-	All photographs of Canterbury

Canterbury on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand, is New Zealand's largest region, with an approximate area of 42'200 km². The regions north boundary is the Conway River and to the west the Southern Alps. The southern boundary is the Waitaki River and the eastern boundary is the Pacific Ocean.

The region of Canterbury has nine districts, the city of Christchurch is its main city. Christchurch is the seat of the Canterbury Regional Council and host to the University of Canterbury, the second oldest University in New Zealand. Christchurch is also referred to as the "Gateway to the Antarctic".

The region of Canterbury is mostly made up of the Canterbury Plains and the surrounding mountains, it has many lakes and rivers, that have plenty of entertainment to offer, and most empty out into the Mighty Pacific Ocean which is also a treasure trove of excitement within itself.

The Southern Alps, which boarder the west of Canterbury, are home to Mount Cook which is the highest point in New Zealand at 3754 metres, it is situated in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Of New Zealand's twenty peaks over 3,000 metres, all except Mount Aspiring lie in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Parks boundary. The Southern Alps contain 360 glaciers, the largest of which is the Tasman Glacier, on the slopes of Mount Cook itself, it is 29 kilometres long. Glaciers cover 40% of the park area. The park is also part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site.

Hanmer Springs, in North Canterbury has geothermal hot pools to soak your body in after you have enjoyed some of the numerous out door activities, for example you can go hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, skydiving, mountain climbing, paragliding, riding, heli-biking, four wheel driving, golfing, fishing, hunting, surfing, flightseeing, whalewatching, swimming with dolphins, cruising, diving, horse-trekking, motorcycling, kayaking, canoeing, hot-air ballooning and that’s just to name but a few......

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts from all over the world come to the ski fields of the South Island to enjoy some of the best snow in the Southern Hemisphere. The Canterbury region is the capital of skiing in New Zealand and has over ten ski areas all within two and a half hours drive of Christchurch International Airport. try a spot of heliskiing. Mt Hutt is renowned for having the longest, most consistent snow season in all of Australasia.

Christchurch international airport receives flights from Australia, Asia, UK and USA, providing a convenient gateway to South Island destinations.

This wonderful region has the full range of accommodation possibilities. Take your time enjoy the heart of the south.