Luxury Accommodation and Bed And Breakfasts in Christchurch, Hanmer Springs and Akaroa

Canterbury

Location
The Canterbury Region includes a large central portion of the east coast of the South Island, centred around the city of Christchurch.

General
The Christchurch hinterland of highly productive farmlands extends from the silvery beaches of the east coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps on the western horizon. It offers many opportunities for fresh and exciting activities and attractions with a selection of b&b, hotel, farmstay and retreat accommodation.

Main Attractions / Activities
Step back into Maori, whaling, French and British history in Akaroa - Canterbury's oldest village. You can take a cruise on Lyttelton Harbour and enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape. In summer you might even get the chance to swim with the world's rarest dolphin, the Hector Dolphin.

To the northwest lies Hanmer Springs, a scenic alpine and thermal village. You can enjoy nature or adventure activities, or laze in the pools. Nearby, in the Hurunui District, you can enjoy the wineries of Waipara.

Inland from Christchurch lie the magnificent Southern Alps - only an hour from the city. The village of Arthurs Pass makes an ideal base for all kinds of activities, and you can also experience the TranzAlpine rail trip - one of the world's most spectacular train journeys that takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth.

South of Christchurch lay the Ashburton and Timaru districts. Ashburton District is home to all kinds of exciting activities like skiing, hot air ballooning and salmon fishing. Timaru district features many attractive towns, rolling green hills, lush pasture and braided rivers. Enjoy the unique country village atmosphere of Geraldine, the cafes and wine bars, the beautiful totara forests and walkways, the inspiring craftspeople and diverse outdoor activities and attractions.

Don't Miss
Mountain biking in the Hanmer Forest
Horse safaris across the Hurunui high country
Dining at one of 13 Waipara vineyards
Relaxing with New Zealand hosts in the rural townships of the Hurunui
Akaroa, former French settlement
Arthur's Pass National Park
Aigantighe Gallery, Timaru
South Canterbury Museum, Timaru
Botanic Gardens, Timaru
Historic bluestone Landing Services Building, Timaru
Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Timaru
Refurbished Theatre Royal, Timaru
Main Centres
Lyttelton - main port for Canterbury Ashburton, Kaiapoi, Rangiora - country service towns
Timaru - Canterbury's second-largest town and port for South Canterbury.

Christchurch

Location
Christchurch city is located midway down the east coast of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula.

General
The South Island's largest city (population 337,000) and main international gateway is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping, award-winning attractions and a host of activities.

It has all the amenities of a modern city, but is still very much a regional centre serving the rich rural hinterland, with a laidback pace to life. Its Gothic revival cathedral, grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks have preserved the grace and charm of an earlier era.

Christchurch is a convenient base from which to explore the surrounding rural countryside and the natural attractions and activities of the region. After spending a day in the countryside visitors are able to enjoy international nightlife back in the city.

Main Attractions / Activities
Alive with colour, atmosphere and world-class attractions, Christchurch is a graceful city that values its culture and heritage, but offers a year round range of fresh and exciting adventures and activities.

The city is full of delights, from the beautiful neo-gothic Arts Centre, to the historic tram which loops the city centre, to the Christchurch Gondola and unique attractions like the International Antarctic Centre. The shopping is superb and the restaurants are a celebration of fresh, natural New Zealand foods and fine wines.

Known internationally for its award winning gardens, Christchurch is also a place for events and festivals. Whatever the season, you'll find a non-stop programme of entertainment with events like the Festival of Romance, the International Buskers Festival, Winter Carnival, and Showtime Canterbury in November.

Christchurch also has New Zealand's finest purpose-built Convention Centre (which caters for 10 to 2500 people). You will also find the Christchurch Town Hall (the main venue for performing arts) and the Westpac Trust centre, a multi-purposed indoor venue for major sporting and entertainment events.

Don't Miss
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Historic tram ride
Punting on the Avon River
Canterbury Museum
International Antarctic Centre
The Arts Centre and market
Anglican and Catholic cathedrals
Wildlife Park
Christchurch Casino
Gondola ride up Mount Cavendish
Nga Hau E Wha National Marae (Maori meeting place)

Main Centres
Christchurch - the South Island's largest city and provincial city for Canterbury
Akaroa - French origin, picturesque township
Hanmer Springs - scenic alpine and thermal springs village

Lyttelton
Lyttelton is a scenic harbour 20 minutes from the centre of Christchurch.

Spectacular scenery, recreational pursuits, and fascinating Maori, and European history, "the Heart of Canterbury."

Eat in a variety of cafes and restaurants, swim at safe beaches, drive the Summit Road for spectacular views of the harbour, Canterbury Plains, coastlines, and the magnificent Southern Alps.

Ferry to Diamond Harbour, visit Orton Bradley Park's forested valleys. Take a trip to Ripapa or Quail Island and experience their history.
Climb the hill to the historic Timeball Station, and cruise to see our Hector Dolphins, from October to April.

Discover the Heritage & Character Inns group, and discover some of the finest luxury b&b, hotel, retreat, farmstay and lodge accommodation NZ has to offer.

"Heritage & Character Inns - promoting premium luxury lodge accommodation across NZ since 1994."