We were lucky to have a beautiful night with great weather. Our guide, a astrophotographer, led the tour in a very immersive, atmospheric way, which was definitely worthwhile.
The weather was bad in the morning, so I cancelled the trip, but thankfully I persevered and waited until noon when the weather improved. The scenery was definitely worth the trip! 👍
We had booked a 45-minute package tour at noon, including a ski plane and a helicopter, for a group of seven (two children, five adults, and two seniors). That morning, we received an email informing us that due to weather conditions, we couldn't land on the glacier and had to opt for a 25-minute tour landing on another mountain. Furthermore, the ski plane was unavailable due to weather, so we would have to take a helicopter for both the outbound and return journeys. At the airport check-in, a female staff member explained the situation in detail. We asked if we could reschedule and keep our original 45-minute tour, as 25 minutes was too short and it wasn't the mountain we wanted to land on. She said that the day was fully booked, and the same would apply the following day, so she could only offer the 25-minute tour and would refund the difference. We accepted this alternative. Surprisingly, about 30 minutes before departure, she told us that the pilot thought it was possible to attempt a landing on the glacier as planned. And it worked! The weather was perfect, and we were the only group on the glacier. The pilot was very helpful, taking many photos of us. The scenery was magnificent, and the two seniors were very happy, considering it a unique experience. Although it started with uncertainty, the final result far exceeded expectations. The glacier landing was unforgettable, the staff were professional, and the pilots added many highlights to the journey. Absolutely worth it.
The staff were attentive, the guides were dedicated, and the safety training was very comprehensive. A full range of items were provided for borrowing: jackets, boots, crampons, gloves, socks, hats, and trousers. The whole experience was novel and highly recommended as a must-do activity when visiting the South Island.
The blue ice cave is beautiful, and the glacier scenery is spectacular; it's worth taking a helicopter tour.
Anonymous User
Friend
Canterbury Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit
Data source:Meteostat Update date:2025-09
Canterbury year round climate
Spring (March–May): Average 9.6–14.6°C, cool and rainy with occasional sunshine. Common activities: Hiking, visiting gardens, exploring the city. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, comfortable trousers, thermal underwear.
Summer (June–August): Average 6.5–17.1°C, mild, with the most rainfall in July, relatively damp and cool. Common activities: Visiting indoor museums, enjoying local cuisine, admiring the sea views. Recommended clothing: Waterproof and windproof jacket, warm clothing, comfortable footwear.
Autumn (September–November): Average 10.1–14.1°C, pleasant and comfortable, with gradually decreasing rainfall. Common activities: Hiking, cycling, enjoying autumn scenery. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable trousers.
Winter (December–February): Average 14.6–17.8°C, mild, with moderate rainfall. Common activities: Beach walks, outdoor activities, sightseeing. Recommended clothing: Light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable footwear.
Canterbury climatological average
Annual average temperature: approx. 12.1°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 773 mm / Summer humidity: 65%–75% / Rainiest month: July
Canterbury monthly average temperature and precipitation
Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
17.8°C
31
February
17.1°C
91.3
March
14.6°C
62
April
12.5°C
38.3
May
9.6°C
49.7
June
7.7°C
59.7
July
6.5°C
164.7
August
7.6°C
47.3
September
10.1°C
47.3
October
11.4°C
51.7
November
14.1°C
62.7
December
16.7°C
67.3
Canterbury weather for the next seven days
5/5
Tuesday
Sunny
15.6°C/4.8°C
5/6
Wednesday
Sunny
20.3°C/7.4°C
5/7
Thursday
Partly Cloudy
18.8°C/12.9°C
5/8
Friday
Patchy rain nearby
21.3°C/12.1°C
5/9
Saturday
Sunny
17.5°C/6.7°C
5/10
Sunday
Patchy rain nearby
16.5°C/5.8°C
5/11
Monday
Partly Cloudy
10.2°C/2.2°C
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