Canterbury & Kaikōura

Canterbury is the South Island's biggest region — a sweep of patchwork plains, braided rivers and wild coastline framed by the Southern Alps. Christchurch, the rebuilt 'Garden City', is the natural gateway, with the TranzAlpine railway, Lord of the Rings high country, and Akaroa's volcanic harbour all within easy reach.

Two hours north, the small fishing town of Kaikōura sits at the edge of a deep oceanic trench where sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals and albatross gather year-round — one of the most reliable marine wildlife encounters on the planet.