The east is the more populated coast of the South Island, with Christchurch and Dunedin cities and the larger towns, Timaru, Oamaru and Invercargill. SH1 between Blenheim and Invercargill runs the full length of the east coast. Christchurch is the main airport hub for the South Island.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the major centre for business in the South Island and its major airport hub, with quite a number of international flights as well as domestic links. It is also a historic garden city that is still very much in recovery mode three years after a major earthquake with much of the town centre demolished, but some very innovative building programs now well under way and exciting future plans. Look for the Re:START shopping area in and around Cashel Mall, built from shipping containers housing a mixture of fashion retail, cafes and gift stores. And visit the new "temporary" cathedral designed from cardboard, wood and glass by world renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. The Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park are still wonderful places to spend time relaxing and exploring after a long flight. An hour's drive away down the coast is Akaroa, a pretty coastal hamlet and a nice day trip from Christchurch.

Arthur's Pass

The main road to the West Coast leaves the rural landscape of the Canterbury plains, following a magnificent river valley into an increasingly alpine and forested terrain, and traverses the Southern Alps at Arthur's Pass. The tiny township of Arthur's Pass is just before the Pass itself and about halfway to the West Coast, Greymouth and Hokitika. A stay at Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge allow you to explore a large high country farm as well as enjoying excellent birdlife and hiking small group guided tours.

Geraldine & Inlands Scenic Route

Take a relaxing journey through the heartland of New Zealand. Visiting thriving country towns, see historic buildings, country museums. In addition to traditional farming, the area produces cheeses, truffles, saffron, olives and mead.  Fish for trout and salmon in the Rakaia River or the high country lakes. Tee off at some of Canterbury's finest country golf courses, lift off on a hot air balloon ride or take to the slopes at Mt Hutt or raft white- water on the Rangitata. Explore historic sheep runs, like Erewhon Station and at Geraldine wonder the beautiful woodlands and gardens and savour locally produced food and beverages.