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Things to do in Canterbury

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Top 10 attractions in Canterbury

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Whale Watch Kaikoura
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Whale Watch Kaikoura

9.4
4.6/5
209 reviews
Get up close and personal with the world's largest toothed predator - the giant sperm whale - for a thrilling experience. If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to see rare dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and other animals during the voyage. Visitors will take a professional Cruise deep into the Pacific Ocean to get up close and personal with large marine mammals such as humpback whales and killer whales, and experience the grandeur and mystery of marine life. The Cruise is equipped with professional Guide to provide visitors with detailed introductions to the habits and ecological environment of marine life, and enhance their awareness of marine protection. In addition, the Cruise also provides a comfortable viewing platform and rest area to ensure that every visitor can enjoy an unforgettable sea trip.New Zealand · Kaikoura
Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

8.5
4.2/5
50 reviews
Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences take you soaring over Mount Cook National Park, offering breathtaking aerial views of vast glaciers and snowfields. Feel the majestic embrace of towering mountains from high above as your helicopter navigates through narrow ridges before landing on alpine terrain, where you'll marvel at the park's spectacular scenery. During this unforgettable journey, you'll witness natural wonders like the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Valley from above, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Under the guidance of professional pilots, you'll enjoy low-altitude flights for close-up observations of glacial crevasses and ice caves while learning about glacial formation processes. More than just a visual feast, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences offer a profound spiritual awakening amidst nature's grandeur.New Zealand · Glentanner
International Antarctic Centre
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

International Antarctic Centre

7.7
4.6/5
257 reviews
The International Antarctic Centre is an important gateway to understanding Antarctica, located near Christchurch International Airport. Here, you can learn about various aspects of the Antarctic Circle, including its history and geology, through sound, light, and electrical displays. 1. The architecture of the International Antarctic Centre draws inspiration from unique Antarctic landscapes such as icebergs and glaciers, with interiors designed to reflect the climate and icy conditions of Antarctica. Upon entering, visitors first encounter displays of outdoor conditions at Antarctic bases and real-time photos and data transmitted from Scott Base. 2. The Antarctic storm chamber features real snow and low-temperature fans, allowing you to experience the sub-zero cold of Antarctica firsthand, complete with simulated blizzard winds. Visitors must change into warm clothing and shoes before entering. 3. Penguin feeding show in the penguin introduction area further along is the penguin introduction area, where you can also watch feeding shows. Here, you'll see the world's smallest little blue penguins, which are incredibly adorable. If you're particularly interested in these blue penguins, you can join the penguin encounter tour to explore backstage facilities, learn about penguin quarantine zones, their daily routines, and dietary habits, and even get up close with them.New Zealand · Christchurch
Ōamaru Penguins
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Waitaki

Ōamaru Penguins

7.7
4.6/5
196 reviews
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Conservation Center is located just minutes from the city center and is a convenient place to see blue penguins living in their natural environment. During peak season, more than 130 pairs of blue penguins homing in the conservation center, and sometimes more than 200 blue penguins arrive overnight. Our staff includes a marine biologist who conducts research into the various behaviours and breeding success of blue penguins. The conservation center provides two kinds of viewing: daytime viewing and dusk viewing. The daytime viewing is mainly to visit the penguin protection center, and to watch the little penguins that have not preyed at sea during the day in the dark room (BlueWing); the evening viewing is divided into ordinary seats and VIP seats. , the VIP seats are closer to the penguins, only about 2-5 meters. Twilight viewing provides Chinese and English commentary services.New Zealand · Oamaru
Christchurch Tram
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch Tram

