The Canterbury region is located on the central East Coast of the South Island, with the city of Christchurch being the main hub. Boasting both beaches and mountains, this area is a very popular tourist spot.
You should plan for mild days and cool nights unless you are planning a trip during the winter months (June to August). During winter prepare for cold weather and rain. Also you should leave your curling irons and electric razors at home since they probably won't be compatible with the different plugs available in New Zealand.
When planning your flight to New Zealand, book it into Christchurch. From there, you can get to anywhere in the country via bus or train. However, if you don't want to rely on public transportation then you can rent a car. Just remember that New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road.
Accommodations in Canterbury include: bed & breakfasts, beach houses & bungalows, backpacker & budget rooms, campsites, luxury hotels, farm stays, home stays, hotels, lodges & retreats, motels & motor lodges, outdoor & sports lodges, resorts & health spas, and villas.
There are a variety of outdoor activities available in the Canterbury region, including: wine tours, skiing, mountain biking, forest walks, river rafting, salmon fishing, hot air ballooning and bungee jumping. Travelers can also experience the TranzAlpine train ride that takes sightseers on a breathtaking journey through the mountains.
You can exchange your money for New Zealand dollars at pretty much any bank. To give you some idea what to expect, one New Zealand dollar is currently worth about 63 US cents. Keep in mind that a wide variety of establishments accept credit cards, which will post the charge amount of the transaction at the current exchange rate when the transaction occurs.
