Canterbury

Canterbury is New Zealand’s largest region by area, measuring approximately 43 350 square kilometres.  With a population of 559 200, it is also the largest region in population in South Island, and the second largest in New Zealand.  Canterbury is located along the east coast of the South Island and is bordered by the Conway River to the north, the Southern Alps to the west, the Waitaki River to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west.  This combination of landmarks makes the area environmentally diverse and beautiful.

The Ngai Tahu Maroi tribe were the first to reside in this area, long before the discovery of the Akaroa Harbour by Captain Cook in the 1770s.  European settled was undertaken by members or the New Zealand Company in 1846.  Under the direction of architect Benjamin Mountfort, the design of the town’s earliest buildings had a Gothic Revival theme.  Many of these buildings exist today, giving the area a historic touch.

The village now known as Akaroa was purchased by a French captain in 1839, the only example of attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand.  While the French settlement was unsuccessful, the town still possesses evidence of its French past, seen in French street names and historical buildings.

Cantabrians (as they are referred to in New Zealand) love their sport, rugby union in particular.  Their rugby team, the Canterbury Crusaders, is one of the most successful teams in the Super 14 Rugby Competition, an international competition that that also includes Australian and South African teams.  During winter, thousands of locals flock to AMI Stadium to watch their team play.
Canterbury also has two major viticulture areas, Waipara and the area around Christchurch, which typically produce white wines.  Kurow has recently started producing wine as well.

Scenically, Canterbury is a place of contrasts, with wild, alpine mountain ranges juxtaposed with smooth, green plains; the rough Pacific Ocean next to the glorious Kaikoura Ranges; and smooth, clear bodies of water competing with brilliant greenery.  Mount Cook is not only the highest point in the region – it is also the highest point in the nation, standing at 3 750 metres; in fact, the mountain’s Maori name, Aoraki, means Cloud Piercer.  Alternately, the thousand metres deep trenches off the coast of Kaikoura are the perfect habitat for whales, seals and dolphins.

The region provides access to Arthur’s Pass, in the Southern Alps, and also contains many waterways that can be used for swimming, fishing or whale watching.  Canterbury also boasts Hammer Springs Thermal Reserve, where visitors can enjoy an invigorating dip in the hot pools.


Things to do:

• The Banks Peninsula, am hour and a half south east of Christchurch, is the most prominent and spectacular volcanic feature in the South Island.  The peninsula is made up of the eroded remains of two volcanoes, and the dramatic coastline was created by their ancient and violent eruptions.  The volcanic islands, craters and mountains are a must see.
• In a country renowned for its fine wine, wine tours are a dime a dozen.  So why not try a wine trail with a twist, travelling by horse drawn wagon from vineyard to vineyard.  The slow pace gives you a chance to enjoy the impressive scenery, and it also answers the question of who has to drive.
• The Southern Alps township of Arthur’s Pass provides access to the Temple Basin ski field, as well as several national parks – just watch out for the intelligent, mischievous kea bird.  And if you believe the journey is just as important as the destination, the Tranz Alpine train journey is just as magical as the town that awaits.