THE CANTERBURY PLAINS & MID-CANTERBURY
The Canterbury Plains stretch across New Zealand’s South Island, a vast tapestry of fertile farmland bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Southern Alps. It is a region defined by its flat, expansive landscapes and powerful, braided rivers.
Mid-Canterbury acts as the heart of this region, famed for its agricultural bounty and proximity to stunning high-country lakes, ski fields, and unique natural wonders. It offers a perfect balance of rural charm and alpine adventure.
Most Popular Attractions
Christchurch City Core & Urban Sites:
Christchurch Botanic Gardens: A spectacular 21-hectare park established in 1863, located in a loop of the Avon River.
Canterbury Museum: Home to extensive collections covering the natural, cultural, and human history of Canterbury and New Zealand.
Avon River Punting: The quintessential Christchurch experience, gliding gently down the river in a flat-bottomed boat.
Christchurch Tramway: A heritage tram service offering a tour of the city center’s key landmarks.
Cardboard Cathedral (Transitional Cathedral): An innovative and striking temporary cathedral designed by Shigeru Ban following the 2011 earthquake.
Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora: A magnificent Gothic revival complex housing shops, studios, galleries, and museums.
Tūhura Otago Museum: (Self-correction: Keeping within the region) Ōtautahi/Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū: A significant public art museum housing historical and contemporary works.
Quake City: A museum dedicated to telling the story of the Canterbury earthquakes and the resilience of the community.
New Regent Street: A charming, Spanish Mission-style pedestrian mall with boutique shops and cafes.
Mid-Canterbury & High-Country Adventures:
Lake Tekapo: Famous for its intensely turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and stunning night sky views in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Mount Hutt Ski Area: A popular and reliable ski field offering spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains.
Ashburton Domain: A large, central park in Ashburton featuring beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a children’s playground.
Rakaia Gorge Walkway: A scenic trail following the Rakaia River, known for its braided channels and turquoise waters.
Peel Forest Park: A remnant of native podocarp forest offering walking tracks ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
Geraldine: A charming town known for its artisan producers, including cheese makers and a vintage car museum.
Ashburton Aviation Museum: A collection of historic military and civil aircraft, located south of Ashburton.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve: The largest dark sky reserve in the world, ideal for stargazing tours.
Lake Coleridge: A beautiful, large high-country lake offering fishing, boating, and scenic drives.
Staveley Ice Caves: (Access depends on conditions) Unique ice formations often found near the foothills of the Southern Alps.
Coastal and Transport Attractions:
Akaroa Harbour: A scenic drive from Christchurch, this historic French and English settlement offers harbor cruises and dolphin swimming.
Lyttelton Harbour: Christchurch’s main port, offering a mix of maritime history, unique cafes, and dramatic volcanic hillsides.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey: A famous railway journey that traverses the plains and Southern Alps, departing from Christchurch.
Activities & Experiences
Go Hot Air Ballooning over the Plains: Experience a spectacular sunrise flight over the patchwork of farms, rivers, and fields of the Canterbury Plains, with views stretching to the Southern Alps.
Jet Boating on the Rakaia River: Take a thrilling high-speed jet boat ride on the braided Rakaia River, famous for its salmon fishing and dramatic gorge landscapes.
Visit the Ashburton Aviation Museum: Explore a significant collection of New Zealand and international aircraft, including many rare and restored warbirds and historical planes.
Cycle the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (Section): Tackle a segment of this renowned trail, especially the parts near Lake Tekapo or the plains surrounding Geraldine, offering scenic and accessible riding.
Explore the Mt. Hutt Sky Village (Methven): Use Methven as a base for high-country activities, including seasonal skiing/snowboarding on Mt. Hutt or off-season hiking and sightseeing.
Take a Scenic Flight over the Southern Alps: Book a flight from a local airfield (like Ashburton or Methven) for breathtaking aerial views of the mountains, glaciers, and braided rivers.
Attend the Ashburton A&P Show (Seasonal): Immerse yourself in the local agricultural life by attending a traditional Agricultural and Pastoral show, featuring livestock judging, trade displays, and country entertainment.
Go Fishing for Salmon or Trout: Try your hand at catching Chinook Salmon in the Rakaia or Waimakariri Rivers, or fish for brown trout in the smaller high-country streams.
Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve: While centered on Tekapo, the clear air of the plains offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights.
Visit the Mid-Canterbury Art and Heritage Museums: Explore local history, focusing on the region’s pioneering and irrigation development stories in towns like Ashburton and Geraldine.
