Canterbury Region
The
Canterbury region offers a colourful slice of New Zealand life. From the expansive farmed flatlands of the
Canterbury Plains to the ski fields of the Southern Alps, from the urban centre of
Christchurch to the isolated wilderness of the Chatham Islands, you’ll find a range of activities in this region. Whether you’re looking for snow sports, nightlife, shopping, rivers, seaside villages, alpine hot springs, salmon and trout fishing, whales and dolphins, world-renowned gardens or just a breeze to fly your kite, the
Canterbury region won’t disappoint and is a must for any visitor to the South Island.
Climate Canterbury is one of the country’s driest regions.
Summer: 12 - 22°C
Winter: 2 - 12°C
Average rainfall: 750mm/year
Cool Facts•
Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s “Garden City” for its expansive parks and public gardens established by the city’s founding fathers.
• Take your pick of the slopes: the
Canterbury region has nine ski areas to choose from.
• Waimate is home to New Zealand’s largest wallabies.
•
Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city.
• Marine animals are abundant in Kaikoura because currents and shelf formations create upwelling that brings phytoplankton from the ocean floor into the light zone where they can grow to become a tasty lunch!
• C’est vrai! The country’s one and only French settlement is along Akaroa Harbour.
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