Things to Do in Canterbury in 2024

Mount Cook National Park showing mountains, tranquil scenes and snow

Most popular activities in Canterbury

Tours & day trips

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5-Day Great Southern Circle Tour from Christchurch

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 43 activities

World in a day

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 28 activities

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

See all 25 activities

Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

Free cancellation available

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Christchurch Helicopter Picnic

Free cancellation available

Discover the most popular places to visit in Canterbury

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

5/5(83 reviews)

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

4.5/5(61 reviews)

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.

Lyttelton Harbour

4/5(52 reviews)

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Lake Pukaki

5/5(76 reviews)

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.

New Brighton Beach

4/5(46 reviews)

Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.

Sumner Beach

4.5/5(36 reviews)

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.

Tekapo Springs

4.5/5(15 reviews)

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.

Hot Tubs Omarama

1/5(1 review)

Enjoy an outing to Hot Tubs Omarama during your stay in Omarama. Discover the area's mountain views and spas.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Canterbury

New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(344 area reviews)

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

International Antarctic Centre showing interior views

Christchurch Airport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and McLean's Island Golf Club.

Riccarton

4.5/5(73 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Great place to stay in Christchurch. It's a 20 minute walk to the center of town, but there's a dairy, some take aways and bars nearby. It's clean and comfy. I had a great stay!

Addington

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Unique features of Addington include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Orangetheory Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.

Merivale

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Merivale is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Merivale Mall or Papanui Road.