Outdoor Activities

South Canterbury IS the GREAT OUTDOORS.

Grab a bike, hire a kayak, pull on the boots, strap on the skis and explore! Relaxed or thrill seeking, something for every age and ability. It’s easy to see why South Canterbury is an outdoor recreation and education mecca.

From a family fishing outing to individual pursuits, choices are many and varied across all three Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate Districts of South Canterbury. Stunning mountain vistas, rolling hill country and sub alpine wilderness areas are networked by rivers and streams with plenty of wildlife for fishermen, hunters and photographers to enjoy. Rainbow, brown trout and salmon fishing are plentiful in high country lakes and lowland rivers.

Horse mad, or just out for some healthy exercise in the country air, you’ll ride surefooted horses through breath-taking scenery with local horse trekking operators. For something a little more extreme, try a heli-ski or hike into the higher reaches of Aoraki/Mt Cook national park!

South Canterbury is a well established training base for outdoor education. Facilities and resources include climbing walls and ropes training, trained tertiary tutors, internationally recognised outdoor training programmes and outdoor pursuits centres in a safe, educational environment.

For a more relaxing break, pack a picnic, paddle or swim in the clean rivers and lakes, or surf off beautiful Caroline Bay, named one of New Zealand’s Top 10 beaches.

Outdoor Activities Businesses & Operators

Recreational, team building or educational – if it’s outdoors, these experienced operators are for you.

Featured Events

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