Attractions Nearby Christchurch, Day Trips and Excursions

(Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand NZ)

Christchurch is close to many incredible tourist attractions, heritage sites, stunning scenery and areas of extreme beauty, all within easy reach of Christchurch city. Popular attractions nearby Christchurch include the regions, towns and cities of Lyttelton, the Banks Peninsula, North Canterbury, Central Canterbury and South Canterbury, all home to a wealth of attractions, such as mountains, lakes, walking / tramping trails, glaciers, skiing fields and museums. In, Kaikoura, within easy driving distance of Christchurch, it is even possible to swim with dolphins.

There is always a tremendous variety of attractions and things to see and do nearby Christchurch and day excursions around Christchurch, Canterbury and other nearby areas of New Zealand's South Island are extremely popular.

Lyttelton

Situated to the south-east of Christchurch, Lyttelton is a small port town with a population of around 3,000 people. Just 12 km / 7 miles from the city centre, attractions at Lyttelton include:

• Port Hills - a particularly scenic area with walking / tramping trails, driving tracks and spectacular views of the harbour area
• Lyttelton Harbour - the main port area close to Christchurch, with numerous boats and impressive yachts
• Lyttelton Museum - full of local Colonial history and important collections
• Timeball Station - dating back to 1876, with a tall, historic mast used to tell the time

Banks Peninsula

Originally created by giant volcano eruptions, the Banks Peninsula is a hilly area, close to Christchurch. Full of natural beauty spots, vineyards, gardens, mountainous regions and a wealth of flora and fauna, attractions at the Banks Peninsula include Le Bons Pigeon Harbour, Little Akaloa Bays, and the small town of Akaroa, with a large harbour, interesting museum and charming streets steeped in history.

North Canterbury

North Canterbury can be found to the north of Christchurch and includes many popular attractions and a large number of exceptional vienyards. Some of the most popular attractions in North Canterbury include:

• Waipara Valley - home to more than ten major vineyards producing some of the best wines in New Zealand
• Hamner Springs - one of the South Island's most impressive thermal resorts, attracting many visitors from throughout Canterbury and Christchurch
• Hamner Forest - full of walking / tramping trails and a nearby visitors' centre
• Thrillseekers Canyon - a popular spot for bungee jumping and extreme sports
• Lewis Pass Highway - a scenic route at the northern end of the magnificent Southern Alps

Central Canterbury

On the western side of Christchurch, Central Canterbury includes a number of impressive attractions, most of which can be reached from Christchurch within around two hours by car. Attractions in Central Canterbury include:

• Craigieburn Forest Park - a vast spreading forest park situated approximately 110 km / 70 miles from central Christchurch, with a range of forest walking / tramping trails
• Arthur's Pass - a small and important settlement, including the highly regarded Arthur's Pass National Park
• Ashburton - a medium-size town to the south of Christchurch, with glacial-fed rivers and a nearby craft village containing local art galleries
• Methven - close to Ashburton, a small town with a population of around 1,000 and a popular New Zealand skiing resort during the winter months
• Mount Somers - featuring the Mount Somers Subalpine Walkway, which travels around the northern faces of the mountain and includes many picturesque beauty spots and picnic areas

South Canterbury

South Canterbury contains a number of small cities, towns and villages, together with many popular attractions for tourists visiting this area from Christchurch. The main attractions in South Canterbury include:

• Temuka - a busy port city situated between Christchurch and Dunedin
• Timaru - containing beautifully landscaped botanic gardens, the South Canterbury Museum and the Aigantighe Art Gallery
• Geraldine - a pretty town with a visitors' centre and a thriving arts and crafts scene
• Peel Forest - with a number of tree walks and whitewater rafting locations
• Farlie - the entrance to the Mackenzie area, with nearby skiing available at Fox Peak
• Lake Takapo - home to a small settlement next to the magnificent lake
• Lake Pukaki - close to Mount Cook, with a popular visitors' centre
• Mount Cook National Park - classed as a World Heritage area and covering over 700 square km
• Tasman Glacier - an awe-inspiring sweep of ice with walking / tramping trails