Must-Do's Upper South Island 2022-23

A journey through the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Gently traversing a diverse and ever-changing landscape – from cities and towns, to farmland and forest, to the otherworldly volcanic plateau – as it unfolds before you. Add on tours available.

Glide along the South Island’s East Coast, along the edge of land and sea. Where two worlds collide, where the surging Pacific Ocean touches the feet of mighty mountain ranges. Travel to the vineyards of Marlborough for a day or talk to us about add on packages.

A journey over the majestic Southern Alps. Climbing from fertile farmland, to subtropical rainforest, to the light bright air of altitude. Travel as a day trip, stay the night on the West Coast or upgrade to a tour for the best experience.

GREYMOUTH

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Published in October 2022 by AA Tourism Publishing Ltd Level 1, Building 2, 61 Constellation Dr, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, Auckland 0632

101 001, North Shore, Auckland 0745

tourism.images@aa.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH

NELSON TASMAN

WEST COAST

Includes: Buller District

Akaroa

Central West Coast

Glacier Country

NORTH CANTERBURY

Includes: Kaikōura District

Hurunui District

Waimakariri District

MID CANTERBURY

Includes: Selwyn District

Ashburton

SOUTH CANTERBURY

Includes: Timaru

CANTERBURY

Includes:

Upper South

ZEALAND Discover

With our free travel guides

Packed with travel ideas, road trips, maps, things to do and places to stay on your next trip.

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Travelling with Pets

Pick up our latest free travel guides and maps from AA Centres, i-SITEs and tourist centres.

Order online at aa.co.nz/shop or read at aa.co.nz/travel-guides

VISITOR INFO

BANKING Banks open Monday-Friday (except public holidays), 9.30am-4.30pm and Saturday and Sunday in some shopping malls. ATMs or cash points operate on a card/PIN number system. Most commonly used are debit or credit cards and payWave is often available; occasionally a fee is incurred for using credit cards or payWave services.

BUSINESS HOURS Businesses operate Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm; some tourist agencies and airlines have longer hours. Petrol stations often open 24 hours, stocking food and newspapers. Shops are usually open 9am-5.30pm Monday-Friday. Supermarkets, some large retail chains and shopping malls also operate Saturday and Sunday.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Emergency

National direct dialling

AA CENTRES

BLENHEIM

23 Maxwell Rd

Ph: +64 3 578 3399

NELSON

45 Halifax St Ph: +64 3 548 8339

CHRISTCHURCH

358 Flaxton Rd, Rangiora

Ph: +64 3 313 06944

126 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton

Ph: +64 3 964 5530

3/114 Marshland Rd, Shirley

Ph: +64 3 386 1090

12 Buchan St, Sydenham

Ph: +64 3 964 5570

TIMARU

26 Church St Ph: +64 3 688 4189

i-SITE VISITOR CENTRES

BLENHEIM

area

International direct dialling

by country code, area code

local number.

For incoming calls, New Zealand’s international code is 64.

8 Sinclair St www.marlboroughnz.com

PICTON

The Foreshore www.marlboroughnz.com

MOTUEKA

20 Wallace St • www.abeltasman.com

GREYMOUTH

164 Mackay St www.westcoasttravel.co.nz

HOKITIKA

36 Weld St • www.hokitikainfo.co.nz

It is not obligatory to tip in New Zealand, including in restaurants and bars. However, if you wish to tip for good service, this is always welcome.

The safest place to swim while visiting the beach is between the two flags, where surf lifesavers will be patrolling.

Accommodation providers’ arrival and departure times (check-in and checkout) are generally from 2pm on the day of arrival and by 10am on the day of departure.

and

is

WESTPORT

Coaltown Museum, 123 Palmerston St www.buller.co.nz

AKAROA

61 Beach Rd www.visitakaroa.com

HURUNUI

42 Amuri Ave West, Hanmer Springs www.visithurunui.co.nz

KAIAPOI

143 Williams St www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz

JUMP ONLINE

MAP INDEX

has a few good 4WD tracks that can get the adrenalin pumping. If you have a 4WD capable vehicle, Black Birch Track is a great one to test the nerves, especially if you are wary of heights. On a clear day the views are incredible and definitely make it worthwhile.

