Canterbury

Located in the heart of the South Island, the Canterbury region is known for its picture-postcard rural landscapes, rich history, and charming towns and cities. From hiking in the Southern Alps to wandering through the Botanic Gardens, you’ll never be short of great things to do in Canterbury! Little wonder it’s such a popular destination to explore on a New Zealand campervan holiday.

Christchurch, the entry point to Canterbury, is a city of creativity and renewal, celebrated for its stunning gardens, historic architecture, and lively arts scene. Browse the city shops, delve into the engaging exhibits at the Canterbury Museum, or enjoy a leisurely punt ride on the Avon River. For thrill-seekers, Christchurch offers exciting activities like hot air ballooning and skydiving.

Beyond the city, Canterbury's landscapes vary from the expansive Canterbury Plains to the dramatic Southern Alps. Drive to the charming town of Akaroa, located in an ancient volcanic crater, or head to Hanmer Springs, renowned for its thermal pools and outdoor adventures. This region is perfect for a campervan holiday New Zealand-style, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love Kaikōura, a picturesque coastal village where you can see whales, dolphins, and seals. For hikers, the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers stunning trails with views of glaciers and alpine meadows, surrounding New Zealand's highest peak.

Why explore Canterbury by campervan

Exploring Canterbury by campervan is the ultimate way to experience this amazing region. With a campervan, you can set your own schedule and take in everything from lively city vibes to peaceful nature escapes, all without the hassle of fixed itineraries.

Travelling by camper means you can wake up to the sights and sounds of nature right outside your door. Start your day with a sunrise over the Southern Alps or a peaceful morning by the coast. Having your kitchen, bed, and bathroom on board means you can enjoy a hot breakfast and coffee and then hit the road without the stress of packing and unpacking.

There are endless Canterbury attractions to check out, and a campervan lets you enjoy it all on your terms. And of course, the beauty of a campervan is that you can stay longer at the spots you fall in love with, take a spontaneous detour, and meet other like-minded travellers along the way. Plus, you get to discover those hidden gems that traditional tours might miss. Think secret coastal spots, scenic back roads, and quiet campsites where you can really connect with nature.

Things to do in Canterbury

Looking for fun things to do in Canterbury? You won’t have to look too far. This awesome part of New Zealand is bursting with activities that cater perfectly to campervan travellers. Whether you’re into adventure or relaxation, you’ll discover a long list of things to do in Christchurch. Explore the city by tram, head up to the Port Hills by gondola, or soak away the day at the He Puna Taimoana hot pools.

Head out of the city to discover more Canterbury attractions. Check out the wonderful wineries of Waipara. Hanmer Springs is a must for its famous thermal pools and outdoor adventures like hiking and mountain biking. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, check out Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Whether you're into hiking, stargazing, or just soaking up the views, this place is a hiker's paradise.

With so many places to visit in Canterbury, including scenic drives and hidden gems, you'll never run out of things to do. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, Canterbury has something for everyone.

Heather Schiller / Tuesday, 1 June 2021

/ Categories: NZ blog

Beaches to the Mountains

The best of Akaroa to Castle Hill

Words by Emma Fenton-Wells

Blog #9 of her solo trip in NZ

The next few days were made up of beautiful contrasts. Leaving Christchurch, I drove to Akaroa - the peninsular reaching into the sea. Along the way, there’s a smattering of beautiful towns, including Little River, home to an excellent cafe and gallery. But don’t eat too much along the way, because a feast awaits you.

View of Akaroa Landscape Photo Credit Michael Jowen

If you’re getting in at a suitable hour, the best view of Akaroa is from Hilltop Tavern. Sit out on the deck and take in the astounding landscapes. It’s such a treat. The drive down to the bay is twisty and turny, but you’ll be rewarded at the bottom with Barrys Bay Cheese.

Barrys Bay is easily the best cheese shop in the country. And I say that, having visited MANY cheese shops across New Zealand. I recommend collecting an array and planning your own cheese spread on the foreshore as the sun goes down. If anything, just go to Akaroa for the cheese.

I stayed down at Duvauchelle, where freedom camping is allowed along the beach. There’s loads of options, but research beforehand as there isn’t a lot of signage indicating where. I’d look on Rankers and the Christchurch City Council website. There’s also freedom camping in Akaroa itself, but Duvauchelle is a beautiful spot and about a ten minute drive into town. I ended up staying at Duvauchelle Holiday Park, right on the water. It was an epic spot and very quiet.

Akaroa is known as New Zealand’s own French seaside town. If you like art, food, antiques, and the sea, this is your place. If you happen to plan your Akaroa escape over a weekend, the town is famous for its markets on a Saturday. Bright and early I trekked into town (where there’s loads of camper parking) and had a leisurely breakfast at The Brasserie Kitchen and Bar. Great coffee.

A few other highlights:

Visit The Giants House. Designed by artist Josie Martin, this garden and cafe is a must do. Walk up there (it’s about 15 minutes from the markets) and prepare to spend an hour or two wandering through her beautiful creations. This is a must do.
Walk down to the lighthouse. It takes you through all the enclaves of Akaroa, and is best done with an ice cream in hand.
There’s so many excellent boutiques in town too. I particularly liked Nolasco Collections on the main street. Great collection of clothing and only items you can buy in Akaroa.

After hours of enjoying New Zealand’s own french experience, I started my journey towards the mountains of Arthur’s Pass, choosing to spend the night at Porter’s Lodge in Castle Hill.

In winter, Porter’s Lodge is a ski lodge, the rest of the year it’s a wonderful stop along the Pass heading towards the West Coast. The lodge sits at the base of enormous snow capped peaks, littered with mountain bikers in the warmer months - just brave the 5KM of gravel roads to get there (note: it’s really not that bad compared to any number of gravel roads in the North Island).

The lodge itself was cosy and had a great menu. It couldn’t have been more different from the few days in seaside Akaroa. Castle Hill is best known for its giant limestone formations that protrude seemingly out of nowhere. These boulders are found between two mountain ranges - Torlesse and Craigieburn - and popular for walkers and bouldering enthusiasts alike. The Dalai Lama once referred to Castle Hill as “the spiritual center of the universe,” but none of the locals I spoke with didn’t realise that were the case.

Limestone rocks at Castle Hill, New Zealand

This center is only a seven minute drive from Porters Lodge and well worth a spot. I climbed up to the limestones, beautiful and strange all at once, and then celebrated the minimal athletic activity by cooking up a storm using Barry’s Bay cheeses in my camper.

Woman standing next to rental campervan in New Zealand

The area around Christchurch is so diversely rich in its surroundings; from city to sea, alpine mountains to forests, you can experience a different world each day.

Follow Emma to the stunning Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook in the next blog from her solo trip

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Popular Canterbury road trips & itineraries

Stretching for around 450 km along the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Canterbury is perfect for scenic road trips. Start in Christchurch and explore the city’s gardens, museums, and vibrant food scene. Drive to the charming town of Geraldine, known for its artisan shops and delicious local produce. Relax in the serene atmosphere of Lake Tekapo, where you can enjoy stargazing and hot springs. Journey through the Canterbury Plains to the vibrant town of Timaru, offering coastal walks and a rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the picturesque village of Castle Hill, famous for its unique limestone formations and hiking trails. With stunning landscapes and diverse attractions, a campervan holiday in Canterbury promises an adventure at every turn.

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