Just to the north of Christchurch is Waimakariri (North Canterbury), a place where you'll experience a truly New Zealand country lifestyle destination and be welcomed by the people who'll share their place with you.

The landscape is defined by the mighty Waimakariri River, dramatic gorges, wide braided rivers, mountains and foothills, high country tussock, rural plains and boundless beaches - Waimakariri is an outdoor adventure playground.

The Journey

Depart Christchurch and head north following State Highway 1 to the Waimakariri District consisting of these towns and villages – Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Oxford, Ohoka, Cust, Woodend, Tuahiwi, Loburn District, Sefton and Ashley. This drive will be range from 20 minutes – 1 hour depending on the destination.

The Activities

• Experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of jet boating on the lower braided Waimakariri River with Jet Thrills
• An exclusive adventure with High Country Explorer Tours will take you jetboating through the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge, exploring by 4WD the high country sheep stations and travelling on the world famous TranzAlpine train
• Cruise along the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers on board the historic coastal trader MV Tuhoe, or the MV Waipapa (all year) with views of the Canterbury Plains, bird life, and banks lined with people fishing for trout, salmon and whitebait (in season)
• Kowhai Residential School of Riding is a unique farmstay for people interested in horse riding. Complete beginner to serious competition riders are welcome. Also half-day lessons and horse-trekking available
• 4WD tour the back country with Lees Valley Experience and travel though the spectacular Ashley Gorge, farmlands of Lees Valley, Okuku Pass and the limestone area of Whiterock, the Ashley Forest and through the fruit growing area of Loburn
• The historic Okuku Country Estate is nestled against the foothills and is a welcome retreat for travellers. Features include spacious rooms for relaxing, quiet and beautifully decorated bedrooms, delicious dining prepared with local produce, indoor swimming pool, spa, outdoor terrace and bar, tennis court and bikes available for exploring further
• Seagars at Oxford Cook School & Cafe is a destination for food lovers - to eat in the cafe, to shop in the kitchen store and to learn in the Cook School with well known New Zealand celebrity chef, Jo Seagar
• Stop in at the Loburn Karikaas Cheese factory store to taste and select many fine, locally produced, award winning cheeses (open Mon-Fri)
• Havill's Mazer Mead produces  Honey Mead or Honey Wine, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey - which is sure to give you an unexpected and sudden lift. This company exports their mead worldwide and has been producing mead since 1964
• Prenzels of Canterbury has a tasting room where you can sample 100% New Zealand naturally made liqueurs and schnapps
• Tour through large country gardens of many acres such as Millstream Gardens, Ribblesdale Gardens and Somerset Downs (by arrangement, group visits only)
• Roses at Cust has two acres and over 1,400 different varieties of roses - from old fashioned to modern. Admission charge - best viewed November to early March
• The Colour Purple lavender farm - visit from December to February and view a sea of purple with over 600 lavender bushes (by arrangement)
• Visit the Alpha Fields Llama Farm, home of well know children's author, Jane Buxton, and her gentle, friendly llamas. Learn about these fascinating animals, and have a close up experience with the alpacas, and visit the gift store (group tours of 10 or more by arrangement)
• Northbrook Colonial Museum takes you back in time with one of New Zealand's largest displays of social history - an impressive collection of memorabilia from yesteryear, mostly from the local district
• The Chamber Gallery in Rangiora displays art exhibitions which reflect the creative talent and diversity of Waimakariri artists. Exhibitions change every six weeks
• Trampers and walkers can explore the native beech forests, bush, foothills and the mountains of Mt Oxford, Mt Thomas, Mt Richardson and through the Ashley Gorge to the Lees Valley
• Fishing and Hunting on the Waimakariri, Kaiapoi, Ashley, Cam and Cust Rivers is a hugely popular recreation with people fishing for salmon, trout and whitebait. Fishing guides will take you to backcountry rivers to fish for brown trout
• Choose to play your round of golf at country courses in Kaiapoi, Rangiora and the picturesque Waimakariri Gorge Golf Course
• View the Kaiapoi Pa site, home of the Ngai Tahu largest settlement. In the 1700's it was completely surrounded by swamp and water, making it a secure stronghold. Canoe access was through the reaches of the Ashley River. The Pa had an estimated population of over 5000 at its height, and was a significant trading centre for pounamu or greenstone
• Waikuku and Woodend Beaches are perfect family holiday destinations and relaxing places for a truly iconic New Zealand summer camping holiday
• The Pegasus Bay Walkway links Kaiapoi with Kairaki Beach, then proceeds to Woodend Beach and runs behind the sand dunes to Waikuku Beach. It is well signposted and you can start at either end or at intermediate points along the 15km route

Option

Depart Christchurch - head west following the Old West Coast Road until Waddington. After Waddington turn onto the Inland Scenic Route 72. Continue on this road through Oxford, Cust to Rangiora. It is well sign posted.