Two hours south of Christchurch on Highway 1 - Temuka
Established as a settlement in the 1860's - Temuka was originally called Wallingford
The Temuka Domain is an oasis for locals
Blue Cod bar meal at The Jolly Potter - recommended
The Phoenix is the place to stay, definitely, book via phoenixmotels.co.nz
Temuka Golf Club - be warned, the locals seldom lose
And of course New Zealand Insulators in Thomas Street
Pioneer aviator Richard Pearse was a local (Waitohi) boy
As was Phar Lap
Where once there were sheep
Clandeboye Dairy Factory
Volunteers at McKinnon's Creek Hatchery release 80,000 salmon into the Rangitata each winter
Milford Huts at the Opihi River mouth, this one sold between $60-70k, with long drop
5km further south to Timaru (population 27,000)
And the beautiful Caroline Bay
Whoever designed this city/beach interface knows their stuff
Taniwha Cave at Timaru's Te Ana Rock Art Centre
Built in 1905, historic Holme Station Homestead can be hired for meetings/conferences
Peel Forest - tramping, rafting, horse treks, salmon fishing, canoeing, fishing, tandem bikes
Geraldine has become something of a foodies destination
With a drive-through post box, and (thankfully) no drive-through fast food outlets
Lake Tekapo from Mount St John
Ice-fed Tekapo is one hour inland
South Canterbury - low rainfall, river terraces, stands of mature exotic trees
And extended summer twilights