Walking Must-Do's of Canterbury

HIGHLIGHTS

• Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most charming cities.

• With its startling blue lake, purple lupin flowers (November through to early January) and soaring Alps, Lake Tekapō is prettier than you even expect.

• After admiring Lake Tekapō, flop into Tekapō Springs.

• You’ll feel compelled to take a photo of picture-perfect Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapō.

• Kaikōura is the place to feast on just caught seafood, notably crayfish.

• On the Ohau Stream and Waterfall Track in Kaikōura, baby seal pups often play in the river and waterfall.

• MacKenzie Country is an International Dark Sky Reserve and in winter you might even catch the Aurora Australis.

• Aoraki Mt Cook is 3724m-high and New Zealand’s highest peak.

• The scenery is year-round sensational in Aoraki National Park.

• Drive the highest pass across the Southern Alps: Arthur’s Pass.

• Hanmer Springs has hot springs.

• Admire dinky Hector’s dolphins in the waters around Akaroa.

• The two-hour return White Horse Walkway in Waimate is spectacular.

WALKS

1. KAIKŌURA PENINSULA WALKWAY

2. AWAROA/GODLEY HEAD LOOP TRACK

3. ROUND THE MOUNTAIN VIA CURRY TRACK

4. DEVILS PUNCHBOWL WALKING TRACK

5. KURA TĀWHITI ACCESS TRACK

6. PEEL FOREST PARK SCENIC RESERVE WALKS

7. CAROLINE BAY, TIMARU BOTANIC GARDENS & CENTENNIAL PARK WALKS

Hector’s dolphins, Akaroa © Chalita Aommy Klumjui

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image: Erewhon Station wagon ride, Ashburton © Canterbury Tourism