Canterbury Attractions

Canterbury is a vibrant area, with many attractions to tempt visitors. Christchurch is the cultural and economic hub of the district, with all the amenities of a modern city, within 20 minutes’ drive of Silverstream Lodge.

The central city is filled with activities – Cathedral Square houses the gothic-style ChristChurch Cathedral, great shopping venues, Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House and a wonderful variety of cafes and restaurants. Here you can get aboard the Christchurch Tramway for a mini-tour of the central city – you can hop on or off anywhere, rejoining the tram later. Visit the Cultural precinct to see the Canterbury Museum, Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens and the vibrant Arts Centre, all housed within an easy walk of each other. Have a flutter on the horses at Riccarton Park or Addington Raceway, or visit the Christchurch Casino in the central city. Take a ride on the River Avon on board one of the city’s romantic Edwardian punts.

Travel further abroad to the International Antarctic Centre at Christchurch Airport, or the nearby Orana Wildlife Park, the city’s own zoo. If you’re interested in a Maori cultural experience, book into a performance at the Tamaki HeritageVillage at Ferrymead or Ko Tane at Willowbank. The Ferrymead Historical Park and Riccarton House and Bush provide a glimpse into Canterbury’s past, as does the Time Tunnel ride at the Christchurch Gondola in the Port Hills.

Take a day trip to Greymouth on the Tranz Scenic Express, one of the great rail journeys of the world, experiencing some of the most magnificent alpine scenery the country has to offer.

Experience local wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, or take a cruise on one of the harbours in Banks Peninsula to see dolphins (or swim with them!), penguins and other wildlife.

Garden enthusiasts will find Mona Vale near the city centre well worth a visit, or travel to Ashburton (45 minutes) to see Trott’s Gardens.

French style Akaroa, on Banks Peninsula, features beautiful settlement-period houses, quaint cafes and boutique shops – and the scenery on the trip is magnificent!

The Nut Point Gallery
The Nut Point Gallery is functioning as a wonderful venue for Art and art related workshops, field days in the countryside and seminars.