This rich agricultural region stretching from the alps to the ocean, and bordered by impressive braided rivers, encompasses the Ashburton, Methven/Mt Hutt, Mt Somers & High Country and Rakaia area.
Within an hour from Christchurch International Airport you can be skiing or snowboarding, white-water rafting, skydiving, enjoying a country golf course, visiting gardens of blazing blooms, uncovering relics of aviation and transport history, hiking or mountain biking nature trails or enjoying traditional rural hospitality.A cluster of high country lakes lure avid fly fishers, a hot air balloon or heli flight provides a bird’s eye view of a patchwork landscape, a 4WD adventure can take you on a journey into the high country wilderness.
Oamaru Tourism New Zealand
The Waitaki District is geographically diverse and blessed with high quality natural materials. Inland areas are home to spectacular limestone outcrops which were formed when yellow-white sand, made mainly of fossil fragments washed about on the sea floor 100m below the sea surface some 24-26 million years ago. The legacy of this geological process is the unique landforms found around the district today.
Totally Tourism New Zealand
Totally Tourism is a privately owned and operated company based in Queenstown and brings together some of the South Island's best sightseeing options and adventure activities.
Kaikoura Tourism New Zealand
With a population of approximately 3,900 residents, the Kaikoura township is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains. In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting 'close to nature'.
A town with it's own fasinating history, archaeological remains indicate that Moa Hunters inhabited the peninsula 900 years ago. In Maori legend, Maui placed his foot on the Kaikoura peninsula to steady himself while he 'fished-up' the North Island. The Maori name Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish' (Kai - food, koura - crayfish), and it is crayfish for which the region has traditionally been famous. The area's abundant food sources attracted Maori settlement, and the remains of several pa sites can still seen on the peninsula to this day.
Christchurch Tourism NZ
The South Island starts here. Whether it's a weekend break or working holiday, your best experiences of New Zealand start in this spectacular region, from Pacific Ocean to Southern Alps. How about whale watching or an iceberg cruise? Explore this global wine capital, a volcanic peninsula, alpine villages and natural thermal pools. It's easy to plan and book your trip of a lifetime today - starting here.
If you are thinking of travelling to New Zealand we can help provide you with all the information you need to know before you get here. From visa information and exchange rates, to which side of the road to drive on and what time of year New Zealand seasons occur, New Zealand Travel Guide has the information you need.