Christchurch, Kaikoura & Canterbury

Canterbury offers a mix of vibrant city life, coastal wildlife encounters, and French-influenced charm. In Christchurch, visitors can enjoy riverside walks, botanic gardens, street art, and punting on the Avon River. Just a few hours north, Kaikōura is famous for whale watching, dolphin swimming, and dramatic coastal views. To the south, Akaroa blends scenic harbour cruises with a touch of French heritage, and is one of the best places in New Zealand to see rare Hector’s dolphins up close.