Top 50 Best Things to Do in Canterbury
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Canterbury

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Whale Watch Kaikouratop_1
    4.7/5
    󰺂8.7
    136930
    Kaikoura>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Guided whale & marine biology tour
    󰋄95% chance to see whales
    󱨠Saved by 166 users󱨠74% positive reviews
  • International Antarctic Centretop_2
    4.5/5
    󰺂7.9
    50208
    Christchurch>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Canterbury
    Highlights:
    󱓊Five themed hotels for variety
    Experience Gan Nan workshops & folklore
    󱨠Saved by 177 users󱨠121 positive reviews
  • Mount Cook Helicopter Experiencestop_3
    4.4/5
    󰺂7.9
    306032
    Glentanner85.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Helicopter view of Mount Cook
    󰋄Views of glaciers & mountains
  • The Church of the Good Shepherd
    4
    4.8/5
    󰺂7.5
    Lake Tekapo61.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Church of the Good Shepherd, More Than Just a Starry Church
    Highlights:
    󱓊Lake views & sheepdog statue
    󱓊Lake view at Cook Mountain
    󱨠Saved by 186 users󱨠147 positive reviews
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    5
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.4
    Christchurch>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Tulips bloom & attract photographers
    󱓊10 unique gardens in 74 acres
    󱨠Saved by 128 users󱨠118 positive reviews
  • Lake Tekapo
    6
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.3
    Tekapo54.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA dreamy summer trip to Lake Tekapo | Nov 2025-Feb 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Canterbury
    Highlights:
    Expert guides lead you to explore the night sky's mysteries
    󰋄International Dark Sky Reserve: A Premier Stargazing Haven
    󱨠Saved by 148 users󱨠105 positive reviews
  • Shamarra Alpacas
    7
    4.5/5
    󰺂7.3
    49571
    Wainui>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Explore Canterbury's natural beauty
    󰀆Feed & hug alpacas closely
    󱨠Saved by 104 users󱨠68% positive reviews
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook
    8
    4.8/5
    󰺂7.1
    Gammack84.1 km from downtown
    󱨠39% positive reviews
  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
    9
    4.5/5
    󰺂7.1
    Gammack74.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Hooker Valley Trail: Glacier & Mountain Views
    󱓊22 peaks over 10,000 feet
  • Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
    10
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.1
    30942
    Christchurch>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cambridge punting & British romance
    󰀆Pole boating on traditional punts

Best things to do in Canterbury (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Canterbury? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Canterbury offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Canterbury

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Canterbury experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

• Kaikoura | >100 km from downtown

• : Guided whale & marine biology tour,95% chance to see whales

International Antarctic Centre

• Christchurch | >100 km from downtown

• : Five themed hotels for variety,Experience Gan Nan workshops & folklore

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

• Glentanner | 85.5 km from downtown

• : Helicopter view of Mount Cook,Views of glaciers & mountains

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Canterbury

If you want to explore attractions just outside Canterbury, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Canterbury, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Canterbury special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Canterbury

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Canterbury

Ready to explore the best of Canterbury? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Canterbury?
These are all Best Things to Do in Canterbury:Whale Watch Kaikoura, International Antarctic Centre, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Canterbury?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Canterbury include:Whale Watch Kaikoura:4.7, International Antarctic Centre:4.5, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences:4.4, The Church of the Good Shepherd:4.8, Christchurch Botanic Gardens:4.6
At what locations in Canterbury can Best Things to Do in Canterbury be found?
The Best Things to Do in Canterbury are mainly located in:Whale Watch Kaikoura:Kaikoura, International Antarctic Centre:Christchurch, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences:Glentanner, The Church of the Good Shepherd:Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Botanic Gardens:Christchurch
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