10 TOP Things to Do in Canterbury February 2026

Akaroa which includes general coastal views and a coastal town

Mount Cook National Park showing mountains, snow and tranquil scenes

Canterbury which includes wild flowers, a lake or waterhole and a sunset

Canterbury which includes wild flowers, a bridge and a river or creek

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Top places to visit

1. Sumner Beach

Lie on the soft, warm sand and work on your tan or swim in the shallow waters at gorgeous Sumner Beach. Explore the iconic Cave Rock or unwind with a drink at one of the bars that overlook the ocean when you visit Christchurch’s favourite weekend destination.

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Sumner Beach which includes a coastal town, a beach and general coastal views

2. Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New Zealand’s winter, with skiing and snow sports, hot springs, and snow-capped mountains and glaciers sparkling in the sun. During summer, water sports and hiking are popular. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking near mountain peaks, beech forests and a landscape carved by glacial movement.

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3. New Brighton Beach

New Brighton Beach is a great coastal retreat to visit when holidaying in Christchurch. The beach boasts about 18 kilometres (11 miles) of golden sand, stretching from the mouth of the Waimakariri River to South Spit. Activities at New Brighton Beach range from surfing in rolling waves to wildlife spotting and walking amid untamed landscapes. Find accommodation options, cafés, restaurants and a weekly market at the village adjoining the beach.

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4. Lyttelton Harbour

The quaint harbor at Lyttelton sits on an ancient volcanic crater. The steep hills rising around the port town reach a height of 1,640 feet (500 meters), and are known as the Port Hills. In the town, you’ll find an excellent choice of restaurants, shops and cafés. Observe sea and birdlife out on the deep harbor with cruises run by local operators.

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Lyttelton Harbour showing a bay or harbour, mountains and a marina

5. Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki sits below New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Combined the lake and mountain create one of the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas. When you see the ethereal, turquoise color of the water, which turns milky when the clouds roll in, you may want to pinch yourself to check if you aren’t dreaming.

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Lake Pukaki showing snow, a lake or waterhole and mountains

6. Mount Hutt Skifield

Mount Hutt Ski Field features one of the longest vertical drops in New Zealand’s South Island and some of the region’s finest snow conditions. The ski season generally lasts from June to October, making it among the longest seasons in the Southern Hemisphere. Bring the family to explore one of the country’s most varied ski fields and take advantage of kid-friendly discounts and facilities.

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Mount Hutt Skifield showing mountains, snowboarding and snow

What to do in Canterbury

Discover the most popular places to visit in Canterbury

Sumner Beach

4/5(18 reviews)

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.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

4.5/5(15 reviews)

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.

New Brighton Beach

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.

Lyttelton Harbour

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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

Lake Pukaki

4.5/5(18 reviews)

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

4.5/5(38 reviews)

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.

Tekapo Springs

4/5(3 reviews)

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.

Explore areas of Canterbury

New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

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

Christchurch Airport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and Russley Golf Club.

Riccarton

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Fendalton

Travelers like the historic sites in Fendalton, and Mona Vale is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Sumner

While visiting Sumner, you might make a stop by sights like Sumner Beach and Cave Rock.

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

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

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