Recent News and Events

Take a virtual tour of the Strip
Tourism Facilities Grant for Arts Centre
Exploring farming hospitality
Art in May
Scenic delights on route 72
German tourist interest
Larrikin spirit will never die
Plan your winter fun
Be There
Giant cruise ship
Winter dining in Canterbury

Sites Added

Garden City Helicopters - Helicopter firm based in Christchurch.Scenic flights, flight training, and commercial operations. Aircraft sales. Rescue and flying doctor services.

Pacific Jets  - Firm providing private jet charters throughout New Zealand and the Pacific. Information on services, the experience, and destinations.

Dolphin Experience Akaroa - Information on swimming with the Hector's dolphins. Cruise options, locations, tour times, and tariffs.

Riccarton House and Bush - Heritage attraction Riccarton House and Bush. Information and pictures on Riccarton House and heritage tours, the Bush and guided walks. About Deans Cottage, the cafe, conferences, and tours. Maps.

New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010

The Strategy  mission is based on  welcoming visitors, protecting the environment and celebrating our culture. It sets out four objectives based on sustainable tourism development as follows:
      1.   Securing and conserving a long term future
      2.   Marketing and managing a world-class visitor experience
      3.   Working smarter
      4.   Being financially and economically prosperous.

The Strategy included many recommendations. TIANZ has completed work on two of these regarding Environmental Performance - Green Globe 21 and Quality in Tourism Operators - Quality Tourism Standards.
The Association is also taking ownership of three key strategy recommendations
       1.   Developing an innovative set of business tools, methods and templates
       2.   Improving yield
       3.   Increasing industry training funding and accessibility.

In 2003 a Tourism Strategy 2010 update booklet has been prepared by the Government in association with tourism stakeholders including TIANZ. This shows the progress that has been made on the action points in the Strategy.

Buried Treasures

For an independent traveller and holiday maker there are many interesting things to do in Canterbury. North Canterbury is a special  place to visit. Cheviot Maps   is a useful link to maps of Cheviot and Gore Bay and the surrounding areas. This is a  fascinating area of North Canterbury to explore - lush countryside, wild coastline and interesting landforms. 

Anyone interested in walking and tramping in the country side should visit the Department of Conservation site. A number of  Canterbury areas feature including the Mount Somers Conservation Area - details from the Depart ment  about  the natural history of the area, tracks and walkways. Includes maps. The walks vary from 1 hour to 10 hours.

A simple, enjoyable holiday Kiwi style can be had holing up in bach or holiday home for a few days. Often sited in some of the best locations in Canterbury these are a great value accomodation option.Cottage Stays in Canterbury,   Holiday Houses in Canterbury, Kiwiescapes and Methven Mt Hutt Information Web Site are sites which list lots of typical Kiwi holiday homes and baches for people wanting an independent holiday.

For something different to do on holiday check out  Journey to the location of Edoras - Something for Lord of the Rings fans in particular, but all lovers of great back country scenery should make this trip. Descriptions and map of how to reach the striking location in the Canterbury back country.