Canterbury

From the air the Canterbury region resembles a patchwork quilt, its orderly arable farms intermingled with vineyards and a growing dairy industry, braided rivers like shimmering ribbons from the alps to the sea. In the southern reaches the terrain changes to lush pasture and tussock-land.

The region is home to the country’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook and boasts 13 ski-fields, 10 of which are within 2 hours drive of Christchurch Airport. Exclusive vacation retreats and luxury bed and breakfasts compliment the region's great restaurants and vineyards.

In North Canterbury lies the delightful alpine spa village of  Hanmer Springs, where the first of New Zealand’s ‘Great Rides’ has been opened to cyclists. A little further south in the Hurunui District renowned vineyards at Waipara and the Waimakariri river for jetboating, artist retreats and Farmers Markets. To the east of the region’s major city, Christchurch, on Banks Peninsula, is Akaroa, the French inspired settlement with its seaside cafes, luxury accommodation, boutique shops, wildlife cruises and New Zealand’s original private walking/hiking track. In Mid-Canterbury the prosperous rural support town of Ashburton and nearby Mt Hutt ski-field, the largest, highest and most well known of the region’s fields. South Canterbury’s Tekapo supremely clear night skies host ‘Stargazing tours’. An ice-skating rink, hot pools and day spa make this a popular destination for the traveller. Travel south through the MacKenzie Country named after New Zealand’s most famous outlaw, who was accused of sheep stealing  and on to the bustling port of Timaru.