Top 50 Best Things to Do in Canterbury
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Canterbury

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Whale Watch Kaikouratop_1
    󰺂8.7
    140.64
    Kaikoura>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Guided whale & marine biology tour
    󰋄95% chance to see whales
    󱨠Saved by 167 users󱨠74% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Summer Summer SummerSummer Summer Summer

    Super lucky to see 3 whales in the beginning of my trip. What a day!

  • Mount Cook Helicopter Experiencestop_2
    󰺂8.0
    312.57
    Glentanner85.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Helicopter view of Mount Cook
    󰋄Views of glaciers & mountains
    4.4/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The airline was incredibly lax. We received an email at 11:57 a.m. local time notifying us of the cancellation. We were already halfway there at the time, scheduled to check in at 1:30 p.m., but we were running out of time. No other airline in the same building had a suitable flight, so we opted for a 30-minute helicopter flight. While the experience wasn't perfect, it was still acceptable. Thank you to Ctrip for handling the situation.

  • International Antarctic Centretop_3
    󰺂7.9
    51.5
    Christchurch>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Canterbury
    Highlights:
    󱓊Five themed hotels for variety
    Experience Gan Nan workshops & folklore
    󱨠Saved by 181 users󱨠122 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Christchurch International Antarctic Center is a fantastic experience beyond imagination! As soon as you enter the door, it seems that you have crossed the ice and snow world in an instant, and the simulated Antarctic environment makes people feel like they are in a very cold place. The simulated sled experience is super exciting, sitting on it and feeling the wind and the wind, as if flying on the Antarctic ice sheet. You can also see cute penguins shuttled in the water, and the state is so cute that people can't help but take a few more photos. The various interactive exhibitions are also very interesting and can learn a lot about Antarctica. Here, both enjoy and grow knowledge, super recommended!

  • The Church of the Good Shepherd
    4
    󰺂7.5
    Lake Tekapo61.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Church of the Good Shepherd, More Than Just a Starry Church
    Highlights:
    󱓊Lake views & sheepdog statue
    󱓊Lake view at Cook Mountain
    󱨠Saved by 190 users󱨠147 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    The Good Shepherd Church is really beautiful! It is located by the tranquil lake, surrounded by continuous snowy mountains and green meadows, and is picturesque. The architectural style of the church is simple and elegant, and the transparent stained glass is soft in the sun. Standing in front of the church, looking at Mount Cook in the distance, feeling the breeze, the heart is extremely quiet. This is not only a good place to take pictures, but also a pure land that can relax the mind and make people linger.

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    5
    󰺂7.4
    Christchurch>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Tulips bloom & attract photographers
    󱓊10 unique gardens in 74 acres
    󱨠Saved by 129 users󱨠118 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Christchurch Botanical Garden is a fascinating place! Entering the garden, it seems to be in a green fairy tale world. In the rose garden, more than 250 roses bloom, colorful and aromatic. Walking on the trail, you can see the Avon River flowing quietly, and there are light boats rowing across the river from time to time. There are also various theme gardens in the park, such as vanilla garden and Shiqi garden, each with a unique scenery. This is not only a paradise for plants, but also a good place to relax and let people linger.

  • Lake Tekapo
    6
    󰺂7.3
    Tekapo54.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoLake Tekapo enters its best season for lupin viewing | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Canterbury
    Highlights:
    Expert guides lead you to explore the night sky's mysteries
    󰋄International Dark Sky Reserve: A Premier Stargazing Haven
    󱨠Saved by 152 users󱨠105 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Standing on the shore of Lake Tekapo, I was shocked by the deep blue, as if the earth cracked a gap, the sky was poured into the lake. The lake surrounded by snowy mountains was calm as a mirror, reflecting the changes of clouds and light. When participating in Earth & Sky stargazing, the Milky Way poured down, the stars were within reach, and the guide's explanation brought the mystery of the universe close to you. Walking along the lake, the white figure of the Shepherd's Church blended with nature, and the tranquility was divine. This is not only a feast of vision, but also a destination for the soul, every moment makes people intoxicated with the pure and tranquil nature.

