Kaikoura, New Zealand

Christchurch and Kaikoura

The Canterbury landscape covers the northeastern part of New Zealand’s South Island and ranges from miles of silvery beach to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps.

Big scenery is the order of the day, huge panoramas of ocean or mountains, great sweeps of pastureland and vast skies.

Dusky Dolphin, Christchurch, New Zealand
Dusky Dolphin

Explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife

The highest point of the region is the highest point of New Zealand, the spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook, standing at 3,754 metres (Aoraki is Maori for Cloud Piercer). At the other end of the scale, the submarine trenches off the coast of Kaikoura are thousands of metres deep, providing an ideal environment for the whales, dolphins and seals that reside there. This is the place in New Zealand to whale watch and swim with dolphins. Between the mountains and the sea, the vast plains are patchworked with the patterns of rural life.

Christchurch Gondola Station at Port Hills, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch

Christchurch is South Island’s largest city, and great care has been taken to preserve its colonial heritage. Grand architecture, historic homesteads and charming parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life. A short drive east of Christchurch leads to the Banks Peninsula and the harbour towns of Akaroa and Lyttelton; the former being the only French settlement in New Zealand.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

TranzAlpine train

TranzAlpine Train Journey

Board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey between Greymouth and Christchurch, passing through epic scenery.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Dusky Dolphin Jumping, Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura Marine Life

Swim with dolphins or take to the skies in search of whales in Kaikoura.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Whale, Kaikoura, New Zealand

Whale Watching

Search for sperm, humpback, pilot and blue whale as well as orca, dolphin and albatross off the coast of Kaikoura. Take to the skies for an aerial view or by boat to get closer to the action.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Fur Seal, Kaikoura, New Zealand

Sea Kayaking

Explore the coastline around Kaikoura by kayak, keeping a look out for fur seals, blue penguin and albatross.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hapuku Lodge Treehouses in Kaikoura

A Treetop Stay

Stay in a treehouse at Hapuku Lodge and dine out on the freshest crayfish in Kaikoura.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Akaroa Harbor, Akaroa, New Zealand

The Banks Peninsula

Explore the Banks Peninsula, home to the historic harbour towns of Akaroa and Lyttelton.

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

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Need Inspiration?
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