7.4
4.7/5
74 reviews
The Christchurch Tram is a retro-style sightseeing tram route that loops around the city center. Christchurch had trams running through its streets as early as the late 19th century. After tram services ceased in the 1950s, a fleet of meticulously restored vintage carriages returned to the tracks in the 1990s. With their wooden interiors, brass handrails, and the crisp "ding-ding" of bells, riding one feels like stepping onto a time machine. The full loop around the city center takes less than an hour, with over ten stops along the way, allowing you to hop on and off at your leisure and spend as much time as you like at each attraction. The tram connects key highlights of the city center: Cathedral Square, the colorful Spanish-style shops of New Regent Street, the food-filled Riverside Market, the lush Botanic Gardens, and the Arts Centre composed of Gothic-style heritage buildings. A stop is also located near the Avon River punting jetty, while the Cardboard Cathedral, built from paper tubes, is within walking distance. Families with children can let the little ones run wild at the Margaret Mahy Playground. Outside the windows, century-old buildings alternate with post-earthquake landmarks, while the driver provides a guide to the history of these streets—from the reconstruction story of the cathedral to the memorial significance of the Bridge of Remembrance—making the ride both engaging and informative. A few details are worth noting during your experience: the outer sightseeing seats are not fully rainproof, so choose inner seats on rainy days; eating, drinking, and phone calls are not allowed onboard; for photography enthusiasts, waiting for the tram to pass the colorful facades of New Regent Street or cross the stone bridge over the Avon River yields particularly striking shots.New Zealand · Christchurch
Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)

7.3
4.8/5
61 reviews
The Avon River is a river that runs through the whole city of Christchurch, and along the Avon River, immerse yourself in a peaceful rafting trip. The boatman supports the punt with a long pole designed for small rivers and shallow waters that will take you across the water. The boatman, usually dressed in traditional Edwardian clothing, will explain the history of Christchurch and the sights you will pass by. On the way of rafting, you can also enjoy the weeping willows on both sides of the river, as well as the wild animals that randomly appear in the botanical garden.New Zealand · Christchurch
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
No. 14 of Spring Outings in New Zealand

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

7.1
4.4/5
219 reviews
Of all of New Zealand's 27 mountains over 3050m, 22 are in Mount Cook National Park. One of the more spectacular is Mount Cook, which is 3,755 meters high. 1. Experience New Zealand's large glacier up close - a third of the Tasman Glacier Mount Cook National Park is covered with snow or ice all year round. Here, you can experience New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, up close. Take the bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley, and your guide will lead you on a leisurely half-hour hike to the end lake of the Tasman Glacier. Board a boat here to explore this iceberg lake full of small icebergs and ever-changing. Feel the glacier with your hands as the boat makes its way up close to these little icebergs! If you are a photography enthusiast, this trip will be an unforgettable memory of your trip to New Zealand! 2. Aerial view of magnificent natural beauty by helicopter There is another way to enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Cook - take a helicopter view of this amazing natural beauty from the sky. Here are some professionally operated aerial tour companies that will take you off from GlentannerPark at the base of Mount Cook to see Mount Cook from above and explore the heart of Mount Cook National Park. Professional pilots will enthusiastically share their knowledge of the region with you.New Zealand · Gammack
Christchurch Gondola
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola

7.1
4.6/5
86 reviews
The Christchurch Aerial Tramway is erected on Mount Cavendish, about 10 kilometers southeast of the city. The cableway spans 862 meters and is very stable and comfortable. From the foothills where the flocks play, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the top of the mountain, which is about 500 meters above sea level. Approaching the crater, take the cable car to the top of the mountain, only 1 km away from the edge of the crater. Port Hills is an extinct volcano with a collapsed crater that erupted six million years ago and guards the sparkling harbour of Lyttelton. Standing on the observation deck, looking west, the Southern Alps seem to be in sight through the pure air; in the east, the endless sea is connected to the sky.New Zealand · Christchurch
Shamarra Alpacas
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Wainui

Shamarra Alpacas

6.9
4.6/5
109 reviews
Shamara Alpaca Ranch is located in Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, about 80 kilometers from Christchurch. Take an alpaca ranch tour, you can have the opportunity to pet the alpacas, direct the alpacas into the sheep pen, and get up close and personal with the lovely alpacas. Also, the view from the ranch overlooking the beautiful Akaroa harbour is gorgeous. Drinks and home-baked biscuits are served in the ranch's barn, and the Alpaca Shop also sells a dazzling array of New Zealand-made alpaca handwovens.New Zealand · Wainui
Tasman Glacier
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in South Island