Walk the Peel Forest Tracks: Hike the trails through the remnants of native Podocarp forest near Geraldine, offering a glimpse into pre-settlement New Zealand nature.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential: The Canterbury Plains cover a vast area, and public transport between the smaller towns (Ashburton, Methven, Geraldine) is limited. A rental car is necessary to experience the high-country access points, rivers, and small settlements.
Highway Travel: State Highway 1 runs through the plains, providing a direct route. Be aware of speed limits (generally $100\text{ km/h}$) and pay attention to farm machinery, especially during harvest seasons.
Mid-Canterbury Inland Scenic Route (SH72/77): For a more picturesque drive, take the inland route that passes closer to the foothills of the Southern Alps and through smaller towns like Geraldine and Methven.
Access to the High Country: Many roads leading into the high-country areas (like to Mt. Somers or the Rakaia Gorge) are unsealed (gravel). Drive slowly and carefully on these surfaces, and check the weather and road conditions, especially in winter.
Distance Awareness: While the plains look flat and easy to traverse, distances can be deceptive. Ensure you factor in travel time between destinations, especially when venturing towards the mountains.
Embrace the Farming Culture: Mid-Canterbury is the agricultural heartland of New Zealand. Be respectful of private farmland, understand that local life revolves around the seasons, and keep gates closed if you pass through them.
The Wind Factor (The Nor’Wester): Be prepared for the Nor’Wester, a strong, warm, and dry wind that blows from the mountains across the plains. This wind can be significant, so secure belongings and factor it into outdoor activity planning.
River Braiding and Hazards: The major rivers (Rakaia, Rangitata, Waimakariri) are ‘braided’—a network of shifting, shallow channels. Never attempt to drive or walk across the braids as conditions change quickly and channels can become deep and dangerous without warning.
Dining and Opening Hours: Outside of major centres like Christchurch, dining options in the evening can be limited, and smaller shops or cafes in towns like Geraldine or Methven may close earlier than in cities. Plan ahead for dinner, especially during the off-season.
Hidden Gems:
- Staveley Ice Cream Parlour: A renowned stop near Methven for artisan, homemade ice cream, often using local ingredients.
- The Mesopotamia Station Road: A long, scenic, unsealed road that follows the Rangitata River deep into the high country, offering spectacular scenery (check conditions before setting out).
- Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum: A hidden gem for enthusiasts, housing a fantastic collection of restored vehicles and farm equipment vital to the region’s history.
- Waimakariri Gorge Bridge: Stop at the lookout near the iconic gorge bridge to appreciate the dramatic scale of the river cut through the foothills.
Language: English is the national language. Basic Te Reo Māori phrases, such as Kia Ora (hello/be well) are common and appreciated.
Top Restaurants
The Rabbit [$25-$45] – Ashburton. Offers a modern, globally-inspired menu with a focus on sushi and handcrafted cocktails in a vibrant, slightly quirky setting.
The Fine Lion [$25-$45] – Ashburton. A busy gastro-pub nestled in Ashburton’s CBD, known for its meticulously crafted menu using fresh, local ingredients and offering a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Cleavers Corner Gastro Pub [$20-$35] – Ashburton. A popular, cozy dining spot offering European and New Zealand cuisine, including satisfying vegetarian and New Zealand options.
The Phat Duck Brew Bar & Kitchen [$20-$40] – Ashburton. Known for its generous servings of delicious food, a focus on steak and pizza, and a lively atmosphere with a brew bar.
The Green Parrot Bar & Grill [$20-$40] – Methven. Methven’s most popular bar and grill, offering a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and a great menu of pub classics and satisfying meals.
The Village Inn Sports Bar & Restaurant [$15-$30] – Geraldine. Right in the heart of Geraldine, this spot is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, offering pub fare and a sunny beer garden.
Grain & Grape [$20-$35] – Darfield. A unique and inviting setting with a garden bar and courtyard, offering a range of dining options and known for good hospitality.
BackCountry Kitchen [$20-$35] – Darfield. The restaurant at the Darfield Hotel, specializing in casual, family dining with an extensive a la carte menu that often features local wild fare and hearty homemade desserts.
Ski Time Restaurant [$30-$55] – Methven. Located at Ski Time, this restaurant offers a lovely atmosphere and a menu of elevated contemporary cuisine, particularly popular in the ski season.
Stronechrubie Bistro [$35-$60] – Mt Somers (near Methven). A highly-regarded bistro located in a scenic rural setting, offering fine dining with a focus on seasonal, local produce.
