There is a multitude of activities for the enthusiastic to participate in, in and around Christchurch. From endless stretches of white sandy surf beaches to the eleven nearby ski fields. The contrast between the Banks peninsula, with its historic Akaroa township and the Canterbury plains, with its patchwork fields and braided rivers, are best viewed from a hot air balloon. Hanmer Springs offers hot pools and Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of the world.