Canterbury runs from the Pacific surf beaches to the snow slopes of the Southern Alps, with Christchurch as its flat, garden-city hub. Trams loop the rebuilt centre along the Avon River, and the Port Hills gondola looks back over the city and Lyttelton harbour.
Banks Peninsula pushes into the sea south-east of the city, where Akaroa's French street names and harbour dolphins trips recall its settler past. Arthur's Pass village straddles the highway to the West Coast, with kea parrots scavenging crumbs at the cafe car park.
Kaikōura, on the north coast, runs whale-watching boats when the sea is calm and seals bask on rocks below the road.
What to do in Canterbury
Day walks from Arthur's Pass village reach waterfalls and alpine meadows in summer. Akaroa harbour cruises search for dolphins and seabirds. Kaikōura sperm whale trips need a spare afternoon if wind cancels the morning sailing. Canterbury closes many South Island loops through West Coast and Canterbury after glaciers or Queenstown.
Booking on adventuro
On the Book here tab, check meeting points for Kaikōura boats versus Christchurch hotel pickups for pass walks.
