Canterbury
HubCanterbury runs from Kaikōura's whale coast across the plains to the Southern Alps, with Christchurch, the South Island's biggest city, as the usual start for a South Island road trip. Akaroa and Hanmer Springs make easy day trips, and the TranzAlpine train heads west over the mountains. Kaikōura is about 2 hours 40 minutes north of the city.
Quick facts
- Akaroa
- About 79 km, 1 hour 25 minutes from Christchurch (estimate)
- From our Things to do in Christchurch guide
- Hanmer Springs
- About 133 km, 2 hours from Christchurch (estimate)
- From our Things to do in Christchurch guide
- Kaikōura
- About 180 km, 2 hours 40 minutes from Christchurch (estimate)
- From our Things to do in Kaikōura guide
Plan it:The 14-day South Island road tripChristchurch to QueenstownThree weeks in New Zealand
Canterbury on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Drive times are routing estimates without stops. Prices and rules were checked for each guide; follow the link for the official sources.
Coming up in Canterbury
See the events calendar
Official links for Canterbury
All useful linksCoastal Pacific (opens in a new tab)
The Picton to Christchurch train along the Kaikōura coast. Seasonal, so check dates.
TranzAlpine (opens in a new tab)
The Christchurch to Greymouth train across the Southern Alps, one of the classic NZ rail trips.
Christchurch Airport (opens in a new tab)
The main South Island gateway, including buses, parking and rental car desks.
Metro (Christchurch) (opens in a new tab)
Christchurch buses, including the airport route and timetables.
Kaikōura (opens in a new tab)
Official visitor information for Kaikōura, including whale watching and the coastal walks.
ChristchurchNZ (opens in a new tab)
Official visitor site for Christchurch, Banks Peninsula and wider Canterbury ideas.
Mid Canterbury (opens in a new tab)
Official information for Ashburton and the mid-Canterbury plains and high country.
Christchurch what's on (opens in a new tab)
Official listings for events and exhibitions in Christchurch and Canterbury.
More Canterbury guides
OtagoChristchurch to Dunedin drive: Ōamaru, Moeraki Boulders and the coast road
South IslandChristchurch to Queenstown: the best route, stops and how long it takes
NationwideThe best hot pools in NZ, from free natural springs to day spas
South IslandNZ ski season guide: ski fields, passes and where to stay
NationwideScenic trains in NZ: TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific
South IslandThe 14-day South Island road trip: day-by-day route, drive times and what to book
Nationwide