North Canterbury and Arthur's Pass

Buttercup, Hanmer Forest Park. Photo: J.H.Johns.

Explore the foothills, forests and peaks of the Southern Alps, and the rivers and streams that flow down from the mountains and across the Canterbury Plains.

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula

Godley Head. Photo copyright: Rob Suisted/Nature's Pic Images.

Explore the places of the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula area, including Otamahua/Quail Island, Otukaikino freshwater wetland reserve and Godley Head WWII coastal defence battery.

Mid and South Canterbury

North Opuha Conservation Area. Photo: DOC.

Learn more about Canterbury's native species by visiting Mid & South Canterbury. Whether you take a stroll in Hunter Hills or mountain bike in North Opuha, the area features an array of recreational opportunities.

Mackenzie Country and Waitaki

Juvenile Kaki/Black stilt. Photo: D. P Murray.

Interested in seeing kakī firsthand? Or perhaps you'd like to see the kārearea/falcon in the Benmore Range? The Mackenzie Country and Waitaki area is rife with places to hike, mountain bike, horseback ride and view wildlife.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Aoraki/Mt Cook. Photo: C D Roderick.

Home to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the Aoraki/Mount Cook area encompasses the sub-alpine and alpine environment found in the heart of the Southern Alps.

New Zealand places to visit

Visitors on Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast. Photo: Melissa Perrott.

From forest parks to scenic reserves, alpine areas to protected coasts, there are hundreds of special conservation places.

Otago region

Royal albatross, Taiaroa Head. Photo: M F Soper.

Find out about the places you can visit in the Otago region, including the Matukituki Valley, in Mount Aspiring National Park, and Oteake Conservation Park in Central Otago.

West Coast region

Fox Glacier. Photo: Bruce Postill.

The West Coast boasts two kiwi sanctuaries, five national parks, two wilderness areas and a World Heritage area. Popular places to visit include Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole and Franz Josef Glacier.

Marlborough region

Lake Sedgmere, Molesworth Station.

Discover the places of Marlborough, including Molesworth Station, New Zealand's largest farm - and the steep native forest-covered mountain country of Mount Richmond Forest Park.

Nelson/Tasman region

Sea kayaking, Abel Tasman National Park.

The Nelson/Tasman region has many breathtakingly beautiful places to explore including Tonga Island Marine Reserve, Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project and Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park.

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Have your say on conservation in your community

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Christchurch Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 341 9113
Address: 31 Nga Mahi Road
Sockburn
Christchurch 8042
Email: christchurchvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai