People

North Canterbury has become home to a variety of people, some were born and raised here and others have chosen to live here from all corners of New Zealand and the rest of the world!

Plunket Centres offer advice and support to parents of small children and are a great way to meet new people who also have children.  They also offer equipment for hire such as infant and toddler car seats.  Have a look at their website for the nearest contact.

Education

North Canterbury has many excellent schools and educational establishments to suit most children.  Click on the link to find out more about what is available for you and your child(ren).

Community

North Cantabrians still have the community spirit, click on the link for more information on the community and what it can offer you and your family. 

North Canterbury offers many health services to residents. There are over 15 doctors practicing in the region based in Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Waikari and Woodend. North Canterbury also has three hospitals; Rangiora Hospital provides maternity services, Oxford and Waiakari Community Hospitals provide low 'tech' medical and surgical rehabilitation, elderly care and maternity beds. North Canterbury also boasts many rest homes. To view information about rest homes click here.

Recreation

North Canterbury offers a wide range of recreational and lifestyle opportunities. It has sandy beaches, estuaries, rivers gorges and braided rivers, which offer a range of opportunities for fishing, boating and rafting. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is renowned. The foothills and mountains offer a variety of tramping experiences which compliment a growing range of walking trails and formal recreational areas. Touring routes are popular with visitors including; cycling, tramping/walking and food and wine trails all found in the area.  There are also many sports and recreational clubs in the region for all to enjoy.  We will gather information on these and make it available soon.

These attributes make North Canterbury attractive to families seeking a life/work balance that has a dominant rural perspective.