New Zealand Travel Centre - Canterbury Region page

The Canterbury Region covers the centre of New Zealand's South Island. It is a sprawling plain between the mountainous Southern Alps and the Eastern sea coast.

Yet Canterbury does contain New Zealand's highest mountains, it's most English city and it's most French influenced community. At Hanmer Springs, you can take a hot bath even in falling snow, or
you can travel from the dry east to the wettest west coast and back again in a day - under the mountains by train, or over them by plane. Canterbury is that sort of region - varied, surprising, and easy to get to. Christchurch, New Zealand's third largest city is the heart of Canterbury. Very English, with parks and gardens full of blooms, weeping willows, and green swards of neatly cropped grass. Artistic and cultural activities thrive together with the flowers in the city centre.		At dusk, throbbing neon lights attract diners, night clubbers, and theatre crowds to the city's night life. Outdoor adventures in and around the city include hot air ballooning, mountain biking, paragliding and horse riding. The picturesque harbours of Banks Peninsula are well worth visiting, inclding the French settlement of Akoroa. Devotees of that most ancient game will be delighted at the number of splendid golf courses in and around Christchurch.
A Whale of a Time A unique combination of ocean currents and deep offshore canyons make Kalkoura the whale watching capital of New Zealand. The boats are equipped with hydrophones which listen for the eerie whistling song of the whale's conversations. Massive sperm whales are the main attraction, but minke, humpback, and killer whales are also common. Delicious, freshly caught and cooked crayfish can be purchased from the dozens of roadside stalls along the coast.
		Hot Property Hanmer Springs is an alpine spa village in North Canterbury. A place to pamper yourself by lazing in hot thermal pools, walking forested paths or dining in one of the excellent Hanmer restaurants.
There are plenty of action adventures too, including jetboats, bungy jumping, rafting, or a fabulous farm experience at famous Molesworth Station.
Travelling by Plain Methven is an easy day trip across the chequered fields of Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps. Visit the local wineries on the way or strap yourself in for a fast jetboat ride on one of the many rivers you'll cross. At Methven, go hot air ballooning - the mountain views are awesome. Perhaps		play a round of golf on a world class links nearby. Racing fans can actually participate on the track in a real horse race seated on a professionally guided twin sulky. Now that's exciting! There are also high country walks or rafting down rapids. After all, you are in Canterbury! Easy to get to, with so much to do and see, it's hard to leave.

Merlin's Homestay B&B

	Here is New Zealand in a nutshell. A beautiful alpine
village with hot natural spa bathes, cool forest walks, golf, fishing, hunting and jetboating. At Merlins, enjoy warm New Zealand hospitality too, starting your day with a wholesome country house breakfast at the centre of a peaceful panaorama of mountains and forest

Whalewatching

	The giant Sperm Whales feed all year round on squid in the deep ocean trench close off Kaikoura. Other visitors in season
are Humpback Whales (June & July), Orca (Summer months), Dolphins, Fur Seals and the Royal Albatross. Listen to the whales' song via marine hydrophones.

Admiral Court

	Admiral Court Motel, Kaikoura is a modern, fully serviced motel in peaceful surroundings. Two bedroom
and studio units, B.B.Q. facilities and a spa. Up-to-date amenities and easy walking to Pier Hotel, Restaurants, Marine lab and Wharves.

Elm Tree House, Christchurch

	Superior accommodation which exudes warmth and welcome to this Historic Grade II listed home. Close to Christchurch's many central attractions,
from the Casino and Tramway, to the museum, Art Gallery and beautiful Hagley Park.

Up, Up, and Away

Hot air balloon flight

Ballloon flight with free entry to Antarctic Centre and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

The Heritage

	The heritage offers one, two, and three bedroom apartment-style suites with dining room, lounge, and fully equipped kitchen. Adjacent are the deluxe
rooms of the Heritage Tower, many have splendid views, all have 24-hour room service. Top class facilities include spa, sauna, gymnasium, conferencing, shopping and free car parking.

Over the top with Air Safaris

Flightseeing over Mt Cook glaciers

For the sightseeing trip of a lifetime, take to the air and experience the awesome peaks and glaciers of Mt Cook from the comfort of your window seat. There are a number of Air Safari options, so ask your travel agent to arrange one most suited to your holiday plans. For a panoramic extravaganza, these holidays grab a seat on an air safari!