Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
Countries
Top 10 Historic Sites in Canterbury Region, South Island
Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the countrys third largest urban area.
Restaurants in Canterbury Region
1. Te Kiteroa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
2. Taylors Mistake - Awaroa / Godley Head Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By amazinggrace2019
It was hot, but what a lovely walk. The road to thd carpark is narrow so tske your time. Once there, it is easy to follow the well signposted track which winds up and down around the headland to Godley Heads. We saw seals, swimmers divers, boaties. Its not too strenuous and the track is a good walking surface and quite wide.
3. Mona Vale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By GSL2 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Mona Vale is an old, established garden running alongside the river. Lots of interesting plants and corners to explore including a rose garden and a water-lily pond. There were ducklings when we last visited and it was fascinating watching the mama duck herding her 7 little ones as they dived around the water lilies. You don't need to join a tour; nice to just wander at leisure. There is a restaurant there, but looked very formal, so we didn't get anything there. Would have been nice to have somewhere to get an icecream or a smoothie as it was a warm day.
4. Riccarton House & Bush
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Riccarton House & Bush is a unique New Zealand heritage site consisting of two historic buildings, flanked by beautiful open parkland and ornate gardens, bordered by the River Avon and set against extensive native bush forest featuring Kahikatea trees up to 600 years old. This tranquil 12 hectare reserve is located just 3.5 Km from Christchurch city centre. The protected bush area has free entry and the house has a wonderful cafe. Heritage Tours run 6 days per week.
Reviewed By GlendaMike - Gold Coast, Australia
Veronica our guide showed a small group of us through the house. A very informative tour with lors of stories of the family that lived here. Well done Riccarton House.
5. Historic Jed Vale Cemetery Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By rachelb161 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Such a peaceful and beautiful site for a cementary. A quick walk from Gore Bay along the beach and winding up the hill. Well worth a visit.
6. Ferrymead Heritage Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 150 reviews
Ferrymead Park features an early 1900s (Edwardian) township and the park has a variety of restored cottages plus a school house, church and businesses which reflect the period and allow visitors to experience life for the early residents of Christchurch including the smell of a coal range and the sounds of a tram rattling past the door.
Reviewed By craigieb16 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Haven’t been to ferrymead for a few years, always a great afternoon exploring the park, be sure to visit curragh House!.
7. Fyffe House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By roaming_kiwi58 - Christchurch, New Zealand
A fascinating place to visit if you have any interest in history. We had a warm welcome from the lady at the entrance, who gave us a short introduction and a leaflet with a little info and a map. Then we wandered the property on our own. I found it fascinating that the foundations of this building are constructed of whale bones. You can see them in the front verandah. Well worth a visit to Fyffe House if you are in Kaikoura. By the way, I noted that on the Heritage NZ website it says opening hours are 10 to 4 Thursday to Monday. This is not correct. These are only the May to September hours. From October to April Fyffe House is open every day from 10 to 5pm. The information centre in Kaikoura very quickly supplied the correct opening times via email when I queried. I have had no response from Heritage NZ regarding the opening hours.
8. Homebush Stables
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By wynmead - Waikanae, New Zealand
Well worth a visit. Great museum of early NZ. Buildings in brick from their own brickworks. Impressive water turbine and water tower. Amazing gardens and large trees. One could wander around for some time enjoying the scenes. Established in the 1800s and still in the Deans family it truly is a window into out history and pioneering spirit.
9. Queen Mary Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By DJandR - Wanaka, New Zealand
Worth a stroll through the historic site. Still novel to be allowed to walk through the grounds, for many years it was patients only. I love looking at empty buildings thinking about the Soldiers and patients who walked through the doors, an interesting piece of NZ history. The remains of a beautiful garden. Has been empty a long time, hopefully whoever is responsible for it wont let it go to rack and ruin.
