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Mid Canterbury

Mt Hutt

Nature and Adventure

From the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, with stunning snow-capped Mt Hutt and bordered by impressive braided rivers and crystal clear lakes, Mid Canterbury offers an inspiring range of activities, complemented by genuine New Zealand hospitality.

Within an hour of Christchurch, explore skiing and snowboarding, white-water rafting and jetboating, skydiving, hiking and mountain biking. Phew.

High country lakes lure fly fishers, hot air ballooning provides a bird’s eye view of a varied landscape, and 4WD adventures take you high into the wilderness.

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See & Do in Mid Canterbury

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Explore the Region

Ashburton Domain

Ashburton

Ashburton is the bustling hub of the district combining city vibrancy with rural town friendliness. Enjoy shopping, restaurants, artisan shops, the internationally recognised Trotts Gardens and the nationally recognised Ashburton Aviation Museum.

Lake Hood is a paradise for water enthusiasts, with swimming, boating and water skiing all on offer. Settle in at the lakefront restaurant and watch the world go by. For thrill-seekers, a skydive with incredible alps to ocean views is a must.

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Views from Mount Hutt

Methven/Mt Hutt

Methven is at the heart of nine Canterbury ski areas and over 1000kms of New Zealand’s best heli-skiing terrain, the town becoming a pumping centre in winter.

Outside of winter Methven is a haven for adventure and exploration. Horse trekking, hot air ballooning, hiking and mountain biking – this corner of Canterbury is known for adventure, and its relaxed lifestyle and quirky character.

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Mid Canterbury Hakatere Conservation Park

Mt Somers/High Country

There's nearly 60,000 hectares to explore at Hakatere Conservation Park – just inland from Ashburton.

The landscape is made up of tussock, forest, lakes and rivers. Take time out to swim, boat, tramp, hunt or relax and enjoy a picnic in stunning surroundings.

For a glimpse of history visit the old lime kilns at Staveley and Mt Somers, the coal mines at Woolshed Creek, the 1860’s Hakatere stone homestead and the Barrhill Historic Village.

New Zealand’s Alpine and Agriculture Encounter tells the stories of mountains, plains and people. Visit quaint historic churches and homesteads dotted throughout the district.

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Explore by Foot or Bike

Walking in Mid Canterbury

Walking In Mid Canterbury

A vast selection of tracks to experience the sub-alpine and tussock settings of Mid-Canterbury. Highlights include waterfalls, beech forest and the Mt Somers southern fault system.

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Mountain Biking at Lake Emma

Bike the Mid Canterbury Trails

Mid Canterbury is home to a wealth of bike trails suitable from beginner to advanced. Explore the region in depth with the vast variety of trails on offer.

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Mt Hutt Views Of Sunset
Mt Hutt

Explore More on midcanterburynz.com

Mid Canterbury - an hour from Christchurch, explore skiing and snowboarding, white-water rafting and jetboating, skydiving, hiking and mountain biking. 

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