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A Drink & Dine Experience for Every Season in South Canterbury

A flatlay of plates of food on a table at Mint Folk in Twizel.
Story South Canterbury
From the hopeful splashes of spring colour to the thick of a white winter, no matter the outside air temperature, memorable dining experiences abound throughout South Canterbury.

12 Hours in Timaru

Mural painted on side of building in Timaru.
Story South Canterbury

Make the most of your flying visit to Timaru with our 12 hour guide, which will have you sipping the best coffee, nipping into intriguing boutiques and galleries, learning about the ancient practice of Māori rock art and filling up on the best food in town.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Southern Alps (for the Non-Outdoorsy Types)

Looking towards the snow covered mountains of the New Zealand southern alps on a sunny day.
Story South Canterbury
The Southern Alps are celebrated around the world for their beauty. With incredible walks, tramps, skiing and outdoor adventures abound, it can feel like an adventurer’s paradise. However, if you prefer to enjoy the views in comfort, the Southern Alps still have plenty to offer. 

Tick Off Your Reading List At New Zealand’s Independent Bookshops

Bookcase jam packed with books at The Last Chapter, Wānaka.
Story Auckland
Bibliophiles gather around; here's your comprehensive guide to New Zealand's best bookshops. Each of these fiercely independent bookstores brings a strong sense of personality, enriched by the culture and history of the towns they call home.  From North to South, from mystical fantasy to heartfelt memoirs, there's plenty to tickle your bookish brains at these local spots. So clear your shelf and break out your Good Reads list; here's where to get your literature fix across Aotearoa.  

5 Neat Mackenzie Activities and Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

Aoraki Mt Cook on a sunny day.
Story South Canterbury

The scenic Mackenzie Region is filled with a multitude of activities and experiences. The stunning landscapes of vast plains, snow-covered mountaintops and glimmering turquoise lakes create a picture-perfect backdrop to these outdoor activities; all of which are complemented by the region's ever-growing quality hospitality offerings.

We've Done the Hard Yards to Bring You the Best Boutiques and Galleries of South Canterbury

Interior view of Dead2b.
Story South Canterbury
The finest galleries and boutiques dotted around South Canterbury.

The Road to MacKenzie Region: A Guide to Geraldine and Fairlie

The streets of Geraldine on a sunny day.
Story South Canterbury
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned day trip?

Get to Know the Culinary Curiosities of South Canterbury

Gin being poured into a shot glass at Humdinger Gin Distillery.
Story South Canterbury

While famous for its sheep runs and hardy shepherds, South Canterbury has far more to offer than farming and vast plains. The picturesque landscape of the region is filled with fertile soil and fittingly home to a huge number of innovative producers and makers of consumable goodness.

Introducing Geraldine

A streetscape in Geraldine.
Story 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.

Get to Know the Town of ... Fairlie

A sculpture of a man and his dog.
Story South Canterbury

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 of Fairlie.

Get to Know the Town of ... Twizel

The Twizel shops on an overcast day.
Neighbourhood 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.

Get to Know the Town of ... Timaru

An old building in Timaru on a sunny day.
Neighbourhood 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.