What to do and see in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Other Outdoor Activities

February 25, 2022 Brain Ambrose

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. Aoraki/Mt. Cook

Mt. Cook Road, Mt. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand +64 3-435 1186 http://www.doc.govt.nz
Excellent
86%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 532 reviews

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China

Mount Cook also referred locally by its Maori name of Aoraki is the highest mountain in New Zealand and the darling of the Southern Alps range on South Island. It dominates the peaks of the Mount Cook National Park and can be viewed well from both sides of the mountain range. We recently spent some time around Mount Cook National Park enjoying views of Aoraki from numerous hiking areas and trails. Most enjoyable was probably at Lake Hooker, a beautiful reflection lake made up of melt water from Hooker Glacier located a short distance from the Mount Cook Village. A similar impressive view of Mount Cook can be found at Lake Matheson, another famous reflection lake near the Fox Glacier Village on the west side of the range. There is a very good Visitor Centre in the Mount Cook Village with quality displays and historic accounts of mountaineering and general exploration of Mount Cook and fellow peaks in the area. You can also learn quite a bit about hiking and other activities related to visits to Mount Cook on the DOC National Park website. This is well worth spending some time researching before making trips to the area.

2. Hanmer Llamas

Medway Road Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury, Hanmer Springs 7395 New Zealand +64 3-315 7063 [email protected] http://www.hanmerllamas.nz
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Hanmer Llamas

Fully guided and catered llama treks in spectacular New Zealand scenery. Lead your chosen llama while he carries everything leaving you free to relax and enjoy the surrounds. Our llamas are calm and gentle, love getting out on expeditions and don't spit at humans! Relax on a day walk exploring the village scenic spots or a guided fishing tour. Check out our choice of multi day wilderness adventures catering to all levels of fitness while our 'Over the Southern Alps' trek goes from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Village or wilderness, relaxation or adventure...there is something to suit everyone. Small groups 2-6 (or by arrangement) Multi day $250 NZD per person, per day-fully guided and catered. Llamas are located on the fringe of Hanmer Springs;for your convenience we meet at a centre village location. One day tours require a day's advance notice.

Reviewed By tiana2108

We had the best weekend ever thanks to Suzi and Tony! That's the best and most exceptional experience we could get for a special date! I organised a 30th surprise birthday for my partner who LOVES llamas. Suzi was here to provide her recommendations - which was perfect for our needs. We had an amazing weekend with a Llama day trek/walk on the Saturday and a Llama fishing trip on Sunday! We also had great surprises on top which included cheese and wine for my partner. If you want to have a delightful and unique experience don't hesitate any longer and get in touch with this beautiful couple! Thank you so much - we'll be back!

3. 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
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

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.

4. Walks Kaikoura

C/- Kaikoura Information Centre West End, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand +64 274 732 659 [email protected]
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Walks Kaikoura

5. High Country Journeys

RD2 Darfield 680 Downs Road RD 2, Darfield 7572 New Zealand http://www.highcountryjourneys.co.nz/
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

High Country Journeys

6. Tinbum Charters

212 Beach Road, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand +64 800 846 286 [email protected]
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Tinbum Charters

We do fishing charters and scenic tours out of Kaikoura, New Zealand. We cater for the experienced to the novice. All fish is filleted and bagged ready to cook and eat. We can take up to 8 people.

7. V8 Superdrive

Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna Raceway, Hasketts Road, Templeton, Christchurch New Zealand +64 3-349 6066 http://www.v8superdrive.co.nz
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

V8 Superdrive

Reviewed By Jessmuaythai - Christchurch, New Zealand

Went out with a couple of friends to give driving a go. First we did two laps with the instructor Chris driving. I was like oh god this is going to be impossible. Then it was my turn to drive Chris was giving instructions as I was driving and it made things very easy. You get to drive a V8 super car and get to do it fast and learn how to drive and corner correctly. Definitely recommend doing this I will be going back again.

8. Velocity Karts

Pages Road Bexley Reserve, Christchurch New Zealand +64 3-388 8222 [email protected] http://www.velocitykarts.co.nz
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
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5.0 based on 431 reviews

Velocity Karts

Two great choices of outrageous fun on 3 wheels: -Wind powered blokart (land yachts) and Electric Driftkarts. We have two purpose built tracks in Christchurch where you can hire a kart and have some fun with family, friends and colleagues. Blokarts are an amazingly inclusive activity for all ages (8 to 80+) and abilities. We have 2 person karts for those who aren't quite able to go it alone or prefer to share the experience. Being powered by nature ticks the sustainability box for guilt free fun. Grab a group of 6-12 people and try our our unique Human Foosball, the only one of it's kind in Christchurch. Just like the table game except you are the players. Hilarious fun and as competitive as you want this complements our energy efficient activities, harnessing Human Power. Fun for all, individuals and groups.

Reviewed By malcolmmacbeth - Christchurch, New Zealand

Excellent outfit; very attentive, understanding (when the conditions during the holidays weren't up to scratch for the karts to really go - winds too light - they were more than happy to rebook the time for another day when there was more action free, which was great!). My 3 younger kids had an absolute blast, and loved it (second time around when there was enough wind to go properly!). I would highly recommend this to anyone - I consider it really good value for money. Really friendly and helpful staff; really good equipment and set up. Definitely going again!

9. Hogs Back Track

Castle Hill Drive, Castle Hill 7580 New Zealand http://www.castlehill.net.nz/castlehill/mtb/hogsback_mtb.php
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Hogs Back Track

Reviewed By Nicole_Vvv - Brooklyn, United States

I can't find a listing for the rocks, so I'll post our review here: what a great stop on our drive through Arthur's Pass! An easy walk up the hill leads to incredible views and really cool rock formations. 100% worth the stop. I would suggest putting on hiking shoes - the walk isn't difficult but some ankle support and stability around the rocks would be good to have.

10. Erewhon Station

end of Mt Potts Road Lake Clearwater, Ashburton New Zealand http://www.erewhonhorsestud.co.nz/
Excellent
86%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
14%
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4.5 based on 14 reviews

Erewhon Station

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