Getting to Canterbury

Canterbury is a vast region on the South Island's east coast. A region of ever-changing scenery, Canterbury's diversity stretches from whale watching in Kaikoura, to thermal pools in Hanmer Springs, and skiing in the Southern Alps.

BY AIR:

Christchurch International Airport is Canterbury's major airport. This international hub has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Singapore, Los Angeles, London, Japan and Korea, and is serviced by Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue, Emirates, Freedom Air, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air and Asiana. Domestic flights from all major New Zealand airports are also available - via Air New Zealand, Qantas and Pacific Blue.

BY ROAD:

CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIKOURA: From Christchurch head north on Main North Road, through Redwood and Belfast. Follow the Christchurch Northern Motorway to Woodend. From Woodend continue north on State Highway 1 for 155kms.

Driving Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

WELLINGTON TO KAIKOURA: From Wellington take the interisland ferry to Picton - a journey of around 3 hours. From Picton head south on State Highway 1 for 157kms, to Kaikoura.

Driving Time: 2 hours 25 minutes Ferry Time: 3 hours Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH TO HANMER SPRINGS: Head north on Main North Road / the Christchurch Northern Motorway to State Highway 1. Follow State Highway 1 to Waipara (59kms), and then turn left onto State Highway 7. Follow State Highway 7 for 70kms to the Hanmer Springs turn off. Turn right and follow Hanmer Springs Road into town.

Driving Time: 2 hours

CHRISTCHURCH TO TIMARU: Take the Christchurch Southern Motorway out of the city to Blenheim Road. Follow Blenheim Road to Main South Road, and continue towards Rolleston. From Rolleston follow State Highway 1 64kms to Ashburton. From Ashburton continue South on State Highway 1 for 77kms, to Timaru.

Driving Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

BY RAIL:

Two scenic train journeys can be taken to Christchurch - the TranzCoastal and TranzAlpine. The TranzCoastal train journey departs Picton for Christchurch daily, meeting the Interisland ferry crossing. This stunning journey takes passengers through the Marlborough wine region, before following the breathtaking Kaikoura coastline into Canterbury. Passengers can disembark the TranzCoastal in Kaikoura if they wish.

The TranzAlpine is rated as one of the world's most scenic train journeys, and traverses the Southern Alps from Greymouth to Christchurch daily. The journey takes you from the wild West Coast, through the rugged Southern Alps, and out into the vast Canterbury Plains. A superb winter trip, the TranzAlpine is a great way to experience the constantly changing scenery of Canterbury and the West Coast.