DANIELLE MURPHY

COACH AT

SOUTH

RIDING

THE DISABLED

Wonder?

Hiring a kayak, bike or even a yacht will put you in an attractive position to experience the magic of Marlborough’s marine life and vineyard trails, while a dive below presents an entirely different perspective. From the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov ocean liner, to rocky reefs shaped over centuries, this underwater odyssey brings the past to the very tip of your nose.

Queen Charlotte Track offers a dazzling 70km journey by foot or by bike. Pest-free islands such

as Motuara, Long, Blumine and Allports all teem with birdlife, and the mussels plucked straight from the ocean arrive hot, steaming and fragrant on your plate.

Tour distinguished vineyards on the Marlborough Wine Trail, discover secret bays visited by dolphins and orca and walk the beautiful Snout Track. You’ll be lost for words when you encounter this incredible place. But very few are needed when your lips are busy sampling worldrenowned wines.

• WITHER HILLS MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK Forty hectares of tracks suitable for all abilities.

• PICTON’S FORESHORE

In summer Picton has a resort feel with extras such as a miniature train, merrygo-round, mini-golf, cool playground and remotecontrolled sailing boats.

• ANAKIWA Home of Outward Bound and one end of the Queen Charlotte Track; a picturesque and peaceful setting for a picnic or to hire kayaks or mountain bikes.

Wine at Hans Herzog Estate

MarlboroughNZ.com

INDULGE

• JOHANNESHOF CELLARS Winery and distillery with distinctive and unusual underground cellar, near Picton.

• ARBOUR This Blenheim restaurant won the Best Regional Restaurant award in 2022 for its fine dining, multi-course menu and focus on local produce.

• HANS HERZOG ESTATE Has a classy restaurant with echoes of its owner’s European heritage. Located in Blenheim.

• LE CAFÉ On Picton’s waterfront for great food and live music.

• SLIP INN CAFÉ & RESTAURANT On Havelock’s quay serves up mussels fresh from the boat.

HISTORY

• Ship Cove Hop on a boat trip to see for yourself the spot at which British navigator Captain Cook and his crew based themselves in 1770. A monument commemorates the visit.

• Omaka Classic Cars Marvel at over 100 cars from the 1950s to the 1980s, all in mint condition. Huge exhibition halls are paired with an on-site workshop. It’s right next to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Collectively, it’s a good half day of history and a brilliant option for rainy days.

• Taumarina Cemetery

Ten kilometres north of Blenheim, includes a memorial to Wairau Affray in 1843, the first conflict between Māori and the Europeans following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

• Perano Whaling Station

Located at Fishing Bay on Arapaoa Island in the outer reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, accessible by boat from Picton. This was one of the last shore whaling stations in New Zealand and closed in 1964. It’s now looked after by DOC and has been restored and maintained as a piece of history.

Anakiwa

TOP RIGHT: Omaka Aviation

LEFT: Slip Inn Café & Restaurant

MarlboroughNZ.com

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS PICTON BLENHEIM HAVELOCK

SHIP COVE/MERETOTO Sheltered

Ship Cove was a favourite anchorage bay for Captain James Cook. It also marks the start of the 72km Queen Charlotte Track. Day cruisers depart Picton, enjoying short stopovers and quick dips in the warm, inviting water.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK Hike or bike this 72km/three to five-day track skimming native bush and coastline. There are many entry

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SCAN ME

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points accessible by boat, which can also transport kayaks and bikes.

MOTUARA ISLAND SCENIC

RESERVE Sail, kayak or join a scenic cruise from Picton to this predatorfree motu, where visitors are greeted by a symphony of birdsong.

Walk to the elevated lookout for startling views.

FRENCH PASS The drive to French Pass is easily one of the country’s most picturesque.

D’URVILLE ISLAND The French Pass’ body of water separates D’Urville Island from the mainland. Book a water taxi and spend the day on the island. Overnight stays are also available.

DOLPHIN SPOTTING TOURS depart from Picton. Between October and November, orca whales are also spied in the water.

UNDERWATER OBSERVATORY AT LOCHMARA BAY Part of Lochmara Lodge, a permanent underwater observatory monitors aquatic comings and goings. Fully guided 40-minute tours run four times a day (once a day in May) and include stingray feeding. Check ahead for changes to tours.

