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Our Destinations

Ōtautahi Christchurch & Canterbury

From the Pacific Ocean, ancient volcanic peninsula and wondrous marine life, across patchwork plains, home to adrenaline pumping activities, lush vineyards and braided rivers rising to pristine glacial lakes and the majestic Southern Alps presided over by Aoraki / Mount Cook. You'll find something special in Ōtautahi Christchurch & Canterbury.

Our Regions

Hurunui & Hanmer Springs West Coast Waimakariri Arthur's Pass & Selwyn Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Mid Canterbury Aoraki/Mt Cook Mackenzie South Canterbury Ōtautahi Christchurch Kaikōura
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Hero Christchurch Port Hills Standing Climbing

Ōtautahi Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch is the city of exploration, a refreshing urban centre full of new secrets to discover. If you haven’t been here in a while, you’re in for a surprise. The city has been through some massive changes in the past few years, and the time has come to explore it all.

Ōtautahi Christchurch
Dolphins in Kaikoura

Kaikōura

A 3 hours' drive north from Christchurch, you'll find Kaikōura - New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destination, with an amazing variety of marine and birdlife along its dramatic rugged coastline.

Kaikōura
Fox Glacier West Coast

West Coast

Between towering mountains and the crashing sea, the West Coast is bigger than anticipated and greater than you thought. If you yearn for something more from your holiday, real people, real towns and real experiences, then this is the place for you. This is - Untamed Natural Wilderness.

West Coast
Ferry Bridge Hanmer Springs

Hurunui & Hanmer Springs

A place of relaxation and adventure for generations, Hurunui and Hanmer Springs is a premier Canterbury destination. With rugged coastlines, lush forests, thermal pools, and wineries – this area is popular year-round.

Hurunui
Waimakariri Family Cycling

Waimakariri

A district framed by rivers, ocean and mountains, filled with thriving urban centres, country towns and beach settlements all offering unique retail, nourishing, recreational and environmental opportunities.

Waimakariri
Akaroa Harbour

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

Banks Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most unique landforms. With endless hills, bays and hidden bush, this is Nature's Playground right on Christchurch's doorstep.

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Hiking in Mid Canterbury

Mid Canterbury

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.

Mid Canterbury
South Canterbury Braided River

South Canterbury

A destination for families, foodies and adventure seekers, South Canterbury is the place to explore.

South Canterbury
Mackenzie Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Lake Pukaki

Mackenzie

Clearest starry skies, highest mountains, vivid turquoise lakes, expansive golden grasslands - welcome to the Mackenzie Region!

Mackenzie
Couple at Arthur's Pass Store

Arthur's Pass & Selwyn

From the majestic Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass, down the braided Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers and over the patchwork Canterbury plains to the vast coastal lake of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, Selwyn is the place to explore!

Arthur's Pass and Selwyn
Selwyn Castle Hill Girl Looking Toward Horizon

Great Alpine Highway

Stretching across the Canterbury Plains from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps, enjoy mountain vistas, a Lord of the Rings film location, and New Zealand's highest altitude settlement, the alpine village of Arthur's Pass. Continue on this great highway to the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast.

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Kaikoura Beach With Mountains

Alpine Pacific Touring Route

Unlock the gems of North Canterbury on a 3-day itinerary or savour the magic over 5 days. The Alpine Pacific Touring Route highlights 450 km of spectacular coastal and alpine townships and unique environments.

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Ski the Tasman Glacier

North Canterbury Food & Wine Trail

Combine family-owned vineyards with an innovative approach to viticulture, and throw in close proximity to Ōtautahi Christchurch and you've got the North Canterbury Wine Region. The region is home to more than 90 vineyards, most of them independently owned by a tight community of local families.

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Mid Canterbury Plains and Braided River Photo Taken by Daniel Murray

Inland Scenic Route 72

Take a relaxing journey through the heartland of New Zealand. Visiting thriving country towns, see historic buildings and country museums. In addition to traditional farming, the area produces cheeses, truffles, saffron, olives and mead. You'll discover delightful picnic and camping places across the route.

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Mackenzie Road To Aoraki Mt Cook

South Canterbury Heritage Trail

A destination for families, foodies and adventure seekers. Travel through breath-taking scenery, rugged farmlands and heritage areas. Visit New Zealand's highest peak, largest glacier and in the evening take in the gold status international dark sky reserve.

Waka On The Avon

Discover Ōtautahi Christchurch

Home to nature's most diverse playground and the South Island's most modern and exciting city, Ōtautahi Christchurch has something for everyone, from everywhere. Slow down and soak up everything our city has to offer.
Explore Christchurch
  • Sunrise in Kaikoura

    Kaikōura

    A 3 hours' drive north from Christchurch, you'll find Kaikōura - New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destination, with an amazing variety of marine and birdlife along its dramatic rugged coastline.
  • Akaroa Harbour
    Credit: Akaroa & The Bays

    Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

    Banks Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most unique landforms. With endless hills, bays and hidden bush, this is Nature's Playground right on Christchurch's doorstep.
  • Couple at Arthur's Pass Store

    Arthur's Pass & Selwyn

    From the majestic Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass, down the braided Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers and over the patchwork Canterbury plains to the vast coastal lake of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, Selwyn is the place to explore!
  • Ferry Bridge Hanmer Springs

    Hurunui & Hanmer Springs

    A place of relaxation and adventure for generations, Hurunui and Hanmer Springs is a premier Canterbury destination. With rugged coastlines, lush forests, thermal pools, and wineries – this area is popular year-round.
  • Mackenzie Twizel Mirrored Lake photo by Rachel Stewart

    Mackenzie

    Clearest starry skies, highest mountains, vivid turquoise lakes, expansive golden grasslands - welcome to the Mackenzie Region!
  • Lake Heron Mid Canterbury

    Mid Canterbury

    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.
  • South Canterbury Braided River

    South Canterbury

    A destination for families, foodies and adventure seekers, South Canterbury is the place to explore.
  • Waimakariri Family Cycling

    Waimakariri

    Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch’s hustle and bustle is a region of vast natural beauty, slower paced country towns and beach settlements all offering their own unique experience.
Hero Christchurch Port Hills Mountain Biking

The Season Of Sunshine In Ōtautahi

Make the most of the summer weather in Christchurch with our summer guide.

Explore Summer
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