The Brown Pub [$20-$35] – Methven. A classic New Zealand country pub offering hearty meals, a lively atmosphere, and a cozy log fire in winter, directly across from its “twin,” The Blue Pub.
Blue Pub [$20-$35] – Methven. Another classic pub offering a lively atmosphere, good hearty pub meals, and a central spot in the Mt. Hutt Village.
South Rakaia Hotel Restaurant [$20-$35] – Rakaia. A local establishment offering a simple yet satisfying dining experience within the hotel, great for a quick, convenient stop.
Patron Brewery @ Methven Resort [$20-$35] – Methven. A casual spot offering food and a chance to sample craft beers brewed on-site.
The Dubliner [$20-$35] – Methven. An Irish-style pub offering traditional food and a good selection of drinks, known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Aqua Japanese Izakaya Restaurant [$30-$50] – Methven. A highly-rated Japanese Izakaya offering authentic and delicious dishes, a great alternative to traditional pub food in the mountain village.
Formosa Modern Asian Cuisine [$20-$35] – Ashburton. Offers a diverse menu of modern Asian dishes, known for its good quality and range of options.
Nawab Eatery – Taste of India [$20-$35] – Methven. A reliable spot for authentic Indian cuisine, offering a wide range of flavorful curries and tandoori dishes.
Royal India Geraldine [$20-$35] – Geraldine. Serves authentic Indian cuisine, providing a rich and flavorful dining experience in the heart of the town.
Thai Chilli Restaurant [$20-$35] – Methven. A popular choice for authentic and flavorful Thai cuisine, a good option for dinner in the area.
Krung Thep Thai Street Food [$15-$30] – Ashburton. Offers authentic and flavorful Thai street food, capturing the essence of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.
The Greedy Elephant Thai Cuisine & Cafe [$20-$35] – Geraldine. A local favorite for delicious Thai food, offering both dine-in and takeaway options.
Mr India Kitchen [$15-$30] – Rakaia. A popular Indian restaurant known for its authentic dishes, including curries and biryanis, using fresh ingredients.
Koji Japanese Restaurant [$25-$45] – Ashburton. A delightful gem offering an authentic taste of Japan, known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional preparations.
House of Hop [$20-$35] – Gapes Valley (near Geraldine). A must-visit brewery and restaurant with a fantastic selection of food to pair with their great variety of craft beers.
Smoke Ashburton [$25-$45] – Ashburton. Offers everything you’d expect from a top-notch smokehouse, serving up delicious smoked dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Dom’s Methven [$15-$30] – Methven. A local go-to spot for pizza and other Italian-American fare, popular for dine-in and takeaway, especially after a day on the slopes.
Geraldine Fish Supply [$10-$20] – Geraldine. A classic Kiwi fish and chips shop, offering fresh takeaways, perfect for a casual meal.
Frydays Fish and Chips [$10-$20] – Methven. A traditional fish and chips shop offering a quick and satisfying takeaway meal.
Village Takeaways [$10-$20] – Methven. A local spot for classic takeaway food, serving up quick and easy meals.
Sim’s Bakery [$5-$15] – Ashburton. A local bakery offering a variety of freshly baked goods and pies at an affordable price, a classic New Zealand stop.
Kebab World [$10-$20] – Geraldine. A popular spot for kebabs and other Mediterranean-style quick eats, with options for gluten-free diets.
The Big Fish [$10-$20] – Rakaia. A very notable roadside stop, famous for its giant salmon statue and offering a selection of fresh and smoked salmon products, as well as classic takeaway food.
Rangitata Oasis Tearoom [$10-$20] – Rangitata. A welcome refreshment stop known for great coffee and a famously “big as” breakfast.
Tinwald Takeaways [$10-$20] – Tinwald (Ashburton). A reliable local spot for a range of takeaway favorites.
Darfield Pizza [$15-$30] – Darfield. A culinary haven for pizza lovers, offering gourmet and traditional pizzas made with quality ingredients.
Boston Burger [$15-$25] – Ashburton. A solid choice for American-style burgers, known for good quality and flavor.
Noble 600 [$15-$25] – Ashburton. Known for its quality, vegetarian-friendly, and gluten-free-friendly burgers.
Ilex Café [$15-$25] – Canterbury (wider region). A cafe known for its creative brunch fare and fresh produce from local suppliers and its own kitchen garden, a great stop for fresh food.