FISHING Quiet, sheltered bays and calm water allow for smaller vessels such as kayaks and dinghies as well as larger fishing charters. The fish are year-round ample, simply let the skipper take you to the best spots. The wharves are also teeming with smaller fish – ideal for fishing with kids.

KATABATIC CHARTERS

Jump aboard for a culinary cruise, with seafood sourced directly from your surroundings – guests can help collect the clams and dive for mussels. Skipper Grant Orchard is also a chef and serves home-made sourdough with your daily catch.

MOUNT STOKES Climb to the highest point in Marlborough Sounds. A steep, demanding tramp which leads to the mount’s 1203m summit, allow five to six hours to complete.

THE SOUNDS BY SKY Possibly the best way to admire every bay, historic site, vineyard and island is from above. Scenic flights and heli-packages make the most of every inch.

MAIN IMAGE:

Cove/Meretoto, Marlbororough Sounds © MarlbororoughNZ

LEFT: Queen Charlotte Track, Marlbororough Sounds © BareKiwi

TOP RIGHT: Friends on the Interislander Ferry © MarlbororoughNZ

For stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds on a tight schedule, try the three-hour return Snout Track. Starting in Victoria Domain, every step presents a gorgeous vista.

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

PICTON BLENHEIM

PICTON HARBOUR Where picturesque village meets a bustling harbour. Watch the ferries coming and going from Wellington and dine on the foreshore, this busy marina never fails to feel jubilant.

HAVELOCK

QUEEN CHARLOTTE SOUND Picton is on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound. Explore by boat, bike, kayak and car, or take to the skies.

THE KENEPURU ROAD Enjoy a scenic drive, windows down and views spilling through. This 100km route from Picton winds around the coast of Kenepuru Sound, presenting two-and-a-half hours of jaw-dropping views.

EDWIN FOX SHIP AND VISITOR

Cougar Line drop their guests at accommodations often only accessible from the water.

ORCAS Between October and March, orca visit Marlborough Sounds, often congregating close to shore. To see them, join a dedicated cruise.

THE LINK PATHWAY This 42km walking and mountain bike track connects Picton, Anakiwa and the Queen Charlotte Track, with the final link to Havelock completed in 2021.

PICTON BLENHEIM HAVELOCK

HAVELOCK MUSEUM Catching up on the town’s history and stories from bygone residents will enrich every subsequent experience. Don’t miss the story of Pelorus Jack, the dolphin that guided ships through Cook Strait’s waters between 1888 and 1912.

THE MUSSEL POT Consistently smashing the hospo hat trick for

CENTRE

Home to the world’s oldest merchant ship. Built in 1853, the Edwin Fox remains wonderfully intact, despite its rich and colourful past. Step inside to learn more.

PICTON HERITAGE & WHALING MUSEUM Discover the stories that shaped the town you see today, including its whaling history. This period, albeit confronting, is conveyed via comprehensive displays.

COASTAL PACIFIC TRAIN Operating between Picton, through Kaikōura to Christchurch, taking in the wine growing region of Blenheim to the rugged Kaikōura mountain ranges. Be

treated to views of marine wildlife and across the Canterbury Plains, all from the comfort of your carriage.

TIROHANGA TRACK Stride out on a short but steep track through tree ferns to a hilltop graced with good views. Another good walk from Picton is to Bob’s Bay – 20 minutes from Picton wharf.

SWIM WITH DOLPHINS Swim beside these wild dolphins in the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds. It’s bucket-list marvellous.

CRUISE & STAY SAIL to a secluded lodge. Following a scenic cruise, both Beachcomber Cruises and

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

The Sounds’ most remote places.

PELORUS BRIDGE What New Zealand does best: fabulous naturemade days out. Where the bridge crosses Pelorus River, walk to the waterfall and rock pool for refreshing swims; kayak in crystal-clear water; hike to a 417m peak or forge a route through forest.

GREENSHELL™ MUSSEL CRUISE

If leisurely cruises on azure water with freshly steamed mussels and sauvignon blanc sounds like you, jump on board for an indulgent halfday cruise.

ART GALLERIES The Diversion Gallery is an emporium of contemporary fine art near Picton’s waterfront; Good Day Gallery sits on High Street, open Thursday to Sunday and The Stevenson Collection sits just behind. A museum-cum-private art collection, free tours take place most days at 11am.

