Canterbury Holiday Parks

Area Information

The largest region in the South Island surrounded by mountains and coast and home to a surplus of wildlife and natural attractions. Canterbury is bordered in the west by the Southern Alps and New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt. Cook and the east by the Pacific Ocean.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s oldest city filled with art, culture and over 700 beautiful parks and gardens and the International Flower Festival in February.

>> View Christchurch Locations here

Start in Kaikoura, a coastal jewel offering New Zealand’s only marine sperm whale cruising. While exploring Kaikoura you will also see a variety of dolphins, seals and other marine life. Don’t leave this quaint town without sampling the local crayfish and fresh seafood.

Mt. Cook‘s 23 different peaks and miles of trails is famous with outdoor enthusiasts for climbing and hiking. After a long day of walking, biking, fishing and other adventure activities the town of Hanmer Springs is a welcomed surprise. Famed for its therapeutic thermal hot pools, rock pools and indulgent spa treatments Hanmer Springs is a hard place to leave.

Just south of Christchurch is the vibrant city of Ashburton a historic town surrounded by great things to do – hiking Mt. Hutt, Lake Hood mountain biking and salmon fishing in the rivers.

Travel further south to the romantic village of Geraldine, a great base for exploring the beautiful countryside and McKenzie Basin. Whether it’s rafting in the Rangitata or horse trekking in the bush or visiting the Lord of the Rings Mt. Sunday, Geraldine is a relaxed family holiday spot filled with good old fashioned fun and kiwi hospitality.

On the cusp of Canterbury and Otago is Kurow, nestled by the great Waitaki River and the magnificent St Mary's mountain range and a vital stop to explore the new Alps to Ocean cycle trail or to just enjoy the great outdoors.