New Zealand
Canterbury
Region
Canterbury is New Zealand's largest region by area, stretching from the Pacific coast across the vast Canterbury Plains to the main ridge of the Southern Alps.
by Felix Gillen
Canterbury is New Zealand's largest region by area, stretching from the Pacific coast across the vast Canterbury Plains to the main ridge of the Southern Alps. Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, with an international airport and a rail connection to the West Coast.Inland lie the turquoise lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with the country's highest mountain. On the coast await Kaikōura with whales and seals, and Banks Peninsula with Akaroa.
Most travelers land in Christchurch and continue their journey from there. To the southwest, State Highway 8 leads through the Mackenzie Basin to Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and on to Queenstown or Wanaka. Northwards, the route follows the coast to Kaikōura and Marlborough. The region around Tekapo belongs to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; the night sky here is exceptionally clear.
More places in Canterbury
Christchurch, known in Māori as Ōtautahi, is the South Island's largest city. Following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, much of the city centre was rebuilt. Today, neo-Gothic stone buildings stand alongside modern architecture, street art, and new public spaces by the Avon River.Distances are short: Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the Museum, and the Arts Centre are all located next to each other on the western edge of the city centre. The city is an excellent starting point for excursions to the Banks Peninsula or the Port Hills.
The Port Hills are the remains of an extinct volcano and separate Christchurch from Lyttelton Harbour. The Summit Road runs along the ridge, with hiking trails and mountain bike tracks branching off in all directions. From the top, you can see across the city and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.The easiest way up is by gondola. On the other side lies Lyttelton, a small harbour town with cafés, bars, and a weekly market.
Essen & Trinken
Schicke Zimmer in einem gehobenen Hotel mit elegantem Restaurant und Bistro, beide mit Parkblick.
Culture and History
Canterbury is the tribal territory of Ngāi Tahu, the largest iwi of the South Island. From 1850, the Canterbury Association specifically settled the region with English emigrants; you can see traces of this in Christchurch's neo-Gothic architecture.Land of SheepThe Canterbury Plains are still largely agricultural. Large farms, known as high country stations, stretch into the mountains; some offer overnight stays and farm visits.
Traveling in Canterbury
Christchurch Airport is the main airport of the South Island. From here, you can best explore the region by rental car or campervan. The TranzAlpine travels to Greymouth, the Coastal Pacific runs in summer via Kaikōura to Picton. Intercity buses connect Christchurch with Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Queenstown.
