A number of international and domestic visitors are attracted to North Canterbury each year, which is bounded by the Waimakariri River in the South, the Conway River to the North, foothills and mountain ranges to the west and the dramatic coastline to the east.

Main attractions include the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve, the picturesque Hanmer Springs and the expanding Waipara Valley with its many award-winning wineries, olive groves and lavender farms. These areas in North Canterbury, along with Kaikoura have been connected through the formation of the Alpine Pacific Triangle which links the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve, the Waipara Wine Valley and Kaikoura.

Other tourist attractions and activities in the Hurunui District include the Weka Pass Railway, bungy jumping, surfing, jet boating, mountain biking, skiing (Hanmer Springs and Mount Lyford), forest walks, tramps/hikes, scenic lookouts, and guided tours of Molesworth and Rainbow Stations. A tour of the local Waipara wineries on a team of Clydesdale horses. The annual Wine and Food Celebration, held each year in March, is a popular event.

A historic steam train travels a thirteen kilometre journey from Glenmark Station in Waipara to Waikari along the Weka Pass Railway, traveling into the fascinating limestone hills above the towns.

Along with the Hurunui, the Waimakariri district is an adventurers playground, with unspoilt high country, mountain tracks, dramatic gorges, wide braided rivers and wide rugged beaches.

The Waimakariri River (meaning "river of cold rushing water") flows from the Southern Alps and cuts through a rock walled gorge, carved terraces and around rolling hills before braiding across the plains and flowing out into Pegasus Bay. The course of the river was a main route from Canterbury to the greenstone sources and gold fields of the West Coast of the South Island.

Water sport enthusiasts can experience the thrills and excitement of jet boating the Waimakariri River, step back in time aboard a restored schooner, the MV Tuhoe and cruise the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers.

The Ashley River (Maori name Raki-huri) is the second longest river in the Waimakariri district and where the Ashley meets the sea, it has the least modified and largest estuary in Canterbury, of outstanding value to bird life.

The beaches, rivers and their lower reaches are extremely popular fishing destinations, along with surfing, sailing, kayaking, rowing and swimming.

Explore the foothills surrounding the district which offer many walking tracks to suit all abilities and ages, and the 360 degree views from the peaks take in the Puketeraki Range, Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula, and Pegasus Bay. The area has some of the best know mountain bike tracks and horse trekking is also popular.

Meander and relax with a tour of the many beautiful gardens, and visit the cheese factory, meadery, distillery and enjoy eating out in the cafes and restaurants with their outdoor courtyards and friendly Waimakariri hospitality.

Travellers through the Waimakariri and Hurunui have the choice of an extensive range of accommodation available, which ranges from camping grounds through to luxury lodges.