Local Information

Encompassing a large central portion of the East Coast of the South Island, the Canterbury region is a spectacular place filled with everything from the long beaches of the East Coast to the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs to the north provide breathtaking natural beauty and exhilarating adventure.

With a population of over 300,000, Christchurch is the largest city in South Island and is known throughout New Zealand as the Garden City. The Port Hills provide a dramatic back drop to the city, which boasts many parks, rivers and a typically English layout of central square and parallel streets running north to south and east to west.

Surrounded by many examples of colonial and modern architecture, Cathedral Square offers a wide range of shops, street stalls and places to dine or enjoy a coffee. The Christchurch tram offers regular tours around the city and is an excellent way to see the main attractions in the area.

Inland from Christchurch on the Great Alpine Highway, SH73, lie the magnificent Southern Alps--only an hour from Christchurch. The villages of Springfield and Arthur's Pass make ideal bases for a wide range of activities. You can also experience the TranzAlpine--one of the world's most spectacular train journeys that takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth. This can also pick you up from Darfield which your hosts are happy to arrange .

South of Christchurch lie the Ashburton and Timaru districts. The Ashburton district is home to all kinds of exciting activities like skiing, hot air ballooning and salmon fishing. The Timaru district features many attractive towns, rolling green hills, lush pasture and braided rivers.