Backpack Canterbury - Backpacker's Guide 2010/2011

Christchurch Backpackers

Backpacking in Christchurch and Canterbury, NZ

For the latest information regarding the Christchurch earthquake see the Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism website. Although some tourism operators in the central business district are not operating most of those not in the CBD are operating as normal. Come and enjoy the wider Canterbury region!

We're a great bunch of dudes who have got together some of the best stuff for you to do in an around Christchurch and Canterbury. These guys know how to have a good time and they'll certainly show you one as well. They love this playground and, seeing as you've made the effort to come here, they really want to give you a good time.

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Canterbury area map

CHRISTCHURCH & CANTERBURY FOR BACKPACKERS

Christchurch and its big backyard offer you more things to do and see, all in close proximity, than anywhere in the world! Our two volcanic crater harbours, wild rivers, ski areas, surf beaches, mountains, forests and thermal pools, provide an amazing springboard for exciting activities — so don't back off! And as the twilight lengthens across the big Canterbury sky, the welcoming glow from the pubs, cafes and restaurants light up a trail for your nocturnal wanderings!

Adrenalin Forest

Adrenalin Forest is a series of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and flying foxes in the tree canopy. The platforms range from 2 to 20 metres high, and so participants literally feel like they are flying through the trees...

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Website Linkwww.adrenalin-forest.co.nz

Adrenalin Forest

Air Safaris

Experience the spectacular 50 minute "GRAND TRAVERSE" flightseeing tour of Mount Cook and glaciers.

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Website Linkwww.airsafaris.co.nz

Air Safaris

Alpine Jet

Canterbury's premier jet boat operation. Friendly & informative commentary. Great mix of scenery & excitement!

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Website Linkwww.alpinejet.co.nz

Alpine Jet

Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals

Low cost, quality campervan and car rentals. 5 branch locations nationally. Hires available from 18 years and up.

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Website Linkwww.backpackercampervans.com

Backpacker Campervan & Car Rentals

Balloon Adventures
Up Up & AWAY

There is no other place in the world where it is possible to fly from the centre of the city, in view of the sun rising out of the ocean, toward snow-capped mountains.

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Website Linkwww.ballooning.co.nz

Balloon Adventures

Base Christchurch

Voted #1 in NZ at the Golden Backpack awards 2008 base Christchurch is right in the heart of Cathedral Square. We offer a variety of rooms with private and shared bathroom facilities.

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Website Linkwww.stayatbase.com

Base Christchurch

Belgian Beer Cafe Torenhof

Torenhof is the ideal place to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion, and is the only South Island bar with Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde and Brune, Hoeg.

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Website Linkwww.belgianbeercafe.net.nz

Belgian Beer Cafe Torenhof

Black Cat Cruises

Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, depart the historic French township of Akaroa aboard one of Black Cat Cruises safe and comfortable vessels. All year round an unforgettable adventure awaits you, where everything is provided for your pleasure.

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Website Linkwww.blackcat.co.nz

Base Christchurch

Christchurch i-SITE

Welcome to Christchurch's official one-stop travel shop! Ask our travel experts NOW what's hot in Christchurch and beyond.

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Website Linkwww.christchurchnz.com

Christchurch i-SITE

Encounter Kaikoura

There are many reasons for you to visit Kaikoura but the main one has to be to experience the Dolphin Encounter tour. You can choose to watch the dolphins and their acrobatic displays from the comfort of the boat, or swim with them in their natural environment.

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Website Linkwww.encounterkaikoura.co.nz

Encounter Kaikoura

Explore More

Dirt cheap camper and car rentals. 5 branches throughout NZ. Hires available from 18 years and up.

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Website Linkwww.exploremore.co.nz

Explore More

HAPPYJ Pub Crawl

Visit 5 of CHCH's best Bars/Clubs. 5 free drinks and free food/pizza. Prizes, Spooning and Much Much More!

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Website Linkwww.happyj.co.nz

HAPPYJ Pub Crawl

Hassle Free Tours

Exciting full-day Lord of the Rings scenic tour to the filming location of Edoras in the breathtaking Canterbury high country.

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Website Linkwww.hasslefree.co.nz

Hassle Free Tours

Hiking New Zealand

Take a hike kiwi style! 2-11 day hiking safaris. Great hikes and adventures throughout the country.

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Website Linkwww.hikingnewzealand.com

Hiking New Zealand

Kiwi Experience

Kiwi Experience is the legendary NZ travel network, offering you some of the most unforgettable experience on the planet. Get off the beaten track and experience the adventure of a lifetime with us.

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Website Linkwww.kiwiexperience.com

Kiwi Experience

Magic Travellers Network

Magic Travellers Network offers a flexible transport option for backpackers and independent travellers. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

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Website Linkwww.magicbus.co.nz

Magic Travellers Network

MT COOK ALPINE SALMON

Visit the world's highest salmon farm. Our fish are reared in the fast flowing alpine waters of the Tekapo canals, which produces unique low fat, high omega, fit healthy alpine salmon free from GM and antibiotics. Self-guided tours, or feed the fish.

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Website Linkwww.mtcooksalmon.com

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon

Rangitata Rafts

A very unique New Zealand rafting experience. Professional fun team of guides. Day trip from Christchurch or self drive on way to Queenstown.

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Website Linkwww.rafts.co.nz

Rangitata Rafts

SkydivingNZ.Com

'Dare to do it!' Step into thousands of feet of emptiness and freefall at speeds of up to 200kph. Feel the rush and freedom of Tandem Skydiving above world-class views.

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Website Linkwww.skydivingnz.com

Skydiving in Canterbury

The Old CountryHouse
Backpackers Lodge

A smaller hostel for those who enjoy the home comforts while travelling. Imagine a hostel in a busy city (only 1500 metres from the city centre) where you could escape from the hustle and bustle and 'Go to town to party but come home to sleep...'

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Website Linkwww.oldcountryhousenz.com

The Old CountryHouse Backpackers Lodge

Thrillseekers Adventures

Come aboard our Hanmer Springs jetboat for an unforgettable experience on the Waiau River. Bungy jump off the historic Ferry Bridge to the river canyon below. Paddle down the Waiau on your Hanmer Springs raft trip and marvel at the twist rock, water holes, pink marble and faultline. Challenge the terrain, river bed crossings and farmland trails on our Quad Bikes.

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Website Linkwww.thrillseekers.co.nz

Thrillseekers Adventures