Outdoor Activities from Christchurch to the Canterbury High Country
Canterbury adventure tours showcase the best of New Zealand’s South Island with an exciting mix of mountains, rivers, beaches and sky. From Christchurch, you can kayak in the peaceful waters of Lyttelton Harbour or hike the panoramic ridgelines of the Port Hills. For an unforgettable aerial perspective, take off in a hot air balloon over the Canterbury Plains at sunrise, drifting above patchworked farmland and distant peaks.
Venture to Akaroa for sea kayaking tours in the company of Hector’s dolphins, penguins and seabirds, all set against the region’s dramatic volcanic coastline. Further inland, Methven offers more sky-high adventure with hot air ballooning and easy access to Mount Hutt for skiing and snowboarding in winter. Whether you're paddling, floating or carving through fresh snow, Canterbury offers thrilling year-round adventures for all levels.
Glacier Hikes, Wildlife Encounters and Thermal Thrills
In the heart of the Southern Alps, Canterbury adventure tours take you deep into alpine territory. Explore Aoraki Mount Cook with a heli-hike or ski the Tasman Glacier for a breathtaking encounter with New Zealand’s highest peaks. For cycling enthusiasts, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail begins here, tracing 315 kilometres through remote valleys, high country stations and down to the Pacific Coast.
To the north, Kaikōura delivers unforgettable marine experiences, where you can kayak alongside seals and dolphins or zipline through native forest. For a mix of adrenaline and relaxation, Hanmer Springs has it all—thermal pools, quad biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and white-water rafting. And for something different, head to Castle Hill for a caving adventure beneath ancient limestone formations. From wild rivers to snowy slopes, Canterbury adventure tours are packed with unforgettable ways to experience the region’s natural beauty.