THE SEAFOOD ODYSSEA CRUISE A cruise for the senses; treat your eyes to a landscape dotted with fish farms, and your taste buds to a mountain of local seafood and wine.

KAIPŪPŪ POINT WILDLIFE

SANCTUARY Ten minutes by boat or water taxi from Picton in Shakespeare Bay. If you’re feeling energetic, you could even kayak here. The 2.7km circular walking track snakes through bush-clad hills, home to native flora and fauna.

aplenty at this one-day jamboree, as well as live music, entertainment, foods of all ilk, fine wine and local beer. Held every March.

THE HOBBIT BARREL RUN

Tumble down Pelorus River just like the hobbits, but instead of barrels, you’ll navigate the eddies in an inflatable tandem canoe. Daily tours depart Havelock at 9am and 1pm.

NYDIA TRACK Forge a route through farmland and lush native forest on this two-day adventure.

great food, service and ambience, this bistro specialises in green-shell mussels and seafood. Dine alfresco or cosy-up next to the fireplace.

PELORUS MAIL BOAT Operating three days a week, join the team at New Zealand Post to deliver mail by water. Crossing Queen Charlotte Sound, meet the locals while dropping off letters and groceries to

WAKAMARINA RIVER Nineteenth century folk struck gold in these waters. These days fortunes are found in the form of swimming holes and trout fishing. Stay at the Butchers Flat DOC campground for easy river access and nearby walking and MTB tracks.

HAVELOCK MUSSEL FESTIVAL

As you’d expect, there are mussels

The Marlborough Sounds’ views are simply the best, and the hike includes an overnight stop at the gorgeous Nydia Bay DOC campground.

MILLS BAY MUSSELS TASTING

ROOM Producer of premium New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussels, you don’t want to miss a session in the tasting room, located in the Havelock Marina. No booking required.

ABOVE: Exploring the Havelock Marina

© Only Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH MUSEUM

Detailing the area’s history with an emphasis on its wine industry, there’s a mock 1900s village and several carefully curated exhibits. Entry is free on Saturdays.

BLENHEIM RIVERSIDE RAILWAY

Sitting adjacent to Blenheim Museum, skirt the riverbank on a miniature train to Blenheim, Ōmaka Airfield and Aviation Museum. The train runs on sporadic weekends and school holidays, check online. To get free entry to the museum during

the school holidays, show your Blenheim Riverside Railway ticket.

DODSON STREET BEER GARDEN

For those of us with a penchant for beer, this award-winning Bavarian tavern is housed in Marlborough’s oldest commercial building and pours New Zealand’s largest selection of craft beers.

WARD Nearby Ward is loaded with history. Check out Ward Beach.

MAKANA CONFECTIONS Tease your taste buds with free-flowing

samples and watch how bespoke chocolates are made.

ŌMAKA AVIATION Marvel at the aircraft and artefacts set in contextual battle scenes alongside lifelike mannequins and dioramas from Weta Workshops and Wingnut Studios. Located next to Ōmaka Classic Cars, with over 100 cars from the 50s to the 80s.

ŌMAKA AERODROME Take flight in a vintage aircraft with PMH Aviation over the Marlborough region for unparalleled aerial views.

SCOTCH BAR Set your tastebuds alight with this culinary revelation. Begin with tasty bites followed by a succession of dishes for the table. Their wine cellar is also top notch.

SWEET CREATIONS Blending a café, floristry workshops and baking classes, every experience inside these four walls is a beautiful one. Book early for weekly dessert nights – understandably popular.

SS WAVERLEY Trace the flat and family-friendly shoreline of the Wairau Lagoons, past various seabirds, to the enormous rusty hulk

of the SS Waverley. Most spectacular at sunset.

MARLBOROUGH FARMERS’

MARKET Do as the locals do and pick up the freshest seasonal produce that Marlborough has to offer. Every Sunday from 9am to 12 noon at the A&P Showgrounds.

THE GIN ROOM This boutique tasting room, located in the Vines Village, specialises in New Zealand made gins. Relax in the purpose-built Gin Garden or lakeside overlooking the vineyards.

