Canterbury is one of the largest regions in New Zealand located on the east coast of the South Island. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Southern Alps, fertile plains, and beautiful coastline.
Christchurch is the largest city in Canterbury and on the South Island. Christchurch is a vibrant and multicultural city, offering a mix of modern attractions and a rich heritage. It is known for its English heritage and is often referred to as the "Garden City" due to its numerous parks and gardens.
An ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Canterbury is home to several national parks, including Arthur's Pass National Park, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, and Banks Peninsula. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
In addition to its natural beauty, Canterbury is also known for its agricultural industry. The region's fertile plains make it ideal for farming, and it is a major producer of dairy products, sheep, and crops such as wheat and barley.
Overall, Canterbury, New Zealand offers a mix of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live for residents.
What To Do in Canterbury, New Zealand
Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens: Located in the heart of Christchurch, the Botanic Gardens offer beautiful gardens, walking paths, and stunning floral displays. You can also take a relaxing boat ride along the Avon River.
Visit the Canterbury Museum: Learn about the natural and cultural history of Canterbury at the Canterbury Museum. It houses a wide range of exhibits, including Maori artefacts, Antarctic exploration displays, and local wildlife.
Admire the Christchurch Cathedral: Although it was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquake, the Christchurch Cathedral remains an iconic landmark. Take a stroll around the cathedral and observe the ongoing restoration efforts. 
Take a TranzAlpine Train Journey: Embark on an unforgettable train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine. This scenic ride offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, gorges, and rivers.
Explore Arthur's Pass National Park: Located in the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and stunning alpine landscapes.
Where To Eat in Canterbury, New Zealand
Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar: Situated in Christchurch, Fiddlesticks offers a warm and inviting atmosphere along with a delicious menu. They serve a variety of dishes using locally sourced ingredients and have an extensive wine list.
Little High Eatery: Located in the heart of Christchurch, Little High Eatery is a vibrant food court with a diverse range of dining options. You can choose from various cuisines, including Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and more.
Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant: Just outside Christchurch in Waipara, Pegasus Bay Winery offers a beautiful setting and an exquisite dining experience. Enjoy their award-winning wines paired with seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Cafe Valentino: Located in Christchurch, Cafe Valentino is renowned for its Italian cuisine. They serve a wide range of pasta dishes, pizzas, and other Italian specialities in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.
Pedro's House of Lamb: If you're a fan of lamb, Pedro's House of Lamb in Christchurch is a must-visit. They specialize in slow-cooked Canterbury lamb shoulder, which is incredibly tender and flavourful.
Where To Stay in Canterbury, New Zealand
The Granary at Gunyah Country Estate
In the rolling foothills of the Southern Alps west of Christchurch, you’ll find Gunyah Country Estate. Visitors to nearby Mt Hutt and Methven looking to experience the mountains, scenery and outdoor pursuits couldn’t find a more central base than Gunyah. Your Mount Hutt Methven accommodation needs are catered for at our magnificent heritage rural retreat.
The newly refurbished Granary is located within the grounds of Gunyah Country Estate’s orchard and offers independent year-round accommodation for up to 6 people. Guests staying in self-catering accommodation can also have dinner or breakfast at The Lodge also on the Estate, with prior reservation.
The Granary features a full kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge freezer, Dining room, Sitting room, Log burner, 3 double bedrooms(one with a king bed, one with a queen and one twin singles), Linen supplied.
Bathroom with shower and underfloor heating, Washing machine and clothesline, TV, Free wifi Internet access, Our own farm fresh free-range eggs available for sale daily.
The Stablehand Quarters at Gunyah Country Estate
The Stablehand Quarters features a full kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge freezer, Dining room, Sitting room, Log burner, 2 double bedrooms (one with a king bed, one with twin singles), and an extra single bed in a corner of the living room for a 5th person, Linen supplied, Bathroom with shower and underfloor heating, Washing machine and clothesline, TV, Free wifi Internet access, Our own farm fresh free-range eggs available for sale daily.
The Mulberry Cottage at Gunyah Country Estate
In the rolling foothills of the Southern Alps west of Christchurch, you’ll find Gunyah Country Estate. Visitors to nearby Mt Hutt and Methven looking to experience the mountains, scenery and outdoor pursuits couldn’t find a more central base than Gunyah. Your Mount Hutt Methven accommodation needs are catered for at our magnificent heritage rural retreat.
The newly refurbished Mulberry Cottage is located within the grounds of Gunyah Country Estate’s orchard and offers independent year-round accommodation for up to 5 people. Guests staying in self catering accommodation can also have dinner or breakfast at The Lodge if they wish, with prior reservation. Please contact us as soon as you receive confirmation of your reservation if you wish to book for dinner or breakfast.
The Mulberry Cottage is a small, cute, bijou place and it a kitchen with benchtop oven, under bench fridge, Dining room, Sitting room, Log burner, 2 double bedrooms(one with a double bed and one with single bunks), a sofa bed in the living area, for a 5th person although this arrangement would not be suitable for long stays. As the cottage is small, Linen supplied the bathroom with shower, washing machine and clothesline, TV, and Free wifi Internet access. Farm fresh free-range eggs are available for sale daily.
