Canterbury Itinerary

We have put together a suggested itinerary which will allow you to take in the attractions of the region.

Day 1 - Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch and if landing at the airport call at the neighbouring International Antarctic Centre.
Spend the day exploring the city by jumping aboard the Christchurch Tramway which visits such attractions as Cathedral Square, Southern Encounter Aquariam, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum and Robert McDougall Art Gallery.
Dine and spend the evening at the Christchurch Casino.
Stay the night in Christchurch.

Day 2 - Christchurch - Mt Hutt

Head to the Mt Hutt Ski Area (90 minutes) for the day.
Alternatively, take a scenic balloon flight (1 hour) over Christchurch and Canterbury with Up Up and Away.
Enjoy a punt in the park on the Avon River. Canoes and paddle boats can be hired from Antigua Boat Sheds.
Spend the afternoon at The Arts Centre and eat at one of the many cafés.
Experience a night of Maori Magic at the Nga Hau e Wha National Marae with a hangi meal, tour and concert. Alternatively, sample the city's lively nightlife.
Spend the night in Christchurch.

Day 3 - Christchurch - Kaikoura

Drive to Kaikoura (3 hours) famous for its whale watching and marine mammals.
Take a flight or cruise to best appreciate the Southern Oceans Marine Mammal Sanctuary and its whales, penguins, seals and birdlife.
Other attractions include the Maori Leap Cave and the Little Garden of Memories and Takahanga Pa, offering history and scenic views.
Spend the night in Kaikoura and be sure to try the town's speciality of crayfish at one of its restaurants.

If you have two more days…

Day 4 - Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs

Drive southwards again and divert inland at Parnassus heading for Hanmer Springs (2 hours).
Mountain biking, walking, hiking, jetboating, horse trekking, skiing and 4WD safaris are offered from this alpine village.
After a day of activity, relax at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve.
Stay the night in Hanmer Springs.

Day 5 - Hanmer Springs - Christchurch

Return by road to Christchurch (1 hour 40 minutes) and fly out to Mt Cook.
Choose between a range of adventure sports including glacier skiing, hiking, walking mountaineering and fishing.
Stay overnight or return to Christchurch by plane.

If you have three more days…

Day 6 - Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Mount Cook - Fox Glacier - Franz Josef

Drive to Lake Tekapo (2 hours) on State Highway 80 which hugs Lake Pukaki.
Call at Tekapo's famous Church of the Good Shepherd with its sheepdog tribute.
Take to the skies once again with Air Safaris with its 50-minute award winning flight over Mt Cook, Southern Alps, Westland and Mount Cook National Parks and Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Visit Icesport Tekapo or sample horse trekking or a bicycle tour.
Dine at Lake Tekapo before heading out for a star gazing tour with Tekapo Tours.
Stay the night at Lake Tekapo.

Day 7 - Timaru

Spend the day on the region's skifields either at Mt Dobson or Fox Peak.
Alternatively, enjoy a day's fishing in the region's lakes and rivers. Watersports such as skiing, kayaking and jetboating are available in summer.
Drive to Timaru (1 hour) and stay overnight here.

Day 8 - Timaru - Christchurch

Call at Timaru's Aigntighe Art Museum (1 hour), historic home and gardens, before continuing northwards to Ashburton for morning tea.
Continuing onwards to Christchurch, detour to the Banks Peninsula to New Zealand's only French settlement at Akaroa.
Wander Akaroa's French named streets and lunch here.
Take a harbour cruise, swim with dolphins or visit the area’s museums, wineries or cheese factory.
Return to Christchurch (90 minutes).

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