Canterbury Plains Information

Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Photos | View more photos of Canterbury Plains

Map | View detailed map of Canterbury Plains

Highlights of Christchurch - Canterbury

Akaroa Information

An easy drive south-east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the South Island's most interesting..

Mt Cook Village Information

The village of Mount Cook is a comfortable haven in one of the most unforgiving parts of New..

Kaikoura Information

Kaikoura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat..

Hanmer Springs Information

Situated in the foothills of the Southern Alps, the resort town of Hanmer Springs is an attractive..

Arthur's Pass National Park Information

This magnificent alpine park straddles the Southern Alps. It is bisected by State Highway 73, which..

See all locations in Christchurch - Canterbury

The Canterbury Plains is an area of braided rivers and pastoral perfection between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. As flat as a billiard table, the plains are a remarkable sight from the air - a patchwork of agricultural activity that ranges from grazing grass and wheat to herbs and sunflowers. The area produces more than 80% of New Zealand's grains, crops and seeds.

The Canterbury Plains are formed from the alluvial shingle fans of several large rivers - the Waimakariri, Raikaia, Selwyn and Rangitata. These rivers provide all kinds of entertainment - trout and salmon fishing, jet boating, rafting and kayaking.

One of the best ways to explore the Canterbury Plains is to follow State Highway 72, which is known as the Inland Scenic Route. This rural main road follows the western boundary of the plains and takes you to a succession of country towns. Farm stays and luxury lodges let you sample Canterbury's country life. Around Mount Hutt, you can venture into the Southern Alps or drive along the Rakaia River to beautiful Lake Coleridge.

Visiting Canterbury Plains?

Photos

Highlights of South Island

Queenstown Information

Nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the..

Milford Sound Information

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by..

Fiordland Information

Watch the mountains shake off winter and start to warm up for summer. Waterfalls are invigorated..

Nelson Region Information

To visit Nelson region is to discover azure skies and wide open spaces, beaches and lakes..

Dunedin Information

The city of Dunedin was built with the riches of the gold rush, consequently it has one of the best..

Nelson Information

Hardy European pioneers founded the beautiful city of Nelson, New Zealand in 1842, although this..

Otago Peninsula Information

Flanking the southern edge of Dunedin's extensive harbour, Otago Peninsula is high and rugged on..

Doubtful Sound Information

Sometimes called the 'Sound of Silence' Doubtful Sound is the deepest (421 metres) and second..

Tauranga Bay Information

n the coastline about 16km south west of Westport, you will find Tauranga Bay and the Cape Foulwind..

Marlborough Information

Marlborough is full of activities for you to enjoy. No matter your budget and interests, there is..

Hokitika Information

Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It was an..

Central Otago Information

Central Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape of ancient mountains..

Dunedin - Coastal Otago Information

Dunedin’s legendary gardens at Glenfalloch and Larnach Castle, are a profusion of colour and..

Lake Wanaka Information

Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the outside world by the..

Southland Information

Southland comes to life in spring. Crisp frosty mornings give way to bright sunny days. Bird life..

See all locations in South Island

Canterbury Plains Information

Highlights of Christchurch - Canterbury