  • Shamarra Alpacas
    7
    󰺂7.3
    50.81
    Wainui>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Explore Canterbury's natural beauty
    󰀆Feed & hug alpacas closely
    󱨠Saved by 105 users󱨠68% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Wai88Wai88

    We had a lot of fun and had a very close contact with the alpacas. I originally thought it would be worth it, but I had forgotten about it 5 minutes after arriving. My family had a lot of fun playing for 1.5 hours before leaving. There are 200 more photos in the album. At the end, the boss’s cookies were super delicious! We all enjoyed the whole process.

  • Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
    8
    󰺂7.1
    31.61
    Christchurch>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cambridge punting & British romance
    󰀆Pole boating on traditional punts
    4.7/5
    Justin.J.LJustin.J.L

    I recently had the pleasure of experiencing punting on the Avon River in Christchurch, and it was an absolutely delightful way to explore the city. The journey itself was serene and picturesque, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.Our guide, dressed in traditional Edwardian attire, expertly navigated the flat-bottomed boat with a long pole, allowing us to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. We drifted past lush greenery, charming bridges, and historic architecture, all of which created a postcard-perfect backdrop. The gentle pace of the punting made it easy to fully appreciate the beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the calm waters of the river.The entire experience was wonderfully calming, yet never dull. Our guide shared interesting tidbits about the area’s history and natural features, making the trip both relaxing and educational. It’s the kind of activity that feels timeless—no rush, no stress, just the simple pleasure of gliding through a scenic waterway.Overall, I’d highly recommend punting on the Avon to anyone visiting Christchurch. It’s a unique and charming way to see the city, and it’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. I came away feeling refreshed, with a newfound appreciation for Christchurch’s natural beauty and historic charm.

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook
    9
    󰺂7.0
    Gammack84.1 km from downtown
    󱨠39% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    yccuiyccui

    It sounds like a must-visit place. We boarded this trip under the blue sky and white clouds. The young and strong Jiji chose both hiking and helicopter without hesitation. The experience was perfect at once. The scenery is really different near and far. If you have enough physical strength, it is recommended to do both methods at the same time.

  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
    10
    󰺂7.0
    Gammack74.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Hooker Valley Trail: Glacier & Mountain Views
    󱓊22 peaks over 10,000 feet
    4.5/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Stepping into Mount Cook, breathing stalled at the top of the snowy mountain. Mount Cook pierced the sky like a sword in the clouds, and the glacier cracked a diamond-like glow in the sun. On the Hook Valley Trail, the gravel underfoot accompanied by the whisper of the glacier, every step like walking in a painting. The echoes of the Maori legend Aoraki echoed through the valley, reminding the ancient soul of the land. The changing weather made the journey full of surprises, and when the clouds were scattered, the glaciers floating in the lake made me feel like a fairyland, which is the most primitive shock of nature.

Best things to do in Canterbury (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Canterbury? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Canterbury offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Canterbury

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Canterbury experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

• Kaikoura | >100 km from downtown

• : Guided whale & marine biology tour,95% chance to see whales

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

• Glentanner | 85.5 km from downtown

• : Helicopter view of Mount Cook,Views of glaciers & mountains

International Antarctic Centre

• Christchurch | >100 km from downtown

• : Five themed hotels for variety,Experience Gan Nan workshops & folklore

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Canterbury

If you want to explore attractions just outside Canterbury, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Canterbury, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Canterbury special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Canterbury

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Canterbury

Ready to explore the best of Canterbury? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Canterbury?
These are all Best Things to Do in Canterbury:Whale Watch Kaikoura, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences, International Antarctic Centre, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Canterbury?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Canterbury include:Whale Watch Kaikoura:4.7, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences:4.4, International Antarctic Centre:4.5, The Church of the Good Shepherd:4.8, Christchurch Botanic Gardens:4.6
At what locations in Canterbury can Best Things to Do in Canterbury be found?
The Best Things to Do in Canterbury are mainly located in:Whale Watch Kaikoura:Kaikoura, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences:Glentanner, International Antarctic Centre:Christchurch, The Church of the Good Shepherd:Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Botanic Gardens:Christchurch
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