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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Canterbury [2025]
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
4.7
/5
100 reviews
8.6
From QAR 335.81
Based on 3,021 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +64-3-3196767
Address: Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7340, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Guided whale & marine biology tour
95% chance to see whales
Saved by 125 users72% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We saw two sperm whales, and the sound of their tails was very shocking. Many dolphins chased the boat and played with it. Albatrosses floated leisurely on the sea. Standing on the bow of the boat gave us a feeling of riding the wind and waves. Be sure to buy tickets a few days in advance, as you may not be able to buy tickets at the last minute and will have to wait and see.
The check-in point is conveniently located right next to the train.
The weather was nice and the scenery was beautiful. We successfully saw whales, sea lions and dolphins.
I took medicine in advance and didn't get carsick, so I was satisfied overall.
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International Antarctic Centre
4.5
/5
194 reviews
8.0
From QAR 128.56
Based on 3,034 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +64-3-3570519
Address: Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Five themed hotels for variety
Experience Gan Nan workshops & folklore
Saved by 131 users116 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I think this place is quite fun. It's right next to the airport parking lot. I stopped by before returning my car to Christchurch Airport and enjoyed free parking. The tickets I bought on Ctrip were very convenient to show directly. The entire tour lasted about two hours. I rode a polar car, experienced an Antarctic storm, watched a 4D movie, and saw penguins and sled dogs.
The International Antarctic Center isn't very large. Its main attractions include the Antarctic Storm Chamber, a penguin enclosure, a 4D movie, and an outdoor polar train. First, we experienced the Antarctic Storm Chamber. Before entering, we put on a coat and non-slip shoe covers. We then entered a world of ice and snow at -8°C. Then, a man-made snowstorm began to whirr, and I shivered with cold, but thankfully, it only lasted a few minutes. In the penguin enclosure, we saw a few little blue penguins. We missed their feeding time, but they were adorable to behold through the darkened observation windows. The 4D movie focused on Antarctic ice and snow, with plenty of penguins and seals. However, having already been to Universal Studios and Disneyland, this 4D experience felt like a simpler experience. The polar train ride was quite interesting. We lined up at the entrance, then rode around the center's perimeter, simulating bumpy terrain, glaciers, and rivers. It was a bit of a weightlessness experience—it was incomparable to a roller coaster. There are many introductions about Antarctica in the museum, but they are all in English, and the children are not interested in reading them carefully one by one; there are also several Antarctic sled dogs, Huskies.
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Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences
4.4
/5
23 reviews
8.0
From QAR 702.64
Based on 314 reviews
85.5 km from downtown
Phone +64-3-4351801
Address: Glentanner Park, 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Helicopter view of Mount Cook
Views of glaciers & mountains
Recently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Very good. This 25-minute helicopter does not stop at the glacier. It just stops at the top of a rocky mountain. I recommend paying more for the 45-minute ride.
12-20. I have made a reservation that was cancelled twice, because it is not certain that the time is OK after you make the reservation. Ctrip only has 8:30 and 17:30 to choose from. I made another reservation for the day after tomorrow, and the result was the same. I could only choose 8:30, but it was sunny, and there were more people later. We were the first flight, which was pretty good. There is almost no temperature difference on the top, so you don’t need to prepare anything warm, just wear a sweater outside, and the captain only wore a shirt. I stopped at the snow mountain to move around for 15m. When I arrived at the front desk, I was told that the 55-minute flight was cloudy today and I couldn’t fly such a big circle. I could only fly a 45-minute route. Yes, the difference between 45 minutes and 55 minutes is not the time difference for getting off the plane to play, but the route is different. Ctrip cannot predict this, and the airport will adjust it according to the weather on the day. Our family of 4 people is on one plane. There is no hiking in this, and I asked the front desk if I can hike. I was told that it was fully booked in the past few days. The reservation on Ctrip is just a helicopter ride. If you want to hike, you have to go to his website to book. You can play from the age of 9, and it will be very tiring to hike for 2 hours. Because it's not snow, it's all melted, and when it gets cold at night, it's all ice pellets. You can't have a snowball fight, you know, it's all ice pellets.
