Canterbury Itinerary
We have put together a suggested itinerary which will allow you to take in the attractions of the region.
Day 1 - 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).