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Canterbury is the ultimate launchpad for your action-packed New Zealand getaway. While Auckland often steals the spotlight as the go-to starting point, some travellers know the real adventure begins further south. Starting your self-drive journey from Christchurch puts you right at the heart of the South Island's most spectacular attractions with no long drives required to reach the good stuff.
As Canterbury's vibrant largest city, Ōtautahi Christchurch offers the perfect blend of urban energy and wilderness on your doorstep. Ready to discover what makes the region so special? Keep reading to explore the must-see destinations, ideal times to visit, and the best routes that will transform your South Island road trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Canterbury & the Southern Landscape
Canterbury is home to over 55% of the South Island’s population, making it the most populous region down south. Known for its fertile plains, coastal bays, high country, and the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. In its largest city, Christchurch, you will find something for everyone: vibrant culture, world-famous street art, beautiful botanic gardens, scenic photography spots, and many amazing local eateries such as the Riverside Market. It’s no wonder tourists love to visit Christchurch.
From Christchurch, you’re only ever a few hours away from world-class tourist attractions. Think rugged coastlines, alpine passes, glacier regions and quaint rural towns, as a traveller, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Routes such as Christchurch to Queenstown or Christchurch to Dunedin are among popular journeys.
When to Visit Canterbury & What to See
The best time to visit Canterbury? Any time of year! There is something for every kind of traveller all year round.
Summer (December to February)
Long days, warm weather, and safer road access, summer is the best time for a swim at one of the many safe swimming beaches, rivers, and lakes. Here are some of our top South Island summer picks that are accessible from Christchurch:
- Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki (228 km, 3 hours from Christchurch): Their gorgeous turquoise colours are brightest in the full sunlight.
- Banks Peninsula (65 km, 1 hour from Christchurch): Explore Akaroa’s French inspired charm, swim with Hector's dolphins, or take your pick and hike on one of the many walks on the peninsula.
- Arthur’s Pass National Park (148 km, 2 hours from Christchurch) High alpine hikes like the Avalanche Peak Track are best tackled in summer conditions.
Autumn (March to May)
In autumn the crisp air is pleasant as the leaves start to turn, transforming the high country's foliage and scrubland. We recommend:
- Waipara Wine Region (57 km, 50 minutes from Christchurch) Here you’ll find the award-winning Mud House Winery and the family-owned Pegasus Bay Winery. Enjoy vineyard views, tastings, and cooler afternoons.
- Oxford Forest & Ashley Gorge (58 km, 50 minutes from Christchurch): Bush walks closer to Christchurch offer seasonal colours, quiet trails and plenty of picnic spots along the Ashley River.
- Mackenzie Country (239 km, 3.5 hours from Christchurch): Fields of golden tussock and clear skies over Mount Cook make autumn especially photogenic. Plan a day trip or stay overnight to capture the golden light shining on Aoraki’s peak.
Winter (June to August)
Snow-capped mountains, fewer crowds and plenty of alpine magic. Keen skiers and snow lovers will be thrilled to find 15 ski areas and plenty of snow activities on offer. Winter is a great time to visit:
- Methven & Mount Hutt (111 km, 1.5 hours from Christchurch): Great for both snow sports and après-ski vibes. Finish the day in Methven with a warm soak in the Opuke Thermal Pool & Spa.
- Kaikoura (179 km, 2.5 hours from Christchurch): Check out New Zealand’s leading ecotourism destination for whale watching and wildlife cruises.
- Hanmer Springs (132 km, 1.75 hours from Christchurch) Soak in steaming hot pools with snow-dusted trees and mountains around, the perfect winter indulgence.
Spring (September to November)
For blooming flowers, springtime is a magical time to visit Canterbury. It’s a vibrant and refreshing time to explore:
- Akaroa & Little River (88 km, 90 mins from Christchurch to Akaroa) Charming rural roads come alive with fresh greenery and playful lambs in nearby paddocks. Stop in at Little River (45 minutes from Christchurch) for a coffee before continuing over the Summit Road.
- Lake Tekapo (228 km, 3 hours from Christchurch) Late spring brings lupin blooms, turning lakesides into carpets of pink, purple, and blue. It’s also a great time for stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
- Waimakariri River & Oxford Area (10-50 km from Christchurch) Grass is lush and the rivers are full, perfect for kayaking or fly fishing.
Colourful Lake Tekapo (photo: Francis Vallance)
Your Southern Adventure
When visiting New Zealand, there are endless experiences to put on your bucket list, especially in Canterbury. Few NZ regions pack such diversity into such proximity.
Now that you're ready to take off from Christchurch, here's an overview of suggested routes that will take you off the beaten path for the adventure of a lifetime. Ranging from short road trips of just a few days to week-long ventures, a South Island road trip is a great way to see the real South Island and all it has to offer.
Alpine Touring
The Alpine touring route will take you through 450 km of coast and alpine townships. Starting in Christchurch, where you can try mountain biking and zip lining and visit the International Antarctic Centre and Orana Park, you will then travel through the wine region of Waipara, Cheviot, Gore Bay, and “The Cathedrals”.
After that, drive along the scenic Pacific Ocean to Kaikoura to whale watch, swim with dolphins, walk amongst seals and see an albatross colony. Cap it off with a drive from Kaikoura to Hammer Springs to rejuvenate yourself in the thermal pools and spa.
South Island Adventure
This South Island adventure begins by travelling to Methven, a ski resort town by winter and an adventure playground by summer. Relax in the hot pools or choose between the Brown Pub & Blue Pub for a pint and classic pub food. Continue your travels along the foothills to Peel Forest and then to Geraldine, where you can tour the Big Rock Canyons. From Geraldine, travel to Ashburton, a large town surrounded by a farming district where fly fishing is popular.
Akaroa Adventure
The Akaroa adventure takes you to Little River and Akaroa. At Akaroa, you will find a charming French-inspired port with sweeping harbour views, boutique shops, galleries, and gourmet restaurants. The outer bays can be seen from the hilltop vantage point. While you're there, be sure to try swimming with Hector’s dolphins, the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, take a penguin tour, visit the farmer’s market, and swim at Akaroa Harbour.
Ready to turn these routes into reality?
A Spaceships campervan gives you the freedom to explore the South Island on your own terms. With unlimited kilometres, you can take all the scenic detours you like! These gravel-approved, compact vehicles let you access the unsealed roads of Banks Peninsula, the back country of Arthurs Pass, reach remote DOC sites, and hidden coastal viewpoints.Where bigger vehicles have to turn back, your Spaceship campervan keeps going.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many adventure-filled road trips you can take on the South Island of New Zealand. With so many places to go and the freedom to choose your own route based on specific interests, no two journeys look the same. Whether by train, car, or campervan, a South Island road trip promises to be an adventure you won’t forget.
