What to do and see in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

July 21, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

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 country’s third largest urban area.
Restaurants in Canterbury Region

1. Pohatu Penguin Habitat

Excellent
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5.0 based on 639 reviews

Pohatu Penguin Habitat

Pohatu penguins is a family owned business that offers 4WD safaris trip to the Largest Little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Conservation based tours include: -Evening penguin tours -Scenic nature safaris (2 or 4 hours) -Sea-kayaking with seals and other wildlife -24 or 48 hour package including accommodation in the middle of the penguin colony

2. Christchurch Segway Tours

Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 211 reviews

Christchurch Segway Tours

Christchurch Segway Tour - Options to just take in the sights, or do a Post Earthquake Rebuild Tour. The Tour of our Central Business District is very popular with visitors to Christchurch because they are interested to see how Cantabrians are responding after a disaster and rebuilding their city. Helmet and full instruction given. We operate all year round.

3. Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides

Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 478 reviews

Ballooning Canterbury - Hot Air Balloon Rides

Escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating across an ever changing landscape. Come fly with us!

4. Akaroa Dolphins

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 2,138 reviews

Akaroa Dolphins

Let our crew, including our dolphin spotting dogs, take you on a journey of discovery through the long history of Akaroa harbour and its inhabitants. Our low-lying luxurious, spacious boat ensures you have a closer encounter with the rare Hector’s dolphins. We also endeavour to give you the best possible viewing of our local New Zealand fur seals, penguins and seabirds. Along the way, you will get to see sea caves and other spectacular volcanic formations too. We offer a friendly and comfortable experience that includes complimentary drinks of local award-winning wine, beer or juice, as well as some delicious home baking. Our 100% locally owned and operated business is committed to raising awareness and protecting the marine environment. That is why a portion of your fare goes towards protecting our wildlife. To find out more about our conservation commits please visit our website. Please note, we do not swim with the dolphins.

5. Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre

Christchurch 7681 New Zealand +64 3-318 8886 [email protected] http://www.rubiconvalley.co.nz/horsetrek.htm
Excellent
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5.0 based on 631 reviews

Rubicon Valley Tourist Centre

Horse treks run on a working high country sheep and cattle farm at the foot of the Southern Alps and only 1 hour from Christchurch City - various treks available with 1hour, 2hour, 3hour and full day.

Reviewed By fraserm854

Me and my girlfriend went on the 2 hour trek with Chris and Sarah, they managed the varying experience levels really well within the group and were really easy to talk to! I’d definitely recommend for the people and the views!

6. Peel Forest Horse Trekking

105 Dennistoun Road, Peel Forest 7992 New Zealand +64 800 022 536 [email protected] http://www.peelforesthorsetrekking.co.nz
Excellent
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5.0 based on 265 reviews

Peel Forest Horse Trekking

Peel Forest Horse Trekking offers treks from one hour to multi day. Our treks are designed to suit all levels of riders from children to adults. Most popular trek is our Two Hour River & Forest Trek.

Reviewed By G3350BEkimm

I went on a 6 hour trek today and was more than happy with the husband and wife team that run this amazing business Bert is an amazing man with a lot of knowledge and love for his horses and I loved the beautiful track we got to go on definitely an amazing place to go, I loved the trek 1 of the best days of my life I will 100% go back.

7. Newzengland Ltd - Clay Shooting & Archery Services

623 Coleridge Road Windwhistle, Christchurch RD 1 New Zealand +64 3-318 6943 [email protected] http://www.newzengland.co.nz
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5.0 based on 119 reviews

Newzengland Ltd - Clay Shooting & Archery Services

Reviewed By fantailtrails - Christchurch, New Zealand

We had an amazing afternoon with Neil and Sandra for my husband’s birthday. Right from the initial communications/planning stages everything went super smoothly. Neil was a fantastic instructor-super patient with adults and children alike, and wonderfully enthusiastic when anyone managed to actually hit a clay/target!...And surprisingly we all managed to hit at least one. We loved his dog Teddy too! Really hope to come back and repeat the fun -we will definitely do it again. Thanks so much guys!

8. Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre

20 Conical Hill Road, Hanmer Springs 7334 New Zealand +64 3-315 7233 [email protected] http://www.hanmeradventure.co.nz
Excellent
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5.0 based on 340 reviews

Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre

We are an adventure tourism company specializing in Quad bike tours, clay bird shooting, archery and also rent/ service mountain bikes. We also have a wide range of outdoor equipment that changes with the seasons.

Reviewed By Ju35_12 - Rangiora, New Zealand

Had a great time, 4 of us, Peter the guide was good and had attached balloons to the quad for one of our party’s birthday as I had let them know, thank you for doing that. Lots of wet weather gear to use, helpful ladies in the shop, able to use the Entertainment Book voucher which was great. About a 25km ride, lots of ups and downs, enjoyed it, thank you.

9. Geraldine Observatory

22 Macdonald Street, Geraldine 7930 New Zealand +64 3-693 7337 [email protected] http://www.geraldineobservatory.co.nz
Excellent
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5.0 based on 208 reviews

Geraldine Observatory

Geraldine Observatory is one of New Zealands best private observatories. Operated by Peter and Wyn Aldous, the observatory has a 14 inch, six inch refractor, four inch triplit refractor, all mounted on a Paramont ME mount in a large roll on roll off observatory, a 11 inch HD Edge telescope in a domed observatory as well as others. Peters main interest is super nova hunting (exploding stars)and sharing the joys of the night sky with members of the public. Peter has over 40 years experience as a amateur astronomer.Donations go to promoting outreach astronomy in South Canterbury.

Reviewed By lpowell502 - Christchurch, New Zealand

We had a great evening with Peter. He is such an enthusiast and so knowledgeable about the heavens. We loved seeing the planets and nebula so close - a wonderful insight into the night sky that we tend to ignore or take for granted. We went as a family and would thoroughly recommend an evening with Peter who is friendly, personable and a natural educator sharing his passion for astronomy. Thanks a million Peter. God Bless!

10. Gem Alpaca Stud

18 Nixons Road Rd17, Fairlie 7987 New Zealand +64 3-685 8689 [email protected] http://www.gemalpacas.nz
Excellent
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5.0 based on 144 reviews

Gem Alpaca Stud

Gem Alpaca Stud is situated on the main highway from Christchurch to Queenstown - perfectly placed for your stop over. Come on in and feed, touch and meet our Alpaca, Llama & sheep. Get your up close photos with our beautiful animals. Large covered veranda and outdoor seating with our farm shop open 7 days featuring a huge range of alpaca products. We also now have refreshments, ice creams, coffee and cold drinks. Farm Visits daily 11am, 1pm and 3pm $25.00 per adult, $15 per child, children 5 and under are FREE. PLEASE NOTE: No public toilets on site. please use facilities in the township just 1 minutes drive away.

Reviewed By taniat358

This farm + tour was amaze-balls!! We highly highly recommend this place. Lovely staff, lovely shop selling souvenirs and alpaca related goodies. The tour was amazing, the guide was very informative walking us through the different Alpaca sections, giving us food we can feed them. She knew the name of every Alpaca, and they were all so friendly and super cute. You got up right close to them all. Loved our experience. You even get wellies to wear so your own shoes stay clean. Towards the end of the tour, the guide also gave us top tips of what to see and do during our South Island road trip! We did this tour in Jan 2020, we got there for the last tour (think about 4pm), and we were lucky enough to be the only ones in the group, so felt like we had a private tour. Loved it. THX U, we had a great time!!!

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