Canterbury South

Down South


Rakaia

Built upon the Rakaia River, the town is renowned as being the salmon fishing capital of New Zealand with a giant salmon sculpture welcoming tourists on the main road into town. Every February hundreds of anglers gather for the Rakaia River Salmon Fishing Competition. There’s also an ostrich farm, giant outdoor maize-maze, decorative potter’s studio, garden tours and weekly summer craft market.
Web: www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/Rakaia


Ashburton District

The district of Ashburton has a lot on offer for the active tourist. Try your hand at fly fishing in the Rakaia River, delve into a variety of watersports at Lake Hood, breathe in natural beauty along the volcanic canyon boardwalk in Washpen Falls, go hot air ballooning over the Canterbury plains or ski at Mt Hutt. There are also top class sporting facilities in the main town of Ashburton, including an international standard hockey pitch, tennis courts and golf courses.


Lake Hood

Lake Hood is situated just a five minute drive from the main town of Ashburton, and 50minutes south of Christchurch. Perfect for the water lover, Lake Hood has an 8 lane international specification rowing course and boasts alpine views, crystal waters, kayaking, jet skiing, trout fishing, windsurfing and swimming as well asmakinga great spot for picnicking.

Web:www.lakehood.co.nz  


Methven/Mt Hutt

Just over an hour drive from Christchurch, Methven is home to a plethora of activities, including subalpine and scenic walking, some of New Zealand’s best golf resorts, hot air balooning over the Canterbury plains, helicopter scenic flights, jet boating up Rakaia Gorge or rafting on the Rangitata River, sky diving, 4WD-ing, and tours of Mt Sunday amazing scenery famed for its appearance in Lord of the Rings.
Most come for the snow in winter, with Mt Hutt offering some of the best heli-skiing New Zealand has to offer, as well as trails, off-piste, terrain parks and a halfpipeplus excellent facilities for learners making it a great all-round mountain popular with both skiers and snowboarders.

Web: www.amazingspace.co.nz

Washpen Falls

Washpen Falls can be found in the middle of a working sheep and deer farm, in breathtaking surroundings and only a one-hour drive south of Christchurch. The popular boardwalk takes visitors up through an ancient volcanic canyon thick with native bush and bird life, ending with cliff top views of the Canterbury Plains. Heading back the walk passes stunning creeks, ponds and waterfalls. An abseil platform has been attached to the rock bluff with a free fall of 40 metres into the Washpen Canyon. There is also a rope course worth trying.

Web: www.washpenfalls.co.nz


Timaru

Just two hours south of Christchurch lies the pleasant port town of Timaru. Popular for summer activities such as sailing, water skiing, boating, windsurfing and fishing, Timaru is sheltered by reefs made from bluestone left over by the now extinct volcano, Mt Horrible.
Timaru’s remarkable piazza enjoys spectacular views stretching from Caroline Bay to the snow-clad mountains; sit back and take it all in whilst sipping a cold beer at one of the numerous café-bars and restaurants. For the art-fiend, the Aigantighe Art Gallery is famed for having one of the best collections of New Zealand art.

Web: www.southisland.org.nz/timaru.asp
Web: www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/Rakaia