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Tourist Times Canterbury covers all of the Canterbury province, from Kaikoura in the north to Omarama in the south-west Timaru in the south-east.
Canterbury is a vibrant tourist destination. The main city, Christchurch, is one of the main
 gateways for tourists, with an international airport and a busy port for cruise ships at Lyttelton. This city offers much for the tourist, from iconic landmarks such as Christchurch Cathedral to unique visitor attractions including the International Antarctic Centre, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand and the Port Hills gondola, to major shopping destinations and the wonderful selection of restaurants.But within minutes of this major city is the countryside. To the east is picturesque Banks
 Peninsula, the only volcanic land in the South Island and home to the famous French village of Akaroa, where one can swim with wild dolphins. To the north is the stunning wine country of North Canterbury, the serene tourist resort of Hanmer Springs and the beautiful wild nature of Kaikoura, Along the entire western length of Canterbury lie the magnificent Southern Alps, which offer year-round activities from jetboating, winter skiing and summer fishing, hiking and climbing. Inland to the south is Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin, opening to the magnificent lakes district. This is where we find New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook. Back at the east coast is Canterbury’s second city, Timaru..
The Regional Tourism Outlook
The latest statistics show that, in 2008, Canterbury hosted a massive 11.3 million visitors. That number is forecast to increase to 12.1 million by 2015 – that is another 833,000 people in a year (or an extra 2,300 visitors each day). Visitors to Canterbury are also staying longer – the average stay is up from 13 nights to 14.
It's little wonder that tourists find Canterbury so attractive. Because of the variety of activities available in each season, Canterbury visitor numbers are less prone to the seasonal peaks and troughs experienced in other parts of New Zealand. Even during the winter the accommodation houses show occupancy rates at around fifty percent!
Most international travellers to New Zealand come from Australia – and Canterbury is no exception. In 2008, Australia accounted for 36 percent of all international visitors in the province, and that is forecast to increase this year.
The domestic market is also very important to Canterbury. Many are day trippers travelling within
 Canterbury but, in these recessionary times, the number staying longer (staying at least one night) has increased – they’re choosing to see New Zealand rather than travel overseas. Perhaps this accounts for why, in this hard year, the Canterbury accommodation occupancy rate is down just 4 percent on last year! And, given that domestic overnighters spend an average of $431 per person each day, they’re worth looking after. Did you know that only 15 percent of all visitors – international and domestic – have made arrangements for activities before they arrive here? So 85 percent have not! They arrive looking for things to do, and this is where Tourist Times comes into its own. Tourist Times is aimed at that market!
With a large monthly print run of around 15,000 copies, which are distributed from more than 300 targeted outlets within Canterbury, Tourist Times is an effective tool for advertisers wanting to reach the tourist. Additional distribution points outside Canterbury include key gateways such as information centres, Auckland airport, rail terminals and the Interislander ferries. See our latest edition....
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See what our advertisers say – click here
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