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Canterbury

DESTINATIONS > AUSTRALASIA > NEW ZEALAND > Canterbury & Christchurch

The Canterbury Plains stretch from the Conway River in the North, South of Kaikoura to the great Waitaki River in the south. The flat plains stretch from the Pacific Ocean in the east to Southern Alps in the west, broken only by the volcanic Banks Peninsula.

A wonderful way to take in the best of the region is to drive down the coastline from the Marlborough region. I’d recommend stopping in Kaikoura at Hapuku Lodge, famous for its abundant marine life, whale watch or even swim with pods of wild dusty Dolphins.

Christchurch City, a victim of many earthquakes, has an excellent museum showcasing this. You can also travel by train along Arthur’s Pass, where a lot of Lord of the Rings was filmed. From Christchurch city, you’ll find the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the majestic Southern Alps and an ancient volcanic peninsula all within driving distance.

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Independent guest reviews

Lesley & Harry

We had such a wonderful holiday. Katie put together a brilliant itinerary, which we tweaked a little in places, and the accommodation she chose was first class. She gave us great recommendations of activities and the whole trip went smoothly. Timings worked well between destinations because she had good knowledge of New Zealand, and the driving distances, car changes, ferry crossings, meeting points for activities were all easily achievable.

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UK: 0203 137 1247

US: 800 635 8124

Canterbury inspiration

True Travel Times

The True Freedom Collection

New Zealand

New Zealand

A Guide to Whale Watching in New Zealand

New Zealand Cave

New Zealand

25 of the Best Things to do in New Zealand

The TRUE rating

INDULGENT:

These accommodations are the best of the best, showcasing top hospitality, exceptional design and world-class food, in the most exclusive locations around the world.

EXCEPTIONAL:

A very high standard of five-star properties, with top-notch service and a wide range of amenities and experiences ensuring an unforgettable stay.

EXCELLENT:

These four to five-star accommodations offer the high level of service that our team look always look for, with a range of facilities on offer.

CLASSIC:

Four-star properties which offer enough amenities for a comfortable stay. We may offer these for a more price-competitive option, or in more remote areas which don't offer the most luxe hotels.

EXPERIENTIAL:

These properties won't necessarily offer all of the typical luxurious facilities, but will always provide memorable experiences, from camping out in the bush to climbing up to a treehouse.