WITHER HILLS FARM PARK

Offering a good range of walking and mountain biking tracks on a working sheep and cattle farm, this serene rolling landscape is minutes from central Blenheim. The Covernent Loop Track to Mt Vernon is a 7km trail soaking up the best of the 422m-high peak. Alternatively, the Mt Vernon Traverse is a challenging mountain bike trail.

SEDDON This town south of Blenheim is close to the Awatere Valley wine region and the striking Grassmere salt works.

WINE

MARLBOROUGH WINE TRAIL

Download the annually updated self-driving tour map from www. classicwinetrail.co.nz or pick it up from the local i-SITE.

RIDE THE GOLDEN MILE Cycle 6km through Rapaura and Renwick stopping in at nine wineries over two days.

WINEMAKER TOUR Follow the journey from grape to glass as experts at Framingham Wines impart their wisdom in the art of

wine blending, before you have a turn.

THE VINES VILLAGE A familyfriendly venue combining a café, wine cellar, boutiques, playgrounds and bike rentals with extensive lakeside grounds.

MARLBOROUGH WINE & FOOD

FESTIVAL Knock them all out in one day when over 40 wineries, eateries and bands assemble on one vineyard. Held every February. Plus a great market is held the day before.

WINE BARREL CABINS

Rest your head in a giant wine barrel. Nestled between the vines, Sleeping Barrels boast two cosy wooden pods, offering the quirkiest night’s sleep in the Sounds.

Specialising in the unusual. 250m2 of NZ art, NZ books, gold jewellery, furniture, china, crystal, collectibles. (Huge variety).

Hans Herzog Vineyard, Blenheim © DWB

Discover

The sun shines brightly on all those who visit the Nelson Tasman region. Quite literally. Home to more sunshine hours than any other South Island district, blue skies, beaches and buoyant small towns present the most idyllic canvas for non-stop adventure and indulgence.

Buzz

BANKS PENINSULA CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTCHURCH & LOWER SOUTH ISLAND SOUTHERN LAKES

Golden Bay has a vibrant and flourishing artist community, with The Arts Trail Golden Bay showcasing the best professional fine art galleries/studios and their resident artists. It takes little more than an hour to drive the gentle curve of the Bay, from Ligar Bay to Collingwood, so is ideally suited to a day tour of open art studios.

SARAH BONOMA CO-FOUNDER OF DANCING SANDS DISTILLERY

Nelson Tasman & Golden Bay Sunshine region

NELSON TASMAN AND GOLDEN BAY ARE, COLLECTIVELY, NOTHING IF NOT DIVERSE. THINK FESTIVALS, WINE AND BEER, SEAFOOD, ART, MOUNTAIN BIKING, KAYAKING, STUNNING BEACHES –THE LIST GOES ON.

ARTS & CRAFTS

• THE ARMARIE ROOM This award-winning creative studio, in Nelson’s Founders Heritage Park, is one of the last remaining fine press studios in New Zealand. See cast iron presses in action, sign up for a printmaking workshop and buy original art works here. It’s a very special experience.

• JOINTWORKS STUDIO Visit this beautifully-restored cottage on the outskirts of Nelson for handbuilt furniture and handwoven textiles. As well as the opportunity to buy original pieces for your home, you can watch the two resident makers – one in his workshop, the other on her loom.

• FLAMEDAISY GLASS DESIGN

A boutique hot glass studio and gallery near the cathedral steps where you can watch handblown works being created.

• JENS HANSEN THE RINGMAKER Visit the place where the legendary ring was

created in Nelson city for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

• HÖGLUND’S ART GLASS Browse the glassblowing studio gallery of artists Ola and Marie Simberg-Höglund whose works combine their Swedish heritage with a Pacific influence.

• ALCHEMY ARTS CENTRE

In Richmond is the home of MacMillan’s pottery, which doesn’t just display the beautiful creations made here but enables visitors to decorate works or even learn to use the potter’s wheel.

• UPPER MOUTERE CERAMIC ARTIST KATIE GOLD has a gallery near the village centre and on Neudorf Road notable sculptor Michael MacMillan’s range now also extends to creative homewares.

