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Canterbury recreation
From beaches to alps, there's lots to do in Canterbury. Within two hours from the international airport, you can ski, play golf, bungy jump, go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching, and visit world-class vineyards and gardens.
Canterbury | Tourism New Zealand
Sport and recreation
District councils around the region provide a range of recreation facilities including sportsgrounds, parks and gardens. Your local community center may also run many different activities and groups for the community to join. Check with your local council for more details.
Recreation facilities | Christchurch City Council
Recreation | Timaru District Council
Canterbury community centres | Citizen's Advice Bureau
Sports clubs and social groups
New Zealanders enjoy a huge range of sporting activities - the Sport New Zealand website lists everything from Aikido to Zen Do Kai! Check the site to see what’s available in your area and how you can get involved.
Joining a club or team is a great way to meet people. Have a look at the CINCH online community directory of clubs, community organisations and continuing education course providers in the greater Christchurch area.
Find a sport | Sport New Zealand
Find a sports club near you | Sport Canterbury
Clubs in Canterbury | Citizen's Advice Bureau
Outdoors
Tracks and walks
There are many opportunities to stretch your legs, clear your lungs and get close to nature on the walkways and tracks you’ll find wherever you go in New Zealand. Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) site to find the great walks available in the Canterbury region. You'll also find information about the parks and open spaces available near you on your local council website.
Regional parks | Environment Canterbury
Parks and walkways | Christchurch City Council
Parks | Ashburton District Council
Parks | Timaru District Council
Playgrounds
Parks with large children's play structures and playgrounds are can be found on your local council website.
Find a playground| Christchurch City Council
Playgrounds | Timaru District Council
Hunting and fishing rules
Both fishing and hunting are a big part of life for many in the Canterbury region. Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fish and Game NZ websites for full information about licences and restrictions on hunting and fishing in freshwater.
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has information about the rules of fishing in the sea. There are two areas that cover the Canterbury region for fishing rules, depending on where you decide to fish from.
It is very important to be aware of restrictions as there can be serious penalties for breaching them.
North Canterbury | Fish and Game NZ
Central South Island | Fish and Game NZ
Hunting in Canterbury | Department of Conservation
Canterbury and South East area fishing rules | Ministry of Primary Industries
Kaikoura area fishing rules | Ministry of Primary Industries
Dog regulations
New Zealand has various laws about looking after and controlling dogs and other animals. Each council has their own bylaws so check out your local council website for details.
Pets and animals | Christchurch City Council
Dogs and animals | Ashburton District Council
Dogs | Timaru District Council
Cycling
Canterbury features a large number of tracks through beautiful scenery. Find out more about the tracks available through the links below.
Christchurch City Council | Biking
South Canterbury | Timaru, Waimate, Waitaki
Art and culture
Museums and galleries
There are a number of museums and art galleries to visit in the Canterbury region. You'll find details of each on the NZ Museums website. You'll also find information about cultural experiences available in the region on the local council websites.
Arts and Museums | Christchurch City Council
Arts, Culture and Heritage | Ashburton District Council
Shopping
There’s good everyday shopping in all of the larger centres in Canterbury.
Shopping in Christchurch | Christchurch NZ
Markets
You'll find the best Canterbury wine, food and produce is showcased in farmers' markets through the region. Visit the websites below to find a farmers' market near you.
Farmers' markets | Christchurch NZ