Canterbury Pacific Highway

The Canterbury Pacific Highway takes in some of the South Island's most stunning coastal and inland scenery. Beginning in Kaikoura - one of New Zealand's top eco-tourism destinations - the Canterbury Pacific Highway winds down through Canterbury to the south Canterbury rural town of Waimate.

KAIKOURA: Kaikoura is famed as one of New Zealand's top eco-tourism destinations. Whale watching, dolphin swimming, seal swimming and albatross encounters are all popular activities along Kaikoura's stunning coast. The name Kaikoura literally means "meal of crayfish", and this seaside town is one of the best spots in New Zealand to tuck into some freshly caught cray (lobster).

GORE BAY AND WAIPARA: Heading south from Kaikoura you will encounter some exquisite coastal scenery, before heading inland over the ranges. On the other side a short detour leads to the seaside settlement of Gore Bay - one of the Canterbury surfing community's best kept secrets! South on State Highway 1 is the Waipara Wine Region - a rising star on the world wine stage. Take some time to visit the cellar doors, and taste the bounty of this up and coming wine region.

CHRISTCHURCH: Christchurch is known as the "Garden City", and this sprawling English inspired city certainly lives up to the reputation. In the centre of the city you will find Hagley Park (one of the world's largest inner-city parks), as well as the beautiful botanic gardens and ambling Avon River. The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch has a growing reputation for its fine restaurants, bars and cafe culture. A little slice of Europe in the South Pacific, take some time to explore Christchurch for a day or two.

RAKAIA AND ASHBURTON: The Rakaia is one of New Zealand's top fly fishing rivers, with the small settlement of the same name a great place to base yourself for a fly fishing expedition. Further south you will find Ashburton - a service centre to the farms of the Canterbury Plains. Nearby there are a multitude of activities, from skiing and snowboarding at Mt Hutt, to Lord of the Rings movie tours.

TIMARU AND WAIMATE: Timaru is the capital city of South Canterbury, and is situated on the coast approximately 77kms south of Ashburton. Caroline Bay is an especially popular swimming location, and also home to yachting events. Further south is Waimate - a tiny rural town known for its annual Strawberry Fare festival and a population of wild Wallabies (imported from Australia by early settlers).