Land of Contrasts

Covering a sizeable chunk of New Zealand’s eastern South Island, the Mid-Canterbury area encompasses a broad tapestry that ranges from snow-capped mountains, pristine alpine lakes, rolling green pastures and high country wilderness.

Mid-Canterbury—one of four sub-regions in the province—counts among New Zealand’s richest agricultural and pastoral regions, offering diverse activities served up with friendly country hospitality.

There are endless opportunities to explore the breathtaking great outdoors. Walk, hike and mountain bike the many bush and backcountry trails; fish, jet boat and raft the rivers, or absorb the magnificent landscapes from above on a scenic plane, helicopter or balloon flight—and all within an hour’s drive from Christchurch International Airport.

Methven, snow sports hub

The formidable Mount Hutt takes centre stage, providing an unbeatable big mountain experience for skiers and snowboarders.

With an altitude of 2,086m and a skiable area of 365 hectares, the Mount Hutt Ski Area is one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas. It has some of the best natural snow around, and one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island. On a fine day, you can see right across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean.

Winter sports aficionados can opt for a stay at chic village Methven. Accommodation options range from backpackers to lodges, on top of an excellent choice of eateries and bars. Soothe your aches by booking a session at the Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa, and unwind at its star-lit caves and relaxation pools.

Spectacular sights at Rakaia Gorge

The little country town of Rakaia is the proud gateway to the spectacular Rakaia Gorge.

Embark on the Rakaia Gorge Walkway, a leisurely 10km journey that takes one through a peaceful forest trail and overlooking river-carved terraces.

Adrenaline junkies might prefer a jet-boating adventure down the salmon-rich Rakaia River, one of Canterbury’s seven iconic braided rivers. You’ll never feel more alive as the boat navigates narrow twists and turns, through roaring torrents flanked by rocky cliffs.

Golfer’s dream destination

Mid-Canterbury is a golfer’s dream destination, home to six golf courses within a relatively small area. Fable Terrace Downs Resort, recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading golf courses, is built on terraces high above the Rakaia River and offers a dramatic setting for golfers. The 18-hole, par 72 championship course features four tee positions to cater for players of all abilities.

Endless outdoor adventures

From Canterbury, there’s easy access to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a rugged land of ice and rock which encompasses 23 peaks over 3000 metres high. It’s the purest alpine experience with sky-scraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky.

It’s where you can find mighty Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, which was the prime training ground for New Zealand native Sir Edmund Hillary in his conquest of Everest. Besides mountaineering expeditions and mountain walks, adventurers can get incredible views of the Tasman glacier.

The Hakatere Conservation Park is equally picturesque, covering nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussocklands, beech forest and sparkling clear rivers and lakes between two rivers the Rakaia and Rangitata. Fantasy geeks would know Mount Sunday for being the film site in The Lord of the Rings.

Discover the dark sky reserve at Lake Tekapo, one of the world’s best places for stargazing. Besides being popular during the summer months, the photogenic lake is also renowned for its shores and riverbanks of bright purple and pink lupins in full bloom.

This is a big country, and it’s nothing short of epic.