Jaw-dropping scenic wonders, heart-stopping adventure opportunities and palate-pleasing wines are on offer throughout New Zealand, but only Canterbury combines them in such a neat package.

From craggy alpine scenery to sweeping vineyards that melt into azure bays, you'll be captivated by views everywhere you look. Our journey centred on the Alpine Pacific Triangle and Banks Peninsula - a small slice of New Zealand's biggest and arguably most diverse region.

An hour north of Christchurch, we were in the heart of one of the country's most promising wine regions, the Waipara Valley. But before delving into the region's signature riesling and pinot noir, we visited its railing past on the historic Weka Pass Railway. The rain chugs sluggishly past rolling farmland and rock formations, stopping in Waikiri before returning to Waipara. Tear yourself from the scenery to chat with one of the volunteer conductors, who are a mine of interesting facts about all things locomotive.

After disembarking, it was time to indulge in a glass or two of the region's finest drops. If you only have time for one cellar door, make it the Pegasus Bay winery. There's an amazing selection for tasting, and the restaurant serves up delicacies asyou drink wine and take in the views.

Waipara is the perfect way to break up your journey to the charming alpine village of Hanmer Springs, where holidaymakers can combine extreme activities with ultimate relaxation at the famous hot pools.

Get your heart racing

Adrenaline junkies get their kicks on the slopes in winter, but Thrillseekers Canyon provides a buzz year-round to those who are brave enough to accept the challenge. Throw yourself off a bridge with only a bungy cord to save you, or shoot through the Wairau River rapids on a whitewater raft or jet boat. For land-based adventurers, Thrillseekers also offers quad-bike safaris and clay bird shooting.

After your body's been put to the test, reward it with a relaxing soak in the Hanmer Springs Hot Pools. Take a dip in the healing sulphuric springs while gazing at the beautiful mountain backdrop. And if you're really in need of TLC, book a massage or facial at The Spa - you'll leave glowing inside and out.

We continued our journey along the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route, which led us to the seaside playground of Kaikoura. The town's beach vibe is apparent in the seafood restaurants, surf shops and booking offices for whale watches, seal sights and dolphin swims. We chose to go for something a little different, and took to the seas for an Albatross Encounter. Despite the stormy weather, our group was treated to the spellbinding vision of albatrosses with three-metre wingspans gracefully soaring through the air while the skipper told us all about the magnificent creatures. Keen to meet more locals, we then trekked to the headland where huge seals lounged in the sun while ignoring the cameras snapping just steps away.

After soaking up so much marine knowledge, it was time for a cultural experience with Maori Tours Kaikoura. Local character Maurice Manawatu led our small group to the remains of a pa before revealing legends that have been passed through generations since his ancestor, the Whale Rider, first arrived in Aotearoa.

Another must-do in this vibrant region is the Kaikoura Winery. Treat yourself to a platter and a glass of delightful Marlborough wine as you stare at the awe-inspiring view of the ocean from a sun-drenched deck.

Swim with dolphins

We didn't want to leave Kaikoura, but were lured away with the promise of more wonders in Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. This sleepy town is famous for two things - its French influence and the rare Hector's Dolphins. You can get up close to the 1.4-metre wonders on Black Cat dolphin cruises. You'll be kitted out with a warming wetsuit and snorkel, and powered out to the nearest pod, where you can swim with the cheeky creatures. If you're still not keen to get wet you can opt to watch from the boat for a spectator price.

If landlubbing activities are more your style, there's plenty to do. The French-language street names add character as you stroll through the town, and be sure to take in the numerous galleries and quirky gift shops. You'll never be without inspiration when it comes to curing the hunger pangs, with an abundance of restaurants scattered through the village. It's well worth a 10-minute drive to French Farm Winery, where youcan relax in the delightful garden setting for lunch, afternoon tea or a tipple.

There's no need to scour the globe for culture, cuisine, beauty and adventure - it's all right here in this corner of Canterbury.

By Karleigh Smith

Where to stay

Albergo Hanmer You'll instantly feel at home at this boutique lodge in Hanmer Springs. The lodgings all have large bathrooms and eclectic furnishings. Best of all, the included three-course home-style breakfast is superb. Visit www.albergohanmer.com.

Waves on the Esplanade These spacious two-bedroom apartments have balconies that overlook the sea and mountains beyond. It's right on the beach and within strolling distance from Kaikoura's fabulous restaurants and amenities. Visit www.kaikouraapartments.co.nz.

Wilderness House Akaroa Hosts Jim and Liz are justifiably proud of their flawlessly restored 1878 home. If you don't lose yourself in the antique-filled interior, relax in the lusciously landscaped gardens or wander through the vineyard. Visit www.wildernesshouse.co.nz.

Hotel So With so much to see and do in Christchurch, you'll want an affordable and comfortable hotel in the heart of the city. Hotel So ticks all these boxes, with funky, high-tech rooms that start at $69 per night. Visit www.hotelso.co.nz. To Go: Air New Zealand flies regularly to Christchurch from most cities in New Zealand. Visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz. For more information on where to stay and what to see and do in Canterbury, visit www.christchurchnz.com.

Christchurch

It makes sense to start your trip in Christchurch, and this bustling city is worth more than just a stopover as you cross Canterbury. Get your bearings by jumping on a historic tram that rambles past Cathedral Square, the city's famous gardens and the buzzing arts precinct. Tickets are valid for the day, and you can hop off at whichever stop takes your fancy.

After taking in the sights and sounds, soothe your senses with a sedate ride on the botanic gardens' new Caterpillar electric shuttles. These all-weather vehicles wind their way through the tree-lined boulevards at walking pace while an entertaining driver tells you about Christchurch's collection of plants from all over the world. It can even drop you off a few steps from the Antigua Boatsheds, where iconic punts wait to take weary travellers on a refreshing glide up the Avon River.

No visit to this city would be complete without a stop at the International Antarctic Centre. An adrenaline-pumping ride on its popular Hagglund is perfect for adventurous types - just make sure you hold on tight. Once you're safely back on your feet, wander through interactive displays before ending up at the penguin enclosure. With above and underwater viewing platforms, you'll get an amazing view of these cute little guys at play.

If you're hungry for more animal encounters, the nearby Willowbank Wildlife Reserve should be your next stop. The informative guides keep the scientific mumbo jumbo to a minimum as they show you NZ's endangered birds, including the kiwi and kea. Combine your fauna experience with culture, as fantastic Maori experience Ko Tane is in the same complex. It's a must-do.

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