National Parks and Gardens in Canterbury

Ain't Mother Nature grand? Factor in plenty of the great outdoors when you're planning a trip to Canterbury and discover this spectacular region for yourself.

Planning a trip to Canterbury? This verdant corner of New Zealand is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country. Whether you love a stroll among the flowers or a hike in the mountains, Canterbury's parks and gardens need to be on your itinerary.

Venture into Canterbury's National Parks to discover landscapes that'll make your heart sing, from soaring snow-capped peaks to deep glacial lakes and vast, unspoilt wilderness. You'll need to join a tour or get your own wheels to explore this huge region.

Sightseeing in Canterbury also offers up plenty of green-fingered garden inspo, with everything from rose gardens to tropical greenhouses popping up in its towns and cities. Here are just a few things to do outside:

National Parks

Image: Tourism Media

Canterbury's National Parks are home to that spectacular New Zealand scenery everyone dreams of. Whether you love hiking, wildlife-spotting, photography or adventure sports, this vast natural playground is the ideal place to escape.

Trails and activities cater to everyone, from leisurely hikers to daring mountaineers and those in between. Accommodation in Canterbury National Parks ranges from alpine hotels to rustic mountain huts.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

  • Home to the most iconic mountains in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boasts no fewer than 19 peaks over 3,000 metres. Mount Cook, at 3,724 metres, is the tallest in New Zealand.
  • With its opaque lakes and icy landscapes, Tasman Glacier is an epic place to visit.
  • Spend your evenings stargazing, far away from city light pollution. The night skies are out of this world.

Arthur's Pass National Park

  • Drive the highest pass in New Zealand's Southern Alps: Arthur's Pass. It's a spectacular road that takes you over bridges and past thundering waterfalls as you climb over 700 metres.
  • Explore the park's beech forests to the east and rainforests to the west. Or hike the dramatic snowy mountains that divide the two.
  • During the winter months, head to Temple Basin for some skiing and snowboarding.

Gardens

Image: Trotts Garden
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens are one of the most popular attractions in Canterbury. Visit the tropical conservatories and check out some of the tallest trees in the country.
  • The internationally-acclaimed Trott's Garden is a gorgeous spot for a picnic. Wander among award-winning borders to find your perfect spot in the shade.
  • Coniston Gardens in Ashburton offer up beautifully-kept formal flowerbeds, a peaceful boating lake and over 6 acres of pretty woodland.

Created in partnership with Experience Mid Canterbury