Things to do in Canterbury

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Canterbury

Types of activities

Where to stay

Canterbury travel guide

Akaroa showing a coastal town and general coastal views

Mount Cook National Park featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and snow

Canterbury featuring landscape views, mountains and a sunset

Canterbury featuring a river or creek, a bridge and wildflowers

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Top places to visit

1. Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New Zealand’s winter, with skiing and snow sports, hot springs, and snow-capped mountains and glaciers sparkling in the sun. During summer, water sports and hiking are popular. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking near mountain peaks, beech forests and a landscape carved by glacial movement.

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2. Lyttelton Harbour

The quaint harbor at Lyttelton sits on an ancient volcanic crater. The steep hills rising around the port town reach a height of 1,640 feet (500 meters), and are known as the Port Hills. In the town, you’ll find an excellent choice of restaurants, shops and cafés. Observe sea and birdlife out on the deep harbor with cruises run by local operators.

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Lyttelton Harbour which includes a marina, mountains and a bay or harbor

3. Sumner Beach

Lie on the soft, warm sand and work on your tan or swim in the shallow waters at gorgeous Sumner Beach. Explore the iconic Cave Rock or unwind with a drink at one of the bars that overlook the ocean when you visit Christchurch’s favourite weekend destination.

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Sumner Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

4. Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki sits below New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Combined the lake and mountain create one of the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas. When you see the ethereal, turquoise color of the water, which turns milky when the clouds roll in, you may want to pinch yourself to check if you aren’t dreaming.

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Lake Pukaki showing snow, mountains and a lake or waterhole

5. New Brighton Beach

New Brighton Beach is a great coastal retreat to visit when holidaying in Christchurch. The beach boasts about 18 kilometres (11 miles) of golden sand, stretching from the mouth of the Waimakariri River to South Spit. Activities at New Brighton Beach range from surfing in rolling waves to wildlife spotting and walking amid untamed landscapes. Find accommodation options, cafés, restaurants and a weekly market at the village adjoining the beach.

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6. Tekapo Springs

Soak in soothing heated pools or pamper yourself with a remedial treatment at the Tekapo Springs spa.

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In the shoulder season the pools are very quiet. Since they're hot, it really doesn't matter what the weather does.

7. Church of the Good Shepherd

Take in the exceptional views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains with a visit to the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd. Explore the small building’s simple but charming main chamber and chat with the vicar about the history of the local area. Be sure to walk around the grounds, taking in magnificent alpine views.

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What to do in Canterbury

Popular places to visit

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.

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.

Lyttelton Harbour

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

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.

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.

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.

Hagley Park

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

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.

Church of the Good Shepherd

Stop off at this charming church to enjoy stunning mountain views, appreciate some fine stone carving and learn its fascinating history.

Areas of Canterbury

New Regent Street showing railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

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 Russley Golf Club.

Riccarton

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Fendalton

Travellers like the historical sites in Fendalton, and Mona Vale is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Sumner

If you're spending some time in Sumner, Sumner Beach and Cave Rock are top sights worth seeing.

Beautiful panoramic view of Lyttelton Port and Harbour from the Christchurch Gondola Station at the top of the Port Hills, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.

Addington

4/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Addington include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Apollo Projects Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.