Christchurch (aka the Garden City) is right in the heart of Canterbury and has a great mix of city and nature. The city is filled with historic buildings, amazing food spots, culture, street art and the Southern Hemisphere's biggest playground, then drive for 20 minutes and you'll find yourself high above the city in the mountains, with the most incredible views of the Banks Peninsula!
Since the 2011 earthquake, the city’s had a huge rebuild — it’s amazing to see how much life and energy has returned and the street art is one of my favourite things about the city. It was done to bring life back after the earthquakes.
There’s plenty to explore in the city itself - the Cardboard Cathedral (yes, the structure is made of cardboard!), the gorgeous Botanic Gardens and the Riverside Market with the most amazing places to eat. Head a bit further out and Canterbury becomes a nature lover’s dream - the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains and spots like Akaroa and Banks Peninsula are just stunning!
Whether you’re wandering around the city, hiking nearby tracks, or taking a scenic drive, Christchurch is a great base to explore the South Island.
Canterbury is huge, so we’ve split it into smaller areas for easier exploring. This page is all about Christchurch City, Banks Peninsula, and the surrounding smaller spots.
For more specific areas in Canterbury, check out:
Mt Cook National Park & Lake Pukaki
Tekapo, Twizel & Mackenzie Country
Arthurs Pass
Kaikoura
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
Since the 2011 earthquake, the city’s had a huge rebuild — it’s amazing to see how much life and energy has returned and the street art is one of my favourite things about the city. It was done to bring life back after the earthquakes.
There’s plenty to explore in the city itself - the Cardboard Cathedral (yes, the structure is made of cardboard!), the gorgeous Botanic Gardens and the Riverside Market with the most amazing places to eat. Head a bit further out and Canterbury becomes a nature lover’s dream - the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains and spots like Akaroa and Banks Peninsula are just stunning!
Whether you’re wandering around the city, hiking nearby tracks, or taking a scenic drive, Christchurch is a great base to explore the South Island.
Canterbury is huge, so we’ve split it into smaller areas for easier exploring. This page is all about Christchurch City, Banks Peninsula, and the surrounding smaller spots.
For more specific areas in Canterbury, check out:
Mt Cook National Park & Lake Pukaki
Tekapo, Twizel & Mackenzie Country
Arthurs Pass
Kaikoura
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
Want to see giraffes & a rhino in the New Zealand wild? This sculpture walk is full of animals & incredible views across Akaroa.
Experience the past, present and future of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. There is so much to interact with in this huge, FREE museum! 
WEEKEND ESCAPE TO LAKE COLERIDGE VILLAGE: HIKES AND MUST SEE SPOTS
Nestled amongst the Southern Alps, this small village is incredibly beautiful! You can enjoy fishing, hiking, horse riding & epic sunsets.
Blog coming soon! |
Experience a -18degree C windstorm in the snow, play with huskies and see rescued little blue penguins under water.
CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS
Explore this 21ha park which has themed gardens, sculptures, ponds, giant trees and a conservatory which takes you back in time. Blog coming soon! 
One of Canterbury’s best kept secrets. This track has views across braided rivers, Lake Coleridge and the magestic Southern Alps! |
A must see place along the scenic route from Christchurch to Tekapo. Take in the amazing views of the braided Rakaia River.
15 CANTERBURY HIKES THAT’LL MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SOUTH ISLAND
From Kaikoura down to the Waitaki Valley, these are 15 incredibly beautiful hikes that are worth adding to your South Island itinerary.
Blog coming soon! 
One of the most scenic drives in NZ and home to filming locations for Lord of the Rings and Narnia, here's what you need to know. |
LAKE IDA TRACK
Walk through the Cantebury High Country to an emerald lake. It's incredibly peaceful and you can ice skate on the lake in winter! Blog coming soon! |
5 STUNNING LAKES TO VISIT IN THE CANTERBURY HIGH COUNTRY
Nothing beats a day exploring the peaceful lakes in the Canterbury High Country which offer stunning reflections on a windless day.
Blog coming soon! |
EXPLORING GODLEY HEADS
Dramatic clifftop views and WWII history - the Godley Heads offer one Christchurch’s best coastal walks. Blog coming soon! |
LAKE COLERIDGE
One of our favourite places in NZ to explore - Lake Coleridge is big, beautiful and wild and is beautiful in all seasons! Blog coming soon! |
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT & DRINK COFFEE IN CHRISTCHURCH
Ready to eat and drink your way through Christchurch? These are our favourite places that you won’t want to miss!
Blog coming soon! |
HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: CHRISTCHURCH'S MOST BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Step back in time and explore Christchurch’s stunning heritage architecture from iconic landmarks to tucked away pillars.
Blog coming soon! |
YOUR FAMILY FRIENDLY GUIDE TO FUN & ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH
There are loads of free and cheap experiences to do, here’s your ultimate guide to family fun in Christchurch.
Blog coming soon! |
A RELAXED AFTERNOON BY THE SEA: SUMNER EDITION
Sumner’s the spot for laid back arvos in Christchurch - hot chips and ice cream on the beach then exploring a beach cave!
Blog coming soon! |
5 ADVENTURE WEEKEND TRIPS FROM CHRISTCHURCH
These 5 epic weekend adventures from Christchurch are perfect for hikers, photographers & wildlife lovers.
Blog coming soon! |
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING TEKAPO
We have loved exploring Tekapo in every season and we have all the insider tips and must see spots for an unforgettable trip.
Blog coming soon! |
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WAITAKI VALLEY: WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Explore the Waitaki Valley between Oamaru and Omarama. There are stunning landscapes, history and beautiful hikes to do.
Blog coming soon! |
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TWIZEL
Twizel is the perfect base for exploring Tekapo, Mt Cook and the Waitaki Valley. Here's everything you need to know about Twizel. Blog coming soon! |
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KAIKOURA
Whales, dolphins, seals, hikes, lookouts and food - this is your ultimate guide to exploring one of the most beautiful places in NZ. Blog coming soon! |
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