Tasman Glacier

6.8
4.5/5
68 reviews
Tasman Glacier is located on the east side of Mount Cook, with a total length of 29 kilometers and a width of 3.2 kilometers. As the Tasman Glacier continues to naturally shorten, the melting of the glaciers slowly began to form Tasman Lake (commonly known as Ice Weir Lake), which has been around since the 1990s. The lake began to grow significantly and became the source of many lakes in the South Island. Due to the huge force of the glacier moving, the two sides of the valley were cut abnormally and completely, leaving a large number of glacial traces of different periods, and a large number of black rocks interlaced in the ice and snow.New Zealand · Gammack

Traveler favorites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Canterbury

Featured Food & drink in Canterbury

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From Methven: Hot Air Balloon Flight in Canterbury with Wine
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4.8/5
· 19 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 924.89MYR 973.57
From Christchurch: Sheep Farm Experience with Lunch & Winery
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 750.20MYR 789.69
Christchurch Guided Walking Tour with Optional Wine Tasting
󱌍
4.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 76.11MYR 80.12
Christchurch: Kai Bites Walking Tour with Lunch
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 511.00MYR 537.9
Christchurch: Ōtautahi Meander Walking Tour with Tastings
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 369.69MYR 389.15

Featured Day tours in Canterbury

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Queenstown to Christchurch one-way 1-day tour | Aoraki / Mount Cook · Lake Pukaki · Lake Tekapo
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review· 90 booked
Duration: 11.2 hrs
English
73 travelers saved
FromMYR 949.88
New Zealand Tekapo Chameleon Stargazing Tour [Hotel Pickup, Chinese/English Optional, Small Group]
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 59 booked
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromMYR 277.21
Queenstown round-trip Aoraki / Mount Cook scenic tour with optional helicopter sightseeing and glacier explorer boat
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FromMYR 661.49
Mount Cook 1-day tour | Lake Tekapo · The Church of the Good Shepherd | Tasman Glacier viewpoint hiking trail
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3.0/5
· 2 reviews· 52 booked
Duration: 11.5 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
103 travelers saved
FromMYR 718.71
Christchurch, New Zealand: Mount Cook + Lake Tekapo + The Church of the Good Shepherd Tour [Includes Transfers & Lunch]
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FromMYR 760.42

Featured Culture & history in Canterbury

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From Christchurch: Full-Day Lord of the Rings Tour to Edoras
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4.9/5
· 105 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
94 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 737.69MYR 776.52
Arthur's Pass & Castle Hill Day Trip From Christchurch
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4.9/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 432.73MYR 455.51
Christchurch Highlights Audio Tour: City Icons
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Filipino
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 29.01MYR 36.27
Christchurch: Historic Landmarks, Earthquakes & Rebirth Walking Tour (2-Hour)
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Duration: 1.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromMYR 260.68

Featured Spa & wellness in Canterbury

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Ōpuke Thermal Pools - Tranquility Pools
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4.8/5
· 63 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
33 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 151.97MYR 159.97
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa - Discovery Pools
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 73.95MYR 77.85
Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools
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4.5/5
· 93 reviews· 154 booked
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 88.10MYR 92.74
Hanmer Springs: Thermal Pools Single or Return Entry Ticket
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4.8/5
· 33 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
23 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMYR 92.50MYR 97.37

More things to do

Canterbury cruises

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Private Tours in Canterbury

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Group Tours in Canterbury

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Free things to do in Canterbury

What travelers say about Canterbury

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111***97October 24, 2026
4.0
I took seasickness medication beforehand. The sea wasn't too windy that day, but there were still some swells, and I felt a little seasick when the boat first set off at a low speed. The boat was very clean, and the crew was very attentive to service. We didn't see many whales that day, and the ones we did see weren't very big; I only caught a glimpse of a whale's tail once. Overall, it was a good experience. The only downside was that it's about a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch, but thankfully, the journey passes through vineyards, and there are a few wineries worth visiting.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

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_TT***56October 22, 2026
5.0
A very unique experience during visit Mt Cook. Pilot will bring us fly over Tasman lake so that we can have an amazing view. After that we will have a short landing on top and have a photo shoot. Check in super easy, just show the booking and all done in 5 min.

