Hotels in Canterbury, New Zealand

Canterbury, on New Zealand's South Island east coast, is famous for its towering Southern Alps and the braided rivers cutting through the Canterbury Plains. The climate is dry and sunny, with summer highs around 68 F (20 C) perfect for hiking the Alps' trails or jet-boating on the Rakaia River, while winter temps drop to 37 F (3 C) ideal for skiing at Mount Hutt. You can also visit Christchurch's rebuilt central city after the 2011 earthquake, or spot penguins and seals at Banks Peninsula's Akaroa harbor, with spring (September-November) offering mild weather and blooming lupins along scenic roads.