10 TOP Things to Do in Canterbury May 2026

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Most fun & popular experiences in Canterbury

Tours & day trips

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Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Christchurch: Mt Cook Day Trip/Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier

Free cancellation available

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Free cancellation available

History & culture

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Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Free cancellation available

What to do in Canterbury

Popular places to visit

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Mount Cook National Park

Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Sumner Beach

The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.

Lyttelton Harbour

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Tekapo Springs

Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.

Lake Pukaki

Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.

Hagley Park

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Mount Hutt Skifield

Hit the slopes at one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, which is best known for its long season and gorgeous surrounding scenery.

Church of the Good Shepherd

Stop off at this charming church to enjoy stunning mountain views, appreciate some fine stone carving and learn its fascinating history.

Explore areas of Canterbury

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Riccarton

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Merivale

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Travellers come to Merivale for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Merivale Mall and Papanui Road while you're in town.

Beautiful panoramic view of Lyttelton Port and Harbour from the Christchurch Gondola Station at the top of the Port Hills, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.

Addington

4/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Addington include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Apollo Projects Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.

Sumner

If you're spending some time in Sumner, Sumner Beach and Godley Head Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.

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