ABOVE:

TOP SPOT

KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK is the secondbiggest national park in New Zealand. There are numerous huts for keen trampers; the flagship footpath that stretches across it from Golden Bay over to the wild West Coast is the Heaphy Track. The large and flightless takahē birds may be seen around the halfway mark, reintroduced to the area in 2018, one hundred years after they were first declared extinct.

• BLUE KAFF on Havelock’s main street is well-known for its awesome coffee.

• PELORUS BRIDGE CAFÉ

serves up cream teas, venison pies and home baking in a peaceful setting near the river.

• CABLE BAY ADVENTURES offers affordable and tasty eats on the deck of an Alpine-style chalet. Stop in just for the tucker or refuel after one of the adrenaline activities on offer.

• RIVER KITCHEN CAFÉ alongside Nelson’s Maitai River is close to the centre of the city centre and offers a great range of meals and snacks, as well as superb coffee.

LEFT: Kayaking

ABOVE: Little Shaggery Farm roadside

Oliver Weber/Nelsontasman.nz

TOP RIGHT: Junction cheese shop

Oliver Weber/Nelsontasman.nz

BELOW: Lake Sylvester, Kahurangi

Park

Nelsontasman.nz

RIGHT: Walking in Nelson city hills

Oliver Weber/Nelsontasman.nz

SHOPPING

NELSON’S CBD Palm on Bridge Street showcases many New Zealand’s fashion designers; also check out Trouble and Fox off Trafalgar Street, and KILT on Hardy Street.

RICHMOND MALL The largest of its kind in the top of the South. The town’s main artery, Queen Street is also a thriving shopping area.

MĀPUA WHARF The chic boutique and gift shops around the wharf are great for a visit; art and craft galleries dotted around the town are well worth a browse as well.

WHITWELLS MOTUEKA’S outfitting store is well loved for its great range of classics as well as chic modern styles, not to mention its massively impressive selection of shoes.

TOP WALKS

Mt Richmond Forest Park has a number of challenging expert or advanced routes that can vary from one to four days. There is good access to the Wakamarina Track from Canvastown.

Pelorus Bridge reserve and campsite is a great starting point for many walking tracks. The reserve pathways are wide and wheel-chair accessible. Half-hour loops extend to four-hour return walks through podocarp forest. The Maungatapu Track follows the original route from Blenheim to Nelson. It’s a popular mountain bike ride but walkable with some careful planning, beginning in the Rai Valley area.

Mt Barrett in Rai Valley Take the trail behind the war memorial for a 40-minute return hike to the 262m summit.

Nelson city’s Trevor Horne Heritage Trail starts at the iconic Christ Church Cathedral, passing many heritage buildings. Maps can be downloaded from Nelson Council’s website.

Cable Bay Adventure Park

Home to one of the world’s longest flying foxes – the Skywire. This four-seater contraption hovers 300m above ground, catapulting plucky passengers through the air at 100km per hour.

Cable Bay Walkway Drink up bay views on this coastal walk between Rotokura/Cable Bay and Glenduan town near Nelson. Allow at least three-and-a-half hours (one way) and pack your snorkels: when the path drops down to the sea, the water beckons.

Cable Bay Kayaks How does

this sound? Secluded beaches without another soul in sight; secret islets with stunning waterfalls; a labyrinth of caves and pods of dolphins. If it sounds like bliss, rent a kayak and explore the waters surrounding Cable Bay and Pepin Island.

Cable Bay Café Just a wee stroll from beautiful Cable Bay, this idyllic café is open over summer and much like the rest of the region, is super cheerful and equally relaxed.

Dragon Hunting It’s not every day you see dragons hiding in the forest. In Cable Bay, they’re lying in wait. Try your hand at archery at Archery Park Nelson. Learn the craft from an experienced instructor then head into the thicket to hunt for dragons and archery targets.

The Horoirangi Marine Reserve

The waters between Cable Bay and Glenduan are teeming with marine life, so grab your flippers and dive in. Both snorkelling and diving is fruitful here, with gentler snorkelling near the beach at Cable Bay, making it good for children.

Pepin Island Farm Tours

Privately-owned and connected by causeway, Pepin Island is also home to a working sheep station. As part of a 4WD farm tour, you’ll experience sheepdogs at work, the inner working of a wool shed, rolling pastures and sublime views.

