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There are so many adventures activities to do in the Canterbury Region your choice will depend only on your family's budget and the age of your children.

For those with adventurous children, and parents, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, mountain biking, tramping, jet boating or horse riding are just some of the things to do in Canterbury.

Family-friendly Ski Fields around Canterbury

With the Southern Alps as its background, it's not surprising that during the winter months skiing is popular, with many ski fields providing family-friendly rates and facilities.

Kaikoura 

If you mention Kaikoura, most New Zealanders will probably say it's the place to see whales and dolphins - and they'll be right. There's more to this town than mammals - its beautiful setting, for starters, from the mountain backdrop to the peninsula.

Along the coastline on State Highway 1 from the Kaikoura Peninsula to Blenheim are a number of fur-seal colonies. The colony at Ohau Point, just north of Rakautara, is one of the easiest to view. Parents should take care that their children don't disturb the seals and, for safety reason, stay several metres away.

Hanmer Springs 

The main attraction at Hanmer Springs is the thermal hot pools which are very family friendly. There are many adventure activities and, in winter, skiing at the local ski-field.

Rakaia Gorge 

The Rakaia Gorge has two main attractions, the Rakaia Gorge Walkway and the gorge itself. There are a number of tourist operators in the area providing activities from horse riding to jet boat tours.

Mount Hutt

Mount Hutt is the largest ski-field in Canterbury and only 25 kilometres from Methven. The ski area is suitable for families, with ski hire and lessons available.

Methven

It's hard to image that the Canterbury Plains were once covered by forest, which has been cleared to make the broad plains we see today. Methven is on the edge of these plains and close to Mount Hutt ski field and Christchurch, so in winter you will need to book your accommodation early.