The ultimate Canterbury travel guide. Find Canterbury's location on the map, discover iconic places to visit and must-do experiences, and book hotels.

A Complete Travel Guide To Canterbury, New Zealand 2025: Location & Best Places to Visit - Travel Guides Traveloka

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Experience life the way it should be – relaxed, tranquil and thoroughly enjoyable! Sink back into the velvet cushions of your boat as the Edwardian punter gently glides you down the Avon River, passing the trailing willows and leafy banks of the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This is an iconic Christchurch experience and an attraction not to be missed!

Punting on The Avon River

From the historic French Village of Akaroa, 90 minutes from Christchurch, daily harbour cruises show the fascinating landscape with volcanic craters and exciting wildlife. 
The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. Each cruise is fully narrated by the skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour. 

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre based at Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. The centre includes; a hagglund ride, ice voyage 4D Show, a snow and ice experience, penguin encounter and an informative, hands on display.


International Antarctic Centre

The Willowbank experience includes unique native wildlife, farm animals and the country's natural history. Dining is available in the award-winning restaurant, acclaimed for its architecture and construction which allows magnificent views of the surrounding wildlife and gardens.


Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Discover one of the world’s premier military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Activities include a flight simulator, guided tours and a replica 1940's home. 
The museum is based at the Wigram Airfield, approximately 15 minutes from the International airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase some of the flora of New Zealand and other parts of the world. Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree, the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. 
Take time to explore the gardens, which are considered to be an oasis in the city of Christchurch with 21 hectares of horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.


Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola (otherwise known as a cable car) whisks you nearly a kilometer to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbor and to the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the East, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see.

Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch and revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Café.

Christchurch Gondola

Housed in an exquisite historic building, are outstanding Maori exhibits, a Victorian Christchurch Street, an extensive Antarctic collection and fun for the children in Discovery. 
Browse the Museum Store or relax in the Café overlooking the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.


Canterbury Museum

Coasting the Ōtākaro/Avon River, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial pays homage to the 185 lives that were lost in the February 2011 earthquake. The memorial wall spans 111 metres along the southern riverbank, while the north side features a green area with a curved seat.

Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial

After the February quake caused damage to the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed one of his famous “Emergency Architecture” buildings, and now the transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral project is welcoming visitors. Constructed from a series of 96 cardboard tubes and framing, this is an exciting symbol of innovation, hope and inspiration for the city for the next 50 or so years.

Cardboard Cathedral

Quake City is an attraction that uses large-scale imagery, sound and film among other features to tell the stories of the Canterbury earthquakes with a strong emphasis on the future.

At Quake City people can see the events through large-scale imagery, view iconic objects like the top of the Christ Church Cathedral Spire and learn about the science of earthquakes.

Quake City

Established in 1863, the Botanic Gardens 75 acres host without doubt the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.

Operating a continuous daily service, Caterpillar Garden Tours allows visitors to discover the natural beauty, history and culture of this central city oasis while at the same time being taken around the gardens in all weather, comfort and style. The tours are fully guided on an environmentally friendly electric shuttle.

Caterpillar Garden Tours

In Christchurch’s suburb of Addington, The Court Theatre company was founded in 1971 and is today one of the top groups of New Zealand. Different high quality performances are held throughout the year. Have a glance at their website to see what is on.


The Court Theatre

Set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park has been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. 

Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Over 400 animals from 70 different species are displayed and there are various daily encounters allowing up close experiences with the animals.

Orana Wildlife Park

Top Sights in Canterbury

Christchurch combines urban sophistication with natural beauty in the heart of New Zealand's South Island. As the largest city in the Canterbury Region, it boasts lush landscapes and a rich culture. Positioned along the Avon River, Christchurch displays English architecture, harkening back to its status as New Zealand's oldest established city. Covering 295 square kilometers, the city features diverse terrain, ranging from plains to coastlines. Sitting 20 meters above sea level, it offers a unique viewpoint of coastal panoramas and distant mountains.
The Christchurch Gondola and Antarctic exploration provide multifaceted experiences for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Botanic Garden highlights Christchurch's heritage by reflecting its commitment to nature preservation. The Canterbury Museum and The Quake Museum offer insights into the city's history and modern dynamism. Thrill-seekers find their haven here with activities like bungee jumping and skydiving. The city's popularity stems from its abundant outdoor attractions, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Notable among the must-visit locations are Arthur's Pass National Park and the captivating Orana Wildlife Park. After all, exploring Christchurch is only complete when you immerse yourself in its markets and culinary scene. Vibrant farmers' markets and diverse eateries showcase local crafts and gourmet delights, making the city's food scene another reason to visit immediately.

