10 TOP Things to Do in Canterbury (2026 Activity Guide)

Akaroa featuring a coastal town and general coastal views

Mount Cook National Park showing mountains, tranquil scenes and snow

Canterbury featuring a sunset, landscape views and wildflowers

Canterbury showing a river or creek, a bridge and wildflowers

Canterbury showing mountains, snow and a sunset

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What to do in Canterbury

Popular places to visit

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Mount Cook National Park

Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Lyttelton Harbour

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Sumner Beach

The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.

Lake Pukaki

Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.

New Brighton Beach

Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.

Tekapo Springs

Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.

Mount Hutt Skifield

Hit the slopes at one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, which is best known for its long season and gorgeous surrounding scenery.

Hagley Park

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Areas of Canterbury

New Regent Street which includes railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Christchurch Airport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Riccarton

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Beautiful panoramic view of Lyttelton Port and Harbour from the Christchurch Gondola Station at the top of the Port Hills, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.

Addington

Unique features of Addington include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Apollo Projects Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.

Merivale

Merivale is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Merivale Mall or Papanui Road.