The Staveley Store [$10-$20] – Staveley (near Methven). A quaint and welcoming country store that serves as a vital community hub and a great place for a casual bite and coffee.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
O.G.B Bar & Cocktail Bar: Housed in the Old Government Building in Christchurch’s Cathedral Square, this speakeasy-style bar offers an extensive selection of whiskies and craft cocktails, often accompanied by live music in a charming outdoor courtyard.
The Last Word: Located in the picturesque New Regent Street of Christchurch, this intimate whisky and cocktail lounge is known for its knowledgeable staff and creative, high-quality drinks in a sophisticated setting.
Gin Gin: Situated on New Regent Street in Christchurch Central, this venue celebrates all things gin, offering an extensive selection and creative gin cocktails in a bright, stylish space.
The Dirty Land: A tiki bar found in Christchurch’s Victoria Quarter, offering a unique, retro atmosphere with Polynesian-inspired decor and a focus on tropical, rum-based cocktails.
Pink Lady Rooftop: Climb to the top of the Muse Hotel in Christchurch Central for this rooftop bar, which provides stunning 360-degree views of the city—a perfect spot for sipping signature cocktails as the sun sets.
Austin Club: A unique 1950s-themed underground bar, hidden down a dark alley in Christchurch Central. Guests often need a password for entry, enhancing its exclusive, speakeasy vibe with sophisticated, homemade-sweetener cocktails and live music.
Mr Brightside Rooftop Bar: Located on the top floor of the Public Trust building in Christchurch Central, this lively spot is known for its vibrant atmosphere, casual DJ nights, and creatively packaged bottled and shaken cocktails.
Red Light District: Found in Christchurch Central, this bar has a distinct, comfortable turn-of-the-century Shanghai aesthetic, offering a range of cocktails and a sophisticated late-night hangout.
The Poplar Social Club: A cozy bar in Christchurch known for its comfortable vibe, great cocktails, and friendly service, making it a pleasant spot for a relaxed evening out with friends.
Monarch: Located in Christchurch Central, this is another of the city’s top-rated venues, offering expertly crafted cocktails and a chic atmosphere for a high-quality drinking experience.
Wilko: A trendy bar also situated on New Regent Street in Christchurch, offering a modern and relaxed environment that is popular for evening drinks and conversation.
Vesuvio: Found in Christchurch Central, this bar offers a slice of European café culture, known for its selection of drinks and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a late-night date or catch-up.
The John: Tucked away in a renovated former Victorian public toilet in Canterbury (UK, but often referenced with the Canterbury Plains NZ), this venue is renowned for its unusual location, classic cocktails, and late-night music.
Fat Eddies: A staple on Christchurch’s Oxford Terrace, this venue is known for its live bands, a large balcony overlooking the river, and its popular dance floor, making it a go-to for dancing and lively music.
Hide Club: Christchurch’s only purpose-built nightclub, located on St Asaph Street, dedicated to the underground electronic music scene. It is an all-inclusive space that welcomes international and local electronic artists every weekend.
The Little Fiddle: An Irish pub/bar on Oxford Terrace in Christchurch, featuring a large and lively dance floor for singalongs and often hosting experienced DJs, making it a fun, high-energy spot.
Amazonita: A luxurious bar in Christchurch Central, part of a connected venue with a sophisticated vibe and an open format of music, making it a great space to relax or move to the beats.
The Bog Irish Bar: A local favourite in Christchurch’s Victoria Street, this is a traditional Irish pub known for its live bands, drawing crowds young and old for a lively night of dancing and old favourites.
Concrete Club: A popular dance club located on Manchester Street in Christchurch, known for attracting an energetic crowd ready to party the night away.
Double Happy: Another of Christchurch’s popular, pumping dance clubs, located on Cashel Street, providing a high-energy environment for late-night revelry.
Mad Cow: A well-known bar and nightclub on Oxford Terrace in Christchurch, forming part of the city’s key nightlife strip where crowds gather to socialise and party.
Rockpool: Situated on The Terrace in Christchurch Central, this venue features a small dance floor and a proper DJ booth, playing commercial tunes and offering a lively spot to dance.
Chiwahwah: Located on The Terrace overlooking the Avon River in Christchurch, this venue has stylish modern interiors, amazing cocktails, and often plays top 40 remixes, keeping the place packed and lively.
The Church: A prominent live music venue in Christchurch, often connected to Paddy McNaughton’s Irish Pub, where you can enjoy live bands and a great social atmosphere.
Blue Pub Methven: An iconic, unmissable pub located right in the middle of Mt Hutt Village (Mid-Canterbury), known for its true Kiwi hospitality and a lively local atmosphere, perfect for a casual drink after a day on the slopes.