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

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M23***52October 15, 2026
5.0
It's suitable for a half-day trip; if you have enough time, it's quite nice to experience the various activities. Our flight was in the afternoon, so we spent the morning sightseeing, had lunch at the cafe, and then checked in at the airport.

International Antarctic Centre

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_AP***89October 10, 2026
5.0
Good way to see some penguins if you didn’t make any prior arrangements to see more.

Ōamaru Penguins

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耳東氵罒幸一止August 24, 2026
5.0
很好玩的一个体验,而且坐着电车绕城市看风景很轻松。我们都很高兴。在Trip平台买票也很方便,到地点就能轻松领取实体票然后上车,车上的领导也很细心的为每一个景点做介绍……👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Christchurch Tram

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Thinh0304October 7, 2026
5.0
My friends and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Punting On The Avon at the Antigua Boat Sheds, and it was an absolutely excellent outing from start to finish. We were looking for a relaxing group activity, and this completely exceeded our expectations. The scenery and natural environment along the river are stunningly beautiful, making it a perfectly tranquil escape that contributed to a fantastic atmosphere.  Our overall enjoyment was top-tier; gliding along the water while taking in the picturesque sights was both peaceful and incredibly fun to share with friends. Everything was incredibly well-organized, and we all felt that the exceptional service provided outstanding value for money. If you are traveling with a group of friends and looking for a highly rated, memorable experience on the water, we cannot recommend this enough!

Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)

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赶景August 5, 2026
4.0
The Lin'an Art Museum is located inside the Wu-Yue Cultural Park, which also houses the Lin'an Museum and the Wu-Yue Cultural Museum. The art museum is not large, but it is quite exquisitely decorated, and the surrounding environment is fantastic. You can visit it while you are at the museum.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

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Flora_GuAugust 12, 2025
5.0
Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, nestled between mountains and the sea, offers panoramic views of the city and coastline from the cable car. We followed the directions a friend had sent us and arrived near the summit. A short climb up brought us to the cable car station. There's an observation deck and a cafe on the second floor. This way, we only had to buy a one-way ticket down the mountain, which was significantly cheaper. A Chinese staff member at the ticket office told us about a "Time Tunnel" car showcasing the history of Canterbury, New Zealand. If you take the No. 8 bus to the base of the mountain, you can take the cable car up and then back down—perhaps a classic way to enjoy the experience.

Christchurch Gondola

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_M1***49February 16, 2026
5.0
When we arrived, it was raining. We were asked if we wanted the activity moved indoors due to the weather, and we were offered a refund or a reschedule. We didn't reschedule. Although the activity was indoors, the alpacas were just as cute, our mood was just as good, and the activity was just as wonderful. Thank you for the cookies; they were delicious.

Shamarra Alpacas

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铨上风满楼July 3, 2025
4.0
The scenery is amazing, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery from different angles by taking a helicopter... The cost performance has great room for improvement, and part of the price of the helicopter 🚁 is the kb of the tour guide...

Tasman Glacier

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Canterbury?

Don't miss these attractions in Canterbury: Whale Watch Kaikoura, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences, and International Antarctic Centre. If you like Food & drink, try From Methven: Hot Air Balloon Flight in Canterbury with Wine. If you enjoy Day tours, try Queenstown to Christchurch one-way 1-day tour | Aoraki / Mount Cook · Lake Pukaki · Lake Tekapo.

You can give From Methven: Hot Air Balloon Flight in Canterbury with Wine and Christchurch Farm Experience 1-Day Tour in New Zealand's South Island [Includes Wine Tasting + Lunch | Round-Trip from Christchurch] a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Queenstown to Christchurch one-way 1-day tour | Aoraki / Mount Cook · Lake Pukaki · Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Tekapo Chameleon Stargazing Tour [Hotel Pickup, Chinese/English Optional, Small Group], and Tekapo - Mount Cook bus | Round-trip: Ice lake | Hooker valley | Tasman trail. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 29, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Canterbury is around MYR 277.21 – MYR 1,160.59. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.