Scenic Drives in Christchurch

Enterprising local tourist offices have sketched out thematically linked, self-guided sightseeing routes throughout the region. You can pick up maps at the Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, or at visitor centers along the way. The following are the best of the bunch:

Alpine Pacific Triangle. This links three of the most popular getaways in Canterbury: Waipara, Hanmer Springs, and Kaikoura.

Selwyn Food and Wine Trail. Pick up a brochure from the i-SITE Visitor Center and follow the trail that starts 20 minutes west of the city to discover wineries, cheesemakers, farmers markets, and country stores.

Pioneer Trail. Connecting several historic sights between Timaru and Geraldine, this route includes the Richard Pearse Memorial, dedicated to a local aviation innovator.

Scenic Highway 72. Scenic Highway 72 runs from Amberley, north of Christchurch, along the foothills of the Southern Alps through two spectacular gorges, past Geraldine to Winchester. You can join up with it at various points along the way.