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Christchurch & Canterbury Must Do's
Christchurch & Canterbury Popular Routes
Christchurch & Canterbury Travel Tips & Inspiration
Britz Campervan Branches
Christchurch
If you’re looking for the perfect starting point to explore the Canterbury and Kaikoura regions, picking up your camper from the Britz Christchurch branch is just the ticket. Head north to Kaikoura to encounter local wildlife or south towards Queenstown for an action-packed adventure.
Queenstown
The Britz Queenstown branch lies at the bottom half of the South Island and is a great one way hire option. Choose between travelling inland past Lake Tekapo, or along the east coast through Timaru and Oamaru and drop off your camper in Christchurch.
Auckland
The road trip from Britz Auckland to Christchurch takes around 16 hours and includes a ferry trip across the Cook Strait. This is a big drive but is the perfect option if you’re after a long holiday and want to tick off as many sights of New Zealand in one trip. Make plenty of stops along the way and enjoy the everchanging scenery as you head from the North Island to the stunning South.
Helpful Tips For Visiting Canterbury, Kaikoura & Lake Tekapo
Climate and Seasons in Canterbury
The Canterbury region enjoys warm summers, and cooler winters. Maximum temperatures in summer are typically in the 27–33-degree range. Winter temperatures usually fall somewhere between 2 – and 12 degrees.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
The Hurunui District
A 90-minute drive north of Christchurch will take you through the beautiful scenery of the Waipara Valley. With stunning landscapes and incredible food and wine, this escape makes for the perfect day trip. Stop in at Fossil Point for some morning sustenance before exploring the Cathedral Cliffs on your way to Gore Bay. Spend your afternoon watching the surfers at Gore Bay, having a swim, or discovering the round rocks under the cliffs.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
2 hours west of Christchurch, you will find Arthur’s Pass National Park. Home to incredible nature and scenery, spend a day here exploring all that this epic spot has to offer. With plenty of walks in the area, as well as an abundance of local wildlife – if you’re looking to spend some time embracing the great outdoors, this is the perfect day trip for you.
Waimakariri
Pack your fridge full of picnic food and head off to discover the Waimakariri District. Packed with beauty, slower-paced country towns, and beach settlements there is plenty of exploring to be done here. Visit Kaiapoi, 20 minutes out of Christchurch, and enjoy a local brew as you look over the river. Looking for a spot for shopping? Escape the hustle of malls and embrace fresh air as you explore the boutiques of the Waimakariri urban center. End your day by visiting Waikuku Beach, packed with fun for the whole family.
What to pack
- Be sure to pack multiple thin layers, rather than one heavy jacket, so you can be comfortable no matter what the weather brings. Fabrics such as merino wool are good as well. If you are exploring the outdoors, make sure to bring wet weather gear as well as some comfortable walking shoes.
- Campervan add-ons. If you are bringing a bike, all three Britz branches offer bike rack hire which you can add to your campervan hire.
- Sun protection. Be sure to pack a bottle of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses – especially if you are visiting in summer and planning to make the most of the region's epic outdoors.