What to do in Canterbury

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal town with houses on a hillside, boats on the water, and green hills in the background.
A clear mountain stream surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks in the background.
A mountain range at sunset, a lake, and purple lupine flowers.
A bridge over a turquoise river with purple flowers in the foreground.
A snow-covered mountain range with a valley in the foreground.

Activities

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

AU$35
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

AU$206
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

AU$164
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
Christchurch: Orana Wildlife Park Admission

Christchurch: Orana Wildlife Park Admission

AU$33
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Christchurch: Orana Wildlife Park Admission
TranzAlpine Train

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

AU$329
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

AU$107
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise
Ōpuke Thermal Pools - Tranquility Pools

Ōpuke Thermal Pools - Tranquility Pools

AU$57
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ōpuke Thermal Pools - Tranquility Pools
Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

AU$54
per adult
Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass
Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

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

AU$86
per adult
Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour
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Most fun & popular experiences in Canterbury

Tours & day trips

See all 274 activities
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Activity duration is 13 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 262 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$205 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 70 activities
Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$262 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

See all 30 activities
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 207 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$147 per adult
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by BoatOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 27 activities
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$163 per adult
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Water activities

See all 20 activities
Christchurch: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River

Christchurch: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River

Activity duration is 1 day
9.4 out of 10 with 30 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$70 per adult
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What to do in Canterbury

Stay near popular Canterbury attractions

A mountain path with snow-capped peaks and green vegetation.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

9.6/10 (613 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.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Canterbury

Find the best Canterbury areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Canterbury
Learn more about Canterbury
A colorful street with a tram, outdoor cafes, and a restaurant named "The Nook Thai".

Christchurch City Centre

Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its abundant dining options, interesting museums and colourful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

An airport runway with surrounding fields and buildings.

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and McLean's Island Golf Club.

A large, historic house with red trim and multiple chimneys.

Riccarton

Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

A cityscape with a mix of modern and historic buildings, surrounded by green parks and a river.

Merivale

Travellers come to Merivale for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Merivale Mall and Papanui Road while you're in town.

A coastal landscape with mountains, a bay, and a small town.

Addington

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Canterbury

A cityscape with modern buildings, a construction site, and a distinctive blue sculpture.

Christchurch

A paved path leading through a grassy field towards snow-capped mountains.

Mount Cook

A coastal city with a beach, port, and industrial area.

Timaru

A mountainous landscape with a valley and a lake.

Ashburton

A mountainous landscape with a glacier and turquoise lake.

Glentanner

A mountain range with autumn foliage in the foreground.

Hanmer Springs

A mountainous landscape with a lake surrounded by hills.

Otematata

A lake with purple flowers in the foreground, a turquoise sea, and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Lake Tekapo

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