TOP TIP:

Markets Every Saturday, head for the wonderful Nelson Market (8am1pm). Come Wednesday, shop at Nelson's Farmers’ Market (8.30am-1.30pm).

The Suter Art Gallery Mixing works of famous Kiwi masters with the relatively unknown, admire a diverse range of art here. The food in the garden café is as exquisite, too. Pic’s Peanut Butter You’ve spread it on your toast, now tour the factory. With ample samples and a chance to make your own, the 40-minute tour is free, fun and features the world’s largest jar of peanut butter.

Nelson Classic Car Museum

A standout attraction with more than 150 mint condition vehicles. Afterward, grab a bite at the revamped café, the Little Engine eatery.

Nelson Provincial Museum

Three distinct areas cover a myriad of subjects, from Māori history to international topics of interest and the evolution of Nelson itself. Interactive exhibits ensure the kids are just as enthralled as the adults.

artisan products and jump aboard the heritage train for a ride.

SURROUNDS

Tunnel to Town Ride Ride through Spooner’s, the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. With two to choose from, one with a Māpua extension, you’ll take in amazing scenery on this cycling day trip.

Broadgreen Historic House

Tāhunanui Beach Tāhunanui is Nelson’s jostling beach suburb just five minutes from the centre. With soft white sand, playgrounds, skating rink, pétanque, mini-golf, art and more, it’s all-day fun.

Paddleboard Yoga Head to Tāhunanui Beach Sunday mornings for an hour of yoga on the water. All stand-up paddleboards are provided.

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

NATIONAL PARK

Nelson’s oldest residence features well displayed rooms that bring the late 1800s and early 1900s to life.

to all sorts of characters, from meerkats and porcupines to lemur and iguana, as well as birds native to the region.

Te Pokohiwi

Boulder Bank Over

tens of thousands of years, debris from the Mackay Bluffs settled to form a natural, 13km spit of boulders. Embark on an 8km walk, negotiating the rock-strewn bank to an iconic lighthouse, where you’re greeted by 360-degree views of Nelson city and beyond.

Queen’s Gardens With its giant horseshoe-shaped pond, beautiful roses, sculptures and heritage trees, this is a tranquil spot inspired by a traditional Victorian garden.

This is the largest fenced reserve for endangered wildlife in the South Island. The have launched a new glowworm and after-dark forest tour for winter months.

COAST & MOUTERE

Founders Heritage Park Visit a replica colonial village, complete with windmills and red telephone boxes. Climb inside vintage fire engines, pop into traditional shops selling

Upper Trafalgar Street Fully pedestrianised and blossoming with alfresco eateries and European vibes, this is Nelson City’s main street and has all the joviality you’d expect from the city’s premier hangout.

Natureland Global conservation starts right here in Nelson. Say hello

Nelson City Centre ArtWalk

Better described as an outdoor art gallery, showcasing local art from the Suter Collection. Visit makeshiftspaces. nz/artwalk-map/ for a detailed map.

Historic South Street This is New Zealand’s oldest fully preserved street. Meander along the cobblestone paths admiring handsome Victorian buildings.

The Coppermine Trail

Experience one of Aotearoa’s most accessible alpine mountain bike trails, looping from just behind the city’s borders and covering 43km of uphill climbs, alpine forest and stellar views. Allow a full day.

Christ Church Cathedral

One of the country’s most visited cathedrals, admire the stainedglass windows and impressive organ pipes.

Nelson has New Zealand’s first Carbon Zero Itinerary. What you lose in your footprint, you gain in experiences, tastes, adventures and scenery. It’s a win, win!

RABBIT/MOTUROA ISLAND The largest in a squad of sandy isles, with an 8km-long swimming beach, Conifer Park Mountain Bike Tracks and the Great Taste Trail passing through. Access is by bridge (closes at sunset) or ferry from Māpua, a small town 20 minutes north west of Nelson.

SEIFRIED ESTATE CELLAR DOOR Believe the hype, the South Island’s oldest commercial winery is just eight minutes down the road from Richmond and truly marvellous. An enormous estate with wine tasting,

an outdoor playground. Dogs are welcome, too.

SHOPPING Craftsmanship stores flood the streets, with one-of-akind wares to be found at potters, glass blowers, wood turners and metalsmiths.

