Top Things to Do in Canterbury Region
Things to Do in Canterbury Region
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Canterbury Region.
- fromper adult$395
- On the Waterfromper adult$169
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$249
- On the Waterfromper adult$110
- Food & Drinkfromper adult$175
- Adventure Toursfromper adult$479
- Historical Toursfromper adult$220
- fromper adult$299
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$249
- Full-day Toursfromper adult$85
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Ben BMinneapolis, MN13 contributionsLovely green space with amazing examples of foliage from around the world. The Avon River runs along the edge of the gardens. The rose garden is spectacular and the New Zealand garden beautifully wild. I enjoyed a couple of nice walks there.Written 12 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JHMTTLWoodbine, MD1,609 contributionsWe stopped at Lake Tekapo enroute from Christchurch to Mt. Cook for lunch. The views of the lake were amazing. The color of the lake is unlike anything I have seen before. We walked around part of the lake, toured the old church and the observatory on the mountain. Try some ice cream at the Cafe adjacent to the observatory.Written 15 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TIm M7 contributionsThis was fun and we liked the tram museum which was free. Then it’s a nice walk down through the botanical gardens - nice rosesWritten 8 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ajsiromaniHyderabad, India155 contributionsGondola ride to the summit was great. Very well organized and we were lucky that there was hardly any waiting time. Views from the summit were amazing.
There is also a nice Gift shop and cafe at the summit.
Only warning - be careful to chose a non windy day to go up.Written 18 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JHMTTLWoodbine, MD1,609 contributionsYou can begin the Hooker Valley Track at either the Hermitage Lodge or a nearby car park where there are restroom facilities and water. The hike took us about 5 hours, so bring water. The views were wonderful. The trail is not difficult. There were a lot of people on the trail. The weather can change quickly. So I recommend you bring a daypack with a rain jacket and 2 litres of water.Written 15 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ArtcoopDunedin, New Zealand70 contributionsBeautiful space and lovely art collections. There were a few exhibitions on that day, small but magical. It’s worth taking the hours to enjoy the space.Written 2 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GreysmatterCanterbury, UK29 contributionsWe really enjoyed our visit to the International Antarctic Centre (IAC) and thought it was one of the best value for money things we did in New Zealand.
The talk on the use of Husky dogs in the Antarctic by Scott was really interesting.
The Haggalund ride over the obstacle course was fun (NB only for those over 1.2m tall and without back/neck injuries etc).
The ice storm and 4D film also a bit of fun (and informative) as was the Ice hole Challenge.
There is a small group of rescue blue penguins which can be viewed from above and from below water (through viewing glass).
The IAC is literally accross the road from the airport and backed onto our airport hotel. It was a great way for us to spend 3 hours whilst killing time in the day for our evening flight. The main activities listed above are timed frequently during the day. There was a break though for the Huskies around lunchtime.
You do not need to wear warm cothing to visit. They give you jackets with a hood and overshoes to experience the (c 5 minute?) Ice Storm but I would say long trousers would be better than shorts to avoid getting cold legs .Written 2 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AJAuckland, New Zealand290 contributionsWe learned so much about the amazing but devastating effects of earthquakes here.
This exhibit is an eye opener to the catastrophic power of nature and the effects it can have on everyday people.
Interactive and informative. This is well worth a visit when you’re in Christchurch.
The staff at the front desk were also very helpful and answered some of our questions at the end too.
Must visit.Written 6 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SpiderNew Zealand2 contributionsAmazing place. The work to do all the figures etc is mind blowing. The grand historic looking house looks interesting but you can't go inside which was a big disappointment as the websites gave the inpression it was part of the experience. Especially as it is called The Giants House. Maybe a change of name to reflect the sculptures would be more appropriate.
Cafe food and coffee is expensive. $10 for a large coffee.???
Probably a $25 adult entry would be more in keeping with the house off limits.Written 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sandy WVancouver, Canada1,383 contributionsWe spent several hours walking on the wooden and dirt paths slowly throughout the park. What a delight it was! There are birds everywhere. And not just sparrows. There are attractive and easy to read signs all over the place detailing the unique animal species that are located at Willowbank. There are pond areas and water areas everywhere.
It was a delight to see the children feeding the eels as soon as you walk into the park after paying admission. We caught the latter part of the magic show and loved it. There is a small little-used lunch area with picnic tables behind the magic show, and adjoining the toilets.
A great place for families. Easy to walk. Children love the smaller and larger animals, Especially the birds that are often roaming freely.
You can purchase a bag of small food to feed the birds and also a different bag of larger food pellets to feed the larger animals such as the deer. Make sure to purchase these small white bags when you buy your admission as they are not available elsewhere in the park.
And, yes, we were able to spot two kiwis in the darkened kiwi shelter. It was magical.
Thank you, Willowbank, for a delightful day. Please give me a link if you find this review helpful. You can also look for reviews that I have written for Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington as well as Brisbane.Written 16 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TWal1Canberra, Australia2,926 contributionsThis is one of the largest parks in the world and is larger than London’s Hyde Park but smaller than New York’s Central Park. It hosts a variety of features from botanical gardens, public golf course, international cricket venue to open spaces for families and people who want to exercise.
Each Saturday morning, it hosts the local parkrun and it is an excellent event. It is very inclusive and is open to everyone regardless of ability.Written 12 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michael CDerby, UK2,011 contributionsThis seal colony can easily be viewed from the road. We saw about dozen seals, including several pups. all basking on the rocks. It was a thrilling experience to see these animals close-up.Written 13 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canterbury Region
- The top attractions to visit in Canterbury Region are:
- Akaroa Dolphins
- Crater Rim Walks
- South Pacific Motorcycle Tours
- South Pacific Helicopters
- Coast Up Close
- The best outdoor activities in Canterbury Region according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Margaret Mahy Family Playground
- Hooker Valley Track
- Pukatea Horse Horse Trekking & Adventures
- Lake Pukaki
- Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
- The best day trips from Canterbury Region according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mount Cook from Queenstown
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch
- TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass & Castle Hill Day Trip
- Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
- Mt Cook Full Day Tour via Tekapo From Christchurch (Small Group)
- The most popular things to do in Canterbury Region with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Akaroa Dolphins
- South Pacific Helicopters
- Coast Up Close
- Amuri Jet - Hanmer Springs
- Shamarra Alpaca Farm Tours