8 Top Must-Do's in South Canterbury

Aoraki Mt Cook is the backdrop to this intensely beautiful part of the country, mastering over the land as if encouraging the lakes, rivers, farmland, seaside scenes and heritage towns to be equally as exceptional and photogenic.

© AA Traveller 2021

1. Hooker Valley Walk

One of the park’s most popular walks, with swingbridges and Aoraki/ Mount Cook views, the Hooker Glacier terminal lake is your prize for a three-hour, mostly flat hike. From late spring to early summer, keep an eye out for the Mount Cook buttercup – the world’s largest.

2. Mt John Observatory

Whether you're after an introduction to stargazing or a full-blown mountaintop experience at the world-class Mt John Observatory, there's a guided galaxy tour for everyone. Located in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve – the world’s largest.

3. The Church of the Good Shepherd

Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapō © Adobe Stock

One of the country's most photographed icons fronts Lake Tekapō. Visitors are welcome to spend time on the grounds but to look inside, group tours must be arranged. Open until 5pm in winter and 8pm in summer. Check out the sheepdog monument too.

4. Peel Forest Park

For extensive walks, Peel Forest is just 24km north of Geraldine and features 13 varied forest trails. If you simply can't ‘peel’ yourself away, there's also a DOC campground.

5. Lake Pūkaki

There simply isn’t a bad Lake Pukaki vista. However, both Lake Pukaki Lookout and Peter’s Lookout provide two of the best, stretching as far as Aoraki Mt Cook on a clear day.

Aoraki Mt Cook & Lake Pūkaki © Adobe Stock

6. Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre

Observe a significant collection of ancient Māori rock art. Following a one-hour guided tour of the museum, follow your guide by car (your own) to the Ōpihi rock art sites. Tours run from November-April.

7. Caroline Bay

A large green lawn drops down onto the The Bay, which boasts exceptionally clean sand and water for swimming. Home to a resident rookery of little penguins/kororā, take a coastal and you may just spy Hector’s dolphins and the occasional whale, too. On your return, venture to Bay Hill for a row of decent eateries.

8. Waimate Strawberry Fare

To celebrate Waimate’s thriving strawberry scene, the much-loved Strawberry Fare erupts every year on the second Saturday in December. Enjoy a lively jamboree of live music, fete stalls and scores of berryfruit. Held in Seddon Square. The district hosts over 150 events every year!

Want more? Visit Visit https://aatraveller.co.nz/travel-guides and get planning.

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz