyon. Take off on a QUAD BIKE tour - challenge the terrain, river bed creek crossings, mud and Hanmer Springs farmland trails. You can also enjoy Paintball and Clay Bird Shooting in this wonderful natural environment. Groups, team building and conferences are also catered for.With a host of exciting and fun activities, this is an adventure for the whole family to enjoy! Open daily 9.00am to 5.30pm. « less
Attraction type  Sports Camps/ Clinics
Lake Pukaki, Christchurch
Map | Photos
Ranked #13 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 41 reviews
Attraction type  Bodies of Water
Distance  0.1 km from city centre
Pegasus Bay Winery, Christchurch
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Ranked #14 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 45 reviews
Attraction type  Wineries
Distance  49.7 km from city centre
Canterbury Museum, Christchurch
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Ranked #15 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 96 reviews
Travel back in time through numerous exhibits of the Canterbury regions cultural and natural history.
Attraction type  History Museums
Distance  0.8 km from city centre
Hagley Park, Christchurch
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Ranked #16 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 79 reviews
Attraction type  Parks
Distance  1.7 km from city centre
Aoteayoga, Christchurch
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Ranked #17 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 7 reviews
Owner description: Here at Aoteayoga we provide World-Class Yoga instruction offering various disciplines to suit all Yogis & Yoginis. Located... more » Owner description: Here at Aoteayoga we provide World-Class Yoga instruction offering various disciplines to suit all Yogis & Yoginis. Located in Christchurch for Group-classes of all levels. And in the stunning French Settlement of Akaroa (80 kilometers away) for retreats & workshops. Akaroa's intrinsic beauty year round offers each practitioner a sense of connectedness and vitality due to the rolling hills, turquoise harbor and the living life throughout the area. « less
Attraction type  Sports Camps/ Clinics
Hanmer Forest, Hanmer Springs
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Ranked #18 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 15 reviews
Attraction type  Forests
Distance  113.3 km from city centre
Adrenaline Forest, Christchurch
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Ranked #19 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 44 reviews
Owner description: Test your limits. Conquer your fear. Adrenalin Forest is best described as a multi level aerial obstacle course. Participants... more » Owner description: Test your limits. Conquer your fear. Adrenalin Forest is best described as a multi level aerial obstacle course. Participants negotiate a series of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and flying foxes from platforms constructed in the tree canopy. Adrenalin Forest is a great confidence builder and adrenalin rush. The adventure park features an aerial obstacle course up to 20 meters off the ground, 6 pathways of progressive difficulty, about 2 km in length and covering 4 hectares of forest. Participants attached by an overhead safety wire safely negotiate a series of 100 challenging activities high up in the tree canopy. « less
Attraction type  Amusement/ Theme Parks
Distance  12.7 km from city centre
Coastal Pacific, Christchurch
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Ranked #20 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 23 reviews
Owner description: Tranz Scenic is New Zealand’s only long distance passenger train network. We take passengers across New Zealand in comfort... more » Owner description: Tranz Scenic is New Zealand’s only long distance passenger train network. We take passengers across New Zealand in comfort and style through some of the most scenic areas of the North and South Islands. It is an experience not just a journey. We have the Overlander train connecting Auckland and Wellington, the Coastal Pacific between Picton and Christchurch and the world famous TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth.The Coastal Pacific departs daily from Christchurch passing through Kaikoura and Marlborough regions before arriving in the sea port township of Picton and connecting with the Interislander ferry. « less
Attraction type  Scenic Railroads
Map | Photos
Ranked #21 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 27 reviews
Owner description: For family fun head to Wai ariki where you can hand feed a diverse range of friendly farmyard and exotic animals. Set on... more » Owner description: For family fun head to Wai ariki where you can hand feed a diverse range of friendly farmyard and exotic animals. Set on 2-acres of park with fantastic mountain views, the animals are displayed in a tranquil & clean environment. The vibrant café offers great organic coffee & delicious food. The Craft Gallery sells funky fabric, original local art and NZ made indie crafts. We specialise in beginners horse trekking, and offer kids mini trekking, and boutique trekking for couples in the Hanmer Forest. We run a horsedrawn Taxi, and also have an antique wagonette available for special occasions and tours. « less
Attraction type  Farms
Distance  112.8 km from city centre
Tekapo Springs, Lake Tekapo
Map | Photos
Ranked #22 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 53 reviews

Overlooking Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs is an amazing setting to relax in the 3 large Hotpools, or indulge a treatment in the Day Spa. There is also an outdoor skating rink (ice... more »

Attraction type  Hot Springs/ Geysers
Distance  181.3 km from city centre
Air Force Museum, Christchurch
Map | Photos
Ranked #23 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 30 reviews

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum in Christchurch is a “must see” for anyone even remotely interested in military aviation. The museum is extremely well laid out and... more »

Attraction type  Military Museums; Museums
Distance  7.4 km from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #24 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 91 reviews
Owner description: See Kiwi in a natural environment - there is no glass! Get close to Kea, Tuatara and other native icons. Willowbank Wildlife... more » Owner description: See Kiwi in a natural environment - there is no glass! Get close to Kea, Tuatara and other native icons. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is also home to introduced and exotic breeds. Make your own way around the park and animals will eat right out of your hand. Choose either a day or evening visit, Willowbank is open from 10am to 10pm daily - kiwis are able to be viewed from 11am until 10pm. « less
Attraction type  Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Distance  8.4 km from city centre
Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch
Map | Photos
Ranked #25 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 70 reviews
Owner description: The largest wildlife reserve in New Zealand houses animals in their natural habitats with few barriers or fences, permitting... more » Owner description: The largest wildlife reserve in New Zealand houses animals in their natural habitats with few barriers or fences, permitting visitors to see them up close and feed the gentler species. « less
Attraction type  Nature/ Wildlife Areas; Parks; Zoos
Distance  1.7 km from city centre
Map | Photos
Ranked #26 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 60 reviews
Attraction type  Religious Sites
Distance  0.1 km from city centre
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Ranked #27 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4 of 5 stars 216 reviews
Attraction type  Hot Springs/ Geysers; Spas
Distance  113.5 km from city centre
Marlborough Vineyards, Christchurch
Map
Ranked #28 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
5 of 5 stars 8 reviews
Attraction type  Wineries
Distance  0.1 km from city centre
Map
Ranked #29 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 14 reviews
Attraction type  History Museums
Distance  40.4 km from city centre
Conical Hill, Hanmer Springs
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Ranked #30 of 220 Attractions in Canterbury
4.5 of 5 stars 25 reviews
Attraction type  Mountains