No.
4
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The Church of the Good Shepherd
4.8
/5
463 reviews
7.6
Based on 2,141 reviews
61.2 km from downtown
Phone +64 3-685 8389
Address: Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Highlights:
Lake views & sheepdog statue
Lake view at Cook Mountain
Saved by 149 users170 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The stone church is only the size of a classroom, but when you push the door open, wow, the whole milky blue lake and snow-capped mountains are right in front of the French window, like a postcard come alive. The old stones on the wall hurt my hands, but the tour guide said it was built in 1935, and I immediately felt that the broken stones were fairy-like.
I bumped into the bronze statue of a shepherd dog at the corner, and its nose was shiny (it was touched), and then I knew that the church was built to thank the shepherd dog for helping to open up the wasteland. Suddenly I understood why the locals have such pious eyes. When I squatted by the lake and ate a sandwich, lupine rubbed against my trouser legs (only in the right season), the lake was so clear that I could count the stones, and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains in the distance was swaying - what kind of internet celebrity check-in, it’s better to be in a daze for a while, cool!
> Tips: If you want to take empty shots, you have to get up early, because once the tour group arrives, it’s full of people. You are not allowed to take pictures inside, but your eyes remember better than the lens, and the lake and mountains seen from that window are amazing!
The Good Shepherd Church is really beautiful! It is located by the tranquil lake, surrounded by continuous snowy mountains and green meadows, and is picturesque. The architectural style of the church is simple and elegant, and the transparent stained glass is soft in the sun. Standing in front of the church, looking at Mount Cook in the distance, feeling the breeze, the heart is extremely quiet. This is not only a good place to take pictures, but also a pure land that can relax the mind and make people linger.
No.
5
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4.6
/5
271 reviews
7.4
Based on 6,840 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +64 3 941 7590
Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Spring Outings
Highlights:
Tulips bloom & attract photographers
10 unique gardens in 74 acres
Saved by 104 users123 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Christchurch Botanical Garden is a fascinating place! Entering the garden, it seems to be in a green fairy tale world. In the rose garden, more than 250 roses bloom, colorful and aromatic. Walking on the trail, you can see the Avon River flowing quietly, and there are light boats rowing across the river from time to time. There are also various theme gardens in the park, such as vanilla garden and Shiqi garden, each with a unique scenery. This is not only a paradise for plants, but also a good place to relax and let people linger.
Wind and beautiful day. I like to take a walk to the botanical garden and breathe the fresh air. Peacock sculpture or other countries give it? The shape is very retro and elegant, and New Zealand is a flower city. Your climate and warm sea breeze make the flowers here colorful.
No.
6
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Shamarra Alpacas
4.5
/5
82 reviews
7.3
From QAR 109.89
Based on 254 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +64-3-3045141
Address: 328 Wainui Main Road, Akaroa 7582, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Explore Canterbury's natural beauty
Feed & hug alpacas closely
69% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I went there for the second time. The first time was in 2018. There were still a lot of Chinese signs at the entrance, and the uphill road was still so steep. Rising Sun was still alive, although there were not many hairs. Everything was good.
The road is a bit far, but it's worth it! The alpacas are so cute! So friendly!!! The group photo is very nice. There are Chinese staff, who are also very nice and interesting throughout the whole process! The visit time is 1 hour. It is worth recommending! It is also cool to buy souvenirs!
No.
7
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Lake Tekapo
4.7
/5
342 reviews
7.2
Based on 2,718 reviews
54.3 km from downtown
Phone +64-800-23538283
Address: Canterbury Region 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Expert guides lead you to explore the night sky's mysteries
International Dark Sky Reserve: A Premier Stargazing Haven
Saved by 108 users112 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Standing on the shore of Lake Tekapo, I was shocked by the deep blue, as if the earth cracked a gap, the sky was poured into the lake. The lake surrounded by snowy mountains was calm as a mirror, reflecting the changes of clouds and light. When participating in Earth & Sky stargazing, the Milky Way poured down, the stars were within reach, and the guide's explanation brought the mystery of the universe close to you. Walking along the lake, the white figure of the Shepherd's Church blended with nature, and the tranquility was divine. This is not only a feast of vision, but also a destination for the soul, every moment makes people intoxicated with the pure and tranquil nature.
