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Get to Know the Town of ... Fairlie

A sculpture of a man and his dog.

Perhaps the cutest little town in the Mackenzie District, Fairlie is that perfect stop-over spot on your journey through South Canterbury, as well as a destination in its own right. Surrounded by rolling hills and snow capped mountains, there’s a fairy tale sense in the air at Fairlie. The tree-lined streets of the town center are dotted with historical buildings and friendly locals stop for a chat on street corners. 


There is a selection of interesting boutiques, a gallery and plenty of retail options to discover while in town, all accessible by foot. Around the surrounding area you’ll find a number of family friendly activities, from walking tracks to feeding amicable animals. Make a visit here in winter and experience the ski-town feel of this special wee place, when it’s bustling with people making the most of the white stuff at nearby ski fields. Or perhaps you’d like to experience the town in autumn, when the trees showcase their colours like nowhere else.


With plenty to unearth, Fairlie is one of those towns that will surprise in many ways, and by making it a destination, you’ll soon find out there is more to this town than the famous Fairlie Pies, though we do think they are also a must-try.

Towns

Get to Know the Town of ... Timaru

An old building in Timaru on a sunny day.
5 Places South Canterbury

The Riviera of the South, Timaru, is a South Canterbury east coast town well worth getting to know. The second largest city of the region, Timaru has so much to offer visitors that it’s pure madness not to have it on your must-visit-list.

Get to Know the Town of ... Twizel

The Twizel shops on an overcast day.
3 Places South Canterbury

Purpose built in the 1960s to house workers involved in the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme, these days Twizel is a hub for all things outdoors. Located oh-so-close to Aoraki / Mt Cook National park and the Mackenzie basin, this hydro-town is the perfect base for a variety of experiences.

Introducing Geraldine

A streetscape in Geraldine.
6 Places South Canterbury
World-renowned as the hometown of Barker’s, makers of jam, preserves, chutneys, sauces and more, Geraldine is a name familiar to many. A picture-perfect country town, sitting prettily in the heart of South Canterbury on the banks of the trickling Waihi River. Huge, exotic trees line the surrounding town area, as do the lush, green foothills of the Southern Alps. There’s a strong creative scene in this wee town, with a wonderful gallery filled with artworks by local artists, and plenty of uncommon giftware, crafts and produce waiting to be sourced. The compact town centre makes it easy to leave your car behind and explore on foot. A wonderful playground will keep the little ones in your family happy, and plenty of great cafés make refuelling in town an easy task.  The wonderland of giant trees at Peel Forest is just a stone’s throw away, and plenty of activities from horseback riding to rafting, fishing, walking and biking are accessible right from the town’s doorstep. And whether you’re into camping or glamping, there are a number of accommodation options in town, so it’s well worth making Geraldine your destination rather than a mere stop-along-the-way elsewhere.