Popular Areas in Canterbury

[Mount Cook Alpine Landing] Tasman Terminal Lake Taster Helicopter Experience | New Zealand

International Antarctic Centre Ticket | New Zealand

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise | New Zealand

[Small-Group Refined Experience] Stargazing English Tour in Tekapo | New Zealand

Christchurch Adventure Park | New Zealand

Christchurch Tram 1 day pass | New Zealand

[Tasman Glacier Hike] Mt Cook Plane Tour and Glacier Hiking | New Zealand

[Double Alpine Exploration] Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters Combo Ultimate Experience | New Zealand

Kaikōura Whale Watching Tour | New Zealand

[Tasman Glacier Landing] The ultimate Mt Cook Alpine aerial tour | New Zealand

Pohatu Sea Kayaking & Scenic 4WD Safari from Akaroa | New Zealand

[ Glacier Landing ] Tasman Glacier Highlights Plane Tour | New Zealand

[Christchurch Departure] Day Tour to Mount Cook or Christchurch | New Zealand

[Queenstown Departure] Day Tour to Mount Cook or Christchurch | New Zealand

30-Minute Kaikoura Whale Watch Seaplane Flight | New Zealand

[Mount Cook Departure] Half Day Tour to Queenstown or Christchurch | New Zealand

Fun-filled attractions, tour packages, and more

Must-try Activities in Canterbury

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Canterbury is located in New Zealand. Let us guide you to explore Canterbury and uncover its beauty. Find inspirations about popular tourist attractions, travel tips, to the best accommodation in  here. Plan your next adventure at Traveloka!

In This Guide

Canterbury

Oceania

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New Zealand

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Canterbury

Get to Know Canterbury

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Top Sights in Canterbury

Punting on The Avon River

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

International Antarctic Centre

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Gondola

Canterbury Museum

Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial

Cardboard Cathedral

Quake City

Caterpillar Garden Tours

The Court Theatre

Orana Wildlife Park

Popular Areas in Canterbury

Christchurch

Explore Canterbury

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

Must-try Activities in Canterbury

[Mount Cook Alpine Landing] Tasman Terminal Lake Taster Helicopter Experience | New Zealand

International Antarctic Centre Ticket | New Zealand

Christchurch Gondola

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise | New Zealand

[Small-Group Refined Experience] Stargazing English Tour in Tekapo | New Zealand

Christchurch Adventure Park | New Zealand

Christchurch Tram 1 day pass | New Zealand

[Tasman Glacier Hike] Mt Cook Plane Tour and Glacier Hiking | New Zealand

[Double Alpine Exploration] Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters Combo Ultimate Experience | New Zealand

Kaikōura Whale Watching Tour | New Zealand

[Tasman Glacier Landing] The ultimate Mt Cook Alpine aerial tour | New Zealand

Pohatu Sea Kayaking & Scenic 4WD Safari from Akaroa | New Zealand

[ Glacier Landing ] Tasman Glacier Highlights Plane Tour | New Zealand

[Christchurch Departure] Day Tour to Mount Cook or Christchurch | New Zealand

[Queenstown Departure] Day Tour to Mount Cook or Christchurch | New Zealand

30-Minute Kaikoura Whale Watch Seaplane Flight | New Zealand

[Mount Cook Departure] Half Day Tour to Queenstown or Christchurch | New Zealand

More Destination Near Canterbury

Christchurch

Queenstown

Otago

Dunedin City

Nelson

Nelson City

Wellington City

Wellington

Taranaki

New Plymouth

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