What to do in Canterbury
Most fun & popular experiences in Canterbury
Tours & day trips
See all 209 activitiesOpens in new tab5-Day Great Southern Circle Tour from Christchurch
Private & custom tours
See all 40 activitiesOpens in new tabWorld in a day
Adventure & outdoor
See all 27 activitiesOpens in new tabLord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch
Wildlife & nature
See all 24 activitiesOpens in new tabAkaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour
Cruises & boat tours
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabArthur's Pass Full-Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train
Popular places to visit
Mount Cook National Park
Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo
Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapo, a popular spot to commune with nature in Lake Tekapo. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
Lake Pukaki
Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.
Sumner Beach
The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.
New Brighton Beach
Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.
Hot Tubs Omarama
Enjoy an outing to Hot Tubs Omarama during your stay in Omarama. Discover the area's mountain views and spas.
Tekapo Springs
Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.
Explore areas of Canterbury
Christchurch City Centre
Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.
Christchurch Airport
While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and McLean's Island Golf Club.
Riccarton
Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.
Addington
Unique features of Addington include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Orangetheory Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.
Merivale
Travellers come to Merivale for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Merivale Mall and Papanui Road while you're in town.
Lyttelton
Waterside views, numerous live music venues and laid-back vibes make this one of the South Island’s most interesting towns.