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Destinations - Canterbury Region

Within 2 hours of Christchurch International Airport , ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, go rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching, visit world-class wineries & gardens.

Mountains meet the sea at Kaikoura. Experience marine life; see giant sperm whale, the world's largest variety of pelagic birds, swim with the acrobatic dusky dolphins or dive with the sharks.

Explore Hanmer Springs forest on a mountain bike, then head for the hot pools & enjoy a long soak.

Flick a fly rod over the Rakaia River ; catch a salmon or trout for dinner.

Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway to visit seal & seabird colonies. Watch for interesting limestone formations.

Go white water rafting on the Rangitata River or jet boating down the Waimakariri Gorge.

Waipara N of Christchurch is the wine region. Sample excellent wines & indulge in fine dining at a winery restaurant.

In the Waimakariri region there is excellent shopping at Rangiora, safe beaches & braided rivers, fishing, walks, scenic countryside, crafts & charming local museums.

Step back into Maori, French, British & whaling history in Akaroa, Canterbury 's oldest village. Swim with world's rarest dolphin, Hector's dolphin; go for 1 of many walks ranging from 1 hour-4 days. Relax in a waterside cafe, sample local seafood, wine & cheese. Activities range from paddleboats, horseback riding to an artisans' trail to garden visits.

Take a cruise on Lyttelton Harbour , 15 mins from Christchurch , enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape.

The village of Arthur 's Pass makes an ideal base for skiing, hiking, hunting & mountaineering.

Experience a spectacular train journey in a day aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch , through Arthur's Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast.

Extending from the edge of Christchurch to Arthur's Pass National Park & the Main Divide of the Southern Alps mountain range, Selwyn District is known for its wineries, golf courses, high-country lakes & rivers.

Ashburton is home to everything from skiing to hot-air ballooning, salmon fishing to jet boating, rafting or, for a more relaxed pace, visit historic high-country sheep stations, enjoy a round of golf.

Check out vintage cars at Geraldine's museum; admire the restored Victorian & Edwardian buildings in Timaru.

Attractive towns, lush pasture, rolling green hills & braided rivers make up the South Canterbury District, home to a huge array of scenic, sporting & cultural activities.

Ski Mt Hutt from the village of Methven ; catch a helicopter from Mt Cook village & try glacier skiing. Enjoy lake cruises, heli-skiing, star gazing, heli-mountain biking or scenic flights over the Southern Alps.

View Mt Cook through the altar window of the historic church on the shores of Lake Tekapo.

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