Canterbury among world's best for adventure travel

Canterbury has been named as one of the world’s best adventure destinations to explore in 2019.

The annual Best Trips issue has just been published by National Geographic Traveler magazine and reveals its 28 must-see destinations and travel experiences for 2019. Together, Traveler editors and National Geographic Explorers have selected their top places to travel across four categories: Cities, Nature, Culture and Adventure.

Ziplining at the Christchurch Adventure Park is one of the many adventure activities you can do in Canterbury.

Canterbury was selected in the Adventure category.

ChristchurchNZ’s General Manager – Destination and Attraction, Loren Heaphy, says Cantabrians are very aware they live in an amazing region to explore but the global recognition is the icing on the cake.

“Making the list of such a highly regarded travel magazine is fantastic news for the city and region. Christchurch is a logical place for visitors to base themselves while they explore all the amazing adventure activities on offer around the region and we know many Traveler magazine readers will be inspired to put Canterbury on the top of their travel list after seeing us featured.”

Adventures to explore in Canterbury include whale watching in Kaikoura, swimming with the dolphins in Akaroa, skiing at the region’s many fields and witnessing the spectacular Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve,  as well as mountain biking, ziplining, kayaking, canyoning, rafting and jet boating.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen England-Hall says it’s fantastic to see the Canterbury region included on the list.

“Canterbury has a lot to offer visitors, it’s great to see the region being recognised by such a highly regarded publication. Tourism New Zealand seeks to spread the benefits of tourism across the country by heavily promoting the regions in our work. International exposure through this accolade will help encourage more visitors to the Canterbury region and the rest of the South Island.”