Canterbury – Guide for Backpackers

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Visit Arthur’s Pass National Park

Arthur’s Pass National Park is host to a variety of walking tracks and challenging tramping routes.

A popular spot is a short walk leading to the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, which you can admire from a viewing platform at the base of the falls.

Arthur’s Pass also has a high number of kea, New Zealand’s native alpine parrot, which are entertaining to watch and often tamper with cars.

We have a whole guide to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Check it out here.

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Discover the Districts of Selwyn, Ashburton and Hurunui

From the flatlands of the Canterbury Plains all the way to the Southern Alps, there’s lots to discover.

For adventure-seekers, visit Geraldine and join a white water rafting tour on the Rangitata River. The nearby Peel Forest is popular for hiking, offering a genuine Middle-earth experience.

Head on next to Methven, a booming ski town in the winter and a quiet place for adventure activities in the summer. Hop on a jet boat down the Rakaia Gorge or walk around the hidden gem that is Washpen Falls, complete with rowing boat, views, and so much more.

Find more quaint Canterbury towns in the 10 Underrated Spots in Canterbury.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Canterbury

Canterbury’s largest ski field is Mt Hutt. The conditions are arguably the best in New Zealand’s ski resorts on a good day. Diehard Mt Hutters stay in the village of Methven for apres-ski sessions at the Blue Pub or Brown Pub.

The Hanmer Springs region has a reputation for being a relaxing ski option, with the majority of trails being intermediate. After a chilled-out day skiing or riding, you can boil in the thermal pools. Find out more in the Hanmer Springs – Guide for Backpackers.

You are spoilt for choice in the Selwyn district, where the ski areas are known as the Selwyn Six. Porters Ski Area is the closest to Christchurch. Craigieburn is a quieter ski area for advanced and expert skiers and riders. For backcountry skiing, visit Mt Olympus.

The Mt Cook area has a number of small family-run ski fields, such as Mt Dobson, Roundhill and Ohau Snow Fields.

Can’t get enough of skiing? Maybe you need to see this page: Ski Season in New Zealand or check more ski fields in The 24 Ski Fields in New Zealand.

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Explore The MacKenzie District

The Mackenzie district of Canterbury is famous for its vibrant blue lakes, tussock landscape and its dark skies ideal for stargazing. The townships of Twizel, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook Village are the main hubs of the area, offering heaps of activities.

See New Zealand’s Highest Mountain!

Sure, New Zealand has a lot of mountains, but it is something special when you see Aoraki Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in NZ at 3,754 m. Aoraki Mt Cook National Park has a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy while taking in the majestic surroundings; glacier kayaking in a glacial lake with icebergs, mountain biking, heli-hiking onto glaciers, and scenic flights to see it all.

Your go-to for most experience in Mt Cook is INFLITE Experiences, offering one of the best-value scenic flights, the Aerial Explorer. In addition, don’t miss their Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike on New Zealand’s longest glacier. It’s the most underrated glacier exploring in the country, taking you through ice tunnels or whatever majestic formations are around on the day you fly onto this ice giant.

See how New Zealand’s icon, Sir Edmund Hillary, trained at Mt Cook to be the first to reach the summit of Mt Everest. For more information, check out The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Mt Cook.

Stargaze and Enjoy the Lake Views at Lake Tekapo

Stargazers rejoice! The Mackenzie district is one of the best places in the world to see the stars of the southern sky and has been established as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

In particular, Lake Tekapo‘s observatory at Mt John allows visitors to use state-of-the-art equipment to really make the most of those dark skies. Find out more at 20 Stargazing Sites in New Zealand. For more things to do in Lake Tekapo, check out Lake Tekapo – Guide for Backpackers.

For more places worth checking out in the Mackenzie district, see the 10 Underrated Spots in Canterbury.

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Visit Christchurch City

A city on the mend after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, a backpacking trip to Christchurch is an eye-opener to see the long-term impacts of an earthquake. The museum Quake City is a good informant of this. Or take a double-decker or tram tour to see the city’s highlights.

Christchurch knows how to host a variety of markets, so it’s worth checking out the upcoming markets on Event Finder or in our free and cheap things to do article. There are bars and clubs scattered around Christchurch, such as the Darkrooms for live gigs or Chat’s Bar for a cheap and cheerful backpacker’s night out.

Check out the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Christchurch, 10 Cheap or Free Things to Do in Christchurch and Christchurch City Guide for Backpackers.

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Visit the Coast for Wildlife Encounters

Kaikoura

Joining dolphins and seals and watching whales in their natural environment is a unique opportunity, which Kaikoura is renowned for. Find out more in Kaikoura – Guide for Backpackers and 20 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura. Plus, check out some walks in 5 Best Walks in Kaikoura.

Akaroa

You can also take a trip to Akaroa to spot little blue penguins and swim with Hector’s dolphins. More information can be found in 10 Things We Love About Akaroa and The Complete Travel Guide to Akaroa.

Timaru

Watch little blue penguins go back to their nests at dusk in Timaru. You can also walk around Pareora Dam and River. Walk around the beautiful city park of Caroline Bay. Learn more about this lesser-visited town in the 15 Best Things to Do in Timaru.

If You Have Some Extra Time in Canterbury…

• Get all your adrenaline activities in one place at Hanmer Springs Adventures.
• Take scenic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps.
• See the stunning Lake Tekapo
• Soak in the Kiwi culture by doing some WWOOFing
• Visit Mt Sunday for a Lord of the Rings filming location
• or visit Twizel for more Middle-earth locations.