destination-nz.com

Treat yourself to a myriad of indulgences in a thriving city – or explore a landscape packed with adventure activities of every description.

New Zealand’s second largest city is also one of its most beautiful, known for the brilliant colours of its parks and gardens, its old stone buildings and the tranquil river that winds its way through the central city. Offering a buzzing café culture and nightlife, as well as excellent shopping, it’s very easy to spend several days here. When you’re feeling rejuvenated, head out of town and explore the countryside; from the hills and harbours of Banks Peninsula and French-flavoured Akaroa to the country town of Methven with its fishing, golfing and skiing.

DO IT. Ski at one of many regional ski areas, hike a trail in Arthur’s Pass National Park, mountain bike on the Port Hills, explore the Cultural Precinct, go white-water rafting on a Canterbury river, laugh at the World Buskers Festival in February.

Destinations

Christchurch City The ‘Garden City’ and largest centre in the South Island.
Amberley and Waipara Valley Largest wine-growing region in Canterbury.
Akaroa Pretty French settlement on Banks Peninsula.
Arthur’s Pass Mountain village high in the Southern Alps.
Geraldine Country town famous for art and crafts, and gourmet foods.
Hanmer Springs Pretty alpine spa village with thermal hot pools.
Kaikoura Seaside town famous for whale watching and seafood.
Methven Outdoor adventure resort.
South Canterbury Largely rural district set between mountains and ocean.
Timaru Main centre of South Canterbury.

Getting there and around

Air Christchurch International Airport offers flights to domestic and international destinations.
Road Christchurch is 5 hours from Picton and 5 hours, 10 minutes from Dunedin. There are regular coach and shuttle services to other South Island centres, as well as comprehensive public transport.
Rail Tranz Scenic operates the TranzCoastal service to Picton and the TranzAlpine service to Greymouth.

Insider's tip

Explore the boutiques in the cobbled laneways of Lichfield Lanes to find retail treasures.

The heart of the city

The Cultural Precinct, at the western end of Worcester Boulevard between Cathedral Square and the Botanic Gardens, was designed in the 19th Century to be a centre of learning and culture. It contains a rich array of historic stone buildings such as ChristChurch Cathedral, the Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum.