The International Antarctic Centre is a great place to learn, discover and have an adventure. Be chilled in the incredible Antarctic storm room. Be thrilled on an all-terrain vehicle tour. Make friends with penguin’s and huskies. Learn about the first expeditions and modern-day life at Scott base.

Best known for its natural hot pools and stunning landscapes, Hanmer Springs is a picturesque alpine village 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch. It’s known for Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

and Spa, with its mineral waters. The surrounding mountains are home to trails and seasonal ski slopes. The nearby Conical Hill and Heritage Forest has a trail winding to a lookout point. To the south, rugged Waiau Gorge is known for its whitewater rapids and abundant waterways.

The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food.

Akaroa French connection is a daily bus service between Christchurch and Akaroa www.akaroabus.co.nz

Canterbury’s largest ski area, Mt Hutt, is just 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch. Whether beginner or top of your game, you’ll be right at home here, with a world-class snow school and 5 terrain parks. There are multiple ski fields in the Canterbury region.

Lake Aviemore and Lake Benmore are vivid turquoise lakes, both are artificially created lakes that form part of the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme. They are located in the Mackenzie Region. Lake Benmore has New Zealand’s largest earth dam.

Hagley Park is the largest urban open space (164.637 hectares) in Christchurch, New Zealand, and was created in 1855 by the Provincial Government. According to the government’s decree at that time, Hagley Park is “reserved forever as a public park, and shall be open for the recreation and enjoyment of the public.” Hagley Park is characterised by its trees and broad open spaces.

Seaside village with walkways café and shops. Taylors Mistake is a beach break on a sandy beach with both right and left-handers on offer. There can be an awesome right-hander off the rocks has an excellent surf beach and the Godley Head walking track.

The TranzAlpine train operates between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending through the Otira Tunnel to the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, through lush alpine beech rain forests to Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

Christchurch has many great cycle trails! Check them out below!

Click to find out more about the great walking tracks we have in Christchurch!