After descending Mount Eden, we flew from the North Island of New Zealand to Christchurch on the South Island. It took a 3-hour drive to Lake Dekapo and the town of Tekapo, located between Christchurch and Queenstown. It is known as the sapphire of the South Island.
The western side of the lake is the Southern Alps. When the snow on the mountain melts, it washes down minerals and accumulates at the bottom of the lake. Under the sunlight, it forms a dreamy milky blue color.
No.
8
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Aoraki / Mount Cook
4.8
/5
38 reviews
7.1
84.1 km from downtown
Address: Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
43% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It sounds like a must-visit place. We boarded this trip under the blue sky and white clouds. The young and strong Jiji chose both hiking and helicopter without hesitation. The experience was perfect at once.
The scenery is really different near and far. If you have enough physical strength, it is recommended to do both methods at the same time.
There are three trails in Mount Cook. In winter, it is suitable to go to the glacier to see the melting ice. The journey takes one hour, but it is relatively steep. In summer, you can walk over three bridges. The journey is smooth and suitable for all kinds of people. The round trip takes about three hours.
No.
9
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Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
4.6
/5
220 reviews
7.1
74.6 km from downtown
Phone +64 3 435 1186
Address: Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
Highlights:
Hooker Valley Trail: Glacier & Mountain Views
22 peaks over 10,000 feet
27% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Stepping into Mount Cook, breathing stalled at the top of the snowy mountain. Mount Cook pierced the sky like a sword in the clouds, and the glacier cracked a diamond-like glow in the sun. On the Hook Valley Trail, the gravel underfoot accompanied by the whisper of the glacier, every step like walking in a painting. The echoes of the Maori legend Aoraki echoed through the valley, reminding the ancient soul of the land. The changing weather made the journey full of surprises, and when the clouds were scattered, the glaciers floating in the lake made me feel like a fairyland, which is the most primitive shock of nature.
The weather in Mount Cook was very good, but the activity of going on a snow plane and returning by helicopter was cancelled due to bad weather on the mountain. It was a pity for two consecutive days. I drove from the Twizel base to the airport at the foot of the snow mountain to inquire and wait, and took the shortest hiking route by the way. The scenery was also pretty good.
No.
10
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Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
4.7
/5
24 reviews
7.0
From QAR 78.84
Based on 587 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +64-3-3667830
Address: 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 30 minutes
Highlights:
Cambridge punting & British romance
Pole boating on traditional punts
Verified user reviews
Rafting on the Avon River in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience! The boatman is enthusiastic and professional, explaining the history of the coast in a humorous way, and his eyes are shining with love for this job. Amid the rippling blue waves, accompanied by mandarin ducks and flocks of birds, and the sun shining on the river, it feels like being in a fairy tale world. Five-star recommendation for this warm water trip!
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing punting on the Avon River in Christchurch, and it was an absolutely delightful way to explore the city. The journey itself was serene and picturesque, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.Our guide, dressed in traditional Edwardian attire, expertly navigated the flat-bottomed boat with a long pole, allowing us to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. We drifted past lush greenery, charming bridges, and historic architecture, all of which created a postcard-perfect backdrop. The gentle pace of the punting made it easy to fully appreciate the beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the calm waters of the river.The entire experience was wonderfully calming, yet never dull. Our guide shared interesting tidbits about the area’s history and natural features, making the trip both relaxing and educational. It’s the kind of activity that feels timeless—no rush, no stress, just the simple pleasure of gliding through a scenic waterway.Overall, I’d highly recommend punting on the Avon to anyone visiting Christchurch. It’s a unique and charming way to see the city, and it’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. I came away feeling refreshed, with a newfound appreciation for Christchurch’s natural beauty and historic charm.
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