The Canterbury region stretches from the majestic Southern Alps in the west to the waters of the Pacific Ocean in the east, from New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook, in the south to Kaikoura, famous for whale watching, in the north. Between the mountains and the sea lies the Canterbury plains which are some New Zealand's agricultural lands.
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. Christchurch has many parks and public gardens. Its lively cafe scene, historic tram, Antarctic Centre and varied Festivals all make the city a great place to visit.
The real heart of Canterbury is its many smaller towns such as Akaroa, Methven, Hanmer Springs, Geraldine, Temuka
There are nine districts within Canterbury, all with their own distinctive character - Kaikoura, The Hurunui, Banks Peninsula, Waimakariri, Selwyn, Waimate, Ashburton, Mackenzie/Mt Cook and Central South Island.