Things to do in Canterbury

Find and book 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.

Canterbury Attractions

Discover the sights of Canterbury with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {353 fun activities in Canterbury fun activities in Canterbury}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

Things to do

Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

$107
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

$84
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

$550
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Lake Tekapo: Single Day Pass for Hot Pools

Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools

$24
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools
Blokarts suitable for ages 8 to 80+ with tandem karts available for those not ready to go it alone.

Christchurch Land Sailing Adventure Velocity Karts

$59
per adult
Christchurch Land Sailing Adventure Velocity Karts
Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

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

$63
per adult
Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

$119
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
25 Minute Glacier Explorer: 1 Glacier with Alpine Landing

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

$235
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing
Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram

$25
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram
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Canterbury must see attractions

1. Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New Zealand’s winter, with skiing and snow sports, hot springs, and snow-capped mountains and glaciers sparkling in the sun. During summer, water sports and hiking are popular. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking near mountain peaks, beech forests and a landscape carved by glacial movement.
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A winding road through a mountainous landscape with a lake and snow-capped peaks in the background.

2. Lyttelton Harbour

The quaint harbor at Lyttelton sits on an ancient volcanic crater. The steep hills rising around the port town reach a height of 1,640 feet (500 meters), and are known as the Port Hills. In the town, you’ll find an excellent choice of restaurants, shops and cafés. Observe sea and birdlife out on the deep harbor with cruises run by local operators.
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A coastal town with a harbor, mountains in the background, and a clear sky.

3. Sumner Beach

Lie on the soft, warm sand and work on your tan or swim in the shallow waters at gorgeous Sumner Beach. Explore the iconic Cave Rock or unwind with a drink at one of the bars that overlook the ocean when you visit Christchurch’s favourite weekend destination.
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A sandy beach with a windmill, rocky outcrops, and a hillside with houses.

4. Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki sits below New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Combined the lake and mountain create one of the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas. When you see the ethereal, turquoise color of the water, which turns milky when the clouds roll in, you may want to pinch yourself to check if you aren’t dreaming.
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A mountain range with snow-capped peaks, a dense forest, and a turquoise lake.

5. Tekapo Springs

Soak in soothing heated pools or pamper yourself with a remedial treatment at the Tekapo Springs spa.
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A swimming pool with a mountainous backdrop.

6. New Brighton Beach

New Brighton Beach is a great coastal retreat to visit when holidaying in Christchurch. The beach boasts about 18 kilometres (11 miles) of golden sand, stretching from the mouth of the Waimakariri River to South Spit. Activities at New Brighton Beach range from surfing in rolling waves to wildlife spotting and walking amid untamed landscapes. Find accommodation options, cafés, restaurants and a weekly market at the village adjoining the beach.
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A pier extending into turquoise waters with clear skies.

What to do in Canterbury

Things to Do in Canterbury with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you go in Canterbury. Here are some family friendly experiences to do together that will make your trip unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Canterbury? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

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.
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Where to stay in Canterbury

Find the best Canterbury areas and neighborhoods 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 is abundant dining options, interesting museums, and colorful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Two red buses with tracks parked on grass.

Christchurch Airport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

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

Riccarton

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

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

Merivale

Merivale is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Merivale Mall or Papanui Road.

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

Addington

Unique features of Addington include the theaters 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.

 

 

Popular day trips 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

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Canterbury on a sunny day?
What should I not miss in Canterbury?
If you'd like to see the best of this place, fit these attractions into your schedule:

  • Mona Vale
  • New Brighton Beach
  • Lyttelton Harbour
  • Canterbury Museum

Are there cheap things to do in Canterbury?
Join a Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket or a Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Tickets- Guaranteed Kiwi Viewing and experience this destination without it costing a whole lot of cash.
What can you do in Canterbury for free?
You'll hardly have time to take your wallet out of your pocket with so many free things to do:

  • Mona Vale
  • New Brighton Beach
  • Lyttelton Harbour
  • Canterbury Museum

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