Transport

Make Mid-Canterbury both your arrival and departure points for your South Island adventure on route to other South Island regions including Dunedin, Wanaka, Queenstown and Milford Sound.

The region begins just 80kms from Christchurch International Airport bisected by the almost arrow-straight SH1 to the East and by the more picturesque and spectacular SH72 to the West. Between these two major highways is a network of quality roads allowing you to explore this region and visit small towns and settlements.

Conventional cars are all that's needed to explore much of Mid-Canterbury, although vehicles with higher ground clearance are advised for some off roads into the more remote regions, particularly at the head of the Rangitata and Rakaia Gorges.

How to get there

by air
See the South Island’s spectacular Alps, glaciers, rivers, forests and patchwork plains as you descend into Christchurch. The stunning upgraded Christchurch International Airport is a first class passenger experience. For something completely different, you can charter a classic DC3 for your group, directly to Ashburton Airport.

by rental car/motorhome
Collect your rental car or motorhome from Christchurch Airport and journey south across the plains, one of New Zealand’s most extensive and fertile agricultural areas.

by coach
National bus operators such as Intercity and shuttle services operate daily from Christchurch to Mid Canterbury and on to other South Island regions.

For further information or bookings, contact one of our District i-SITE Visitor Centre's.