Christchurch not only boasts some great gardens and open spaces, but it also has a number of bars and award winning restaurants in the inner city which make for a vibrant nightlife.

Getting around the city and suburbs is made easy with regular bus services leaving from the central city terminal and stopping at numerous stops along the way.

Christchurch has a number of beaches including New Brighton and Sumner which are all easily accessible. Travel through the Port Hills tunnel and into Lyttelton and you can explore the history of this port area or travel further around to the bays and harbours.

If you choose to stay in Christchurch for a few nights before you head off in your campervan rental, you can also make day trips to the rural Canterbury towns such as Oxford or visit Akaroa on Banks Peninsula.

From Christchurch you can journey in just about any direction, if you would like to head further north take a look at our Picton page.

To continue on your journey down the South Island we have provided some ideas here:

Rakaia – You’ll know when you’ve reached Rakaia as there is a giant salmon landmark to greet you. This is because the Rakaia River offers some of the best salmon fishing in New Zealand.

Ashburton – a short drive from Christchurch, Ashburton has a number of quality shops and cafes to stop in at and with easily accessible car parking there’s no reason not to stop.

• From here you might like to carry on down the South Island and onto: Dunedin, the Catlins and on to Stewart Island for a day trip.

Methven - a thriving rural town close to Mt Hutt skifield, also forms the base for many adventure activities such as white water rafting, hot air ballooning and skydiving.

Mt Somers - is a top Canterbury ecotourism destination with waterfalls, forests and rivers aplenty. This area has also become the backdrop in many TV commercials and well known movies.

Geraldine – stroll up the main street and up in to Talbot Forest to see breathtaking views of the plains and mountains. Visit the cheesemaker, chocolatier or fruit product outlets to experience some great local tastes.

• From here you can travel through to Temuka and onto the State Highway 8 turnoff through to Fairlie. Or travel further south to Timaru.

Fairlie – a small farming town with a friendly atmosphere, two skifields and a Lake complete with a Dam make this town worth stopping at.

Lake Tekapo – driving into Tekapo in the summer on either side of the road is the truly spectacular sight of Russell Lupines flowers in pinks and purples. Upon arrival the turquoise lake will greet you and at night you will be amazed by the night sky lights.

Lake Pukaki –Situated in the Mackenzie Basin at the northern edge this lake is part of a hydroelectric scheme. The extraordinary blue waters are sure to catch your eye.

Omarama – a world class gliding location due to the superb conditions and scenery, Omarama is a popular holiday destination with many people having holiday homes and baches in this area.

Cromwell – The north end of town boasts a landmark of giant stone fruit to mark the great growing conditions here. The old town centre of Cromwell is under water due to the construction of the Clyde Dam. You can stroll through ‘Old Cromwell Town’ to read about this.

Queenstown - An international four-season resort town, Queenstown is famous for its Remarkables Mountain range, where skiers and snowboarders alike retreat to each winter.

• From here you might like to consider heading further down the South Island and onto Southland, Te Anau, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound to see some amazing scenery.

Or if you want to carry on your travels over to the West Coast and up the South Island, take a look at our Nelson page.

Talk to us today about the best camper van rental in Christchurch for your travels.