MORE WINE It doesn’t stop at Seifried, the Waimea Plains are crawling with wineries. Try Winelord, Greenhough Vineyard, Te Mania, Brightwater Vineyards and Richmond Plains to name a few.

QUEEN STREET Richmond’s main street hosts the largest mall in the top of the South Island and is bordered by top notch dining venues. Grab some goodies from Swiss Bakery and eat them at Sundial Square.

IDYLLIC SWIMS Twenty minutes south of Richmond is Lee Valley, with quiet river-swimming spots. A further 20 minutes east, Aniseed Valley boasts large lagoons and the one-hour walk to Whispering Falls features river crossings and natural pools.

GARDENS OF THE WORLD See the world without ever leaving Richmond. Each garden represents a continent, with plants native to the Outback all the way to Asia. At $5pp, pack a picnic and enjoy a full day of tranquility for next-to-nothing.

WILLOWBANK HERITAGE VILLAGE A living museum, step inside and explore 20+ heritage shops; poking your head inside the old-fashioned dentist and bakery is seriously fascinating. Have a 1900s school experience, get dressed up and dine at The Victorian Café. Open first Sunday of every month.

OLD FACTORY CORNER If you’re driven by great food and all things craft-tastic, this delightful hub is a sprawling accumulation of local food purveyors, speciality foods and local produce, as well as a charming collection of ‘she sheds’, beautiful arts and crafts.

WHISPERING FALLS AND HACKETT TRACK Head to Mount Richmond Forest Park, where a series of wooden swing bridges lead to a collection of waterfalls. Best after rainfall but potentially unreachable if the river level gets too high. Allow two hours return.

WASHBOURN GARDENS You can’t go far wrong in packing a picnic and taking it to this park in the heart of Richmond. Afterward, explore the Fuchsia House, fernery, and historic Richmond Gaol, or feed the ducks with your leftovers.

SPOONERS TUNNEL One of the key highlights along Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. At 1.4km long, the tunnel is the longest decommissioned rail tunnel in the southern hemisphere, with the cycle trail following the route of the old railway line through Norris Gully.

Motueka Sunday Market

Where all great purveyors convene. Discover a mecca of farmers’ produce, hand-spun crafts and flea-market bargains. Every Sunday, 8am-1pm.

Motueka Saltwater Baths Fronting Tasman Bay on Motueka foreshore, drink up sparkling sea views from this shabby-chic outdoor pool. With sunbathing deck, playground, picnic area and barbecues.

Janie Seddon Shipwreck Left to the elements in the 1950s, this historic wreck clings to the silt beneath its rusted belly. Walk up to

it at low tide and imagine the adventures it once undertook.

The Gecko Cool, casual and retro, The Gecko is an independent cinema with sofas, blankets and armchairs. Take in a slice of cake and your coffee –it’s cosy with a capital C.

Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka Resurgence Emerging from the deep, dark depths of Tākaka Hill, water from Riuwaka River mysteriously materialises to form an astoundingly clear basin. Found in Kahurangi National Park via a short, 10-minute walk.

Ruby Coast Picturesque way to travel from Nelson to Motueka. See if you can spot the deep red pebbles this coast is known for.

Māpua Wharf Fronting pictureperfect Waimea Estuary, a handful of attractive shops, galleries, bars and cafés entice punters. Eat fish and chips on the wharf, meander

the boardwalk with an ice cream; find somewhere for a drop of wine and soak up the ambience.

Historic Pub – Moutere Inn claims to be New Zealand’s oldest pub. It is located in its namesake village and the rafters date back to 1850. It still looks as natty as it did then, and the pub grub is top notch.

Forsters Moutere Hills A slice of paradise next to an equally gorgeous vineyard, and easily the area’s best-kept secret. In summer, the outdoor setting is an absolute winner, while the food is yearround superb.

Rabbit Island Huts Luxury standalone huts, small in size but big on wow-factor. All with ensuite bathrooms and kitchen facilities, you can wander into the wider complex to find the library in an old caravan, a communal lounge and small shop.

TOP TIP: Water taxis depart both Kaiteriteri and Mārahau, calling at all the main beaches as far north as Tōtaranui, depositing passengers directly on the sand.

NATIONAL PARK MOTUEKA MĀPUA, RUBY COAST & MOUTERE

& SURROUