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.
Wanaka is an old gold mining town situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and is a popular destination whatever the season, from skiing to summer hiking and even for longerterm retirement.
Nelson is the second oldest settled city in New Zealand and the oldest in the South Island. Nelson is situated in a region often known as Nelson Tasman or the “Top of the South.
Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine growing area, producing mostly sauvignon blanc.The sea drowned valley of the Marlborough Sounds is also a picturesque sight.
The Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical micro region known for its astonishing beauty and history. It encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Penisula and is home to some charming coastal towns from Russell to Paihia.
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