Things to do in Canterbury
Visit Canterbury
Most popular experiences in Canterbury
Tours & day trips
See all 243 activitiesOpens in new tab5-Day Great Southern Circle Tour from Christchurch
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 76 activitiesOpens in new tabPilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 35mins
Private & custom tours
See all 48 activitiesOpens in new tabV8 Trike Private Tour of Christchurch
Adventure & outdoor
See all 39 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Christchurch: Arthur's Pass and Tranzalpine Day Tour
Water activities
See all 27 activitiesOpens in new tabArthur's Pass Full-Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train
What to do in Canterbury
Popular places to visit
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Areas of Canterbury
Christchurch City Centre
Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its abundant dining options, interesting museums and colourful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Cathedral Square or The Arts Centre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
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 Harewood 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.
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.
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.
Lyttelton
You'll enjoy the sandy beaches and museums in Lyttelton. You might want to make time for a stop at Lyttelton Harbour or Lyttelton Farmers Market.
- Hotels near Mount Cook National Park
- Hotels near Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Hotels near Lake Tekapo
- Hotels near Lake Pukaki
- Hotels near Sumner Beach
- Hotels near Hagley Park
- Hotels near University of Canterbury
- Hotels near Christchurch Public Hospital
- Hotels near Lake Ohau
- Hotels near Hot Tubs Omarama
- Hotels near Church of the Good Shepherd