Canterbury

Christchurch is the largest city of the South Island and has got a plethora of activities, such as the International Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Gondola, City Tram Tour, just to mention a few. Only over 1 hour drive from Christchurch is the Banks Peninsula with Akaroa being the main seaside town with its French influence and popular for its Hectors Dolphins, White-flippered Penguins and volcanic scenery.  Hanmer Springs with their Thermal Pools are not to be missed and lets not forget Kaikoura with their main attraction Whale watching from a plane or via a cruise as well the local cuisine, highlighting the crayfish delicacy. Heading further into the countryside make sure to stop at Lake Tekapo, which is famous for stargazing and hot pools and Mt Cook National Park which is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers.