Things to do in  Canterbury

Bright turquoise Lake Pukaki is one of the most beautiful—and most photographed—bodies of water in New Zealand. Many travelers make a quick stop by the lake en route to Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, but it’s worth spending a bit more time there to hike, bike, or just savor the views.

In the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass National Park is a sprawling landscape marked by soaring mountains, lush valleys, and powerful rivers. It offers adventurous visitors of all levels varied hiking tracks, open ski fields, and remarkable natural wonders such as forests, caves, waterfalls, glaciers, and more.

With New Zealand’s Southern Alps in the backdrop, pretty Geraldine is a rural Canterbury hub with a creative flair. Galleries and studios dot its town center while surrounding farms supply bustling cafés with fresh ingredients. It’s also a jumping-off place for exploring the outdoors, from the rushing Rangitata River to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu).

Burkes Pass in South Canterbury’s Mackenzie Country is a mountain pass with a namesake heritage village tucked at its base. First utilized by indigenous Maori people, the outpost later grew into a township around a hotel that was opened for weary Mackenzie pioneers. Today, it makes an ideal base for outdoor explorations.

In the remote Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island lies Mt. Sunday—a skyline that fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy will recognize as the site for the soaring city of Edoras. It’s arguably the most spectacular among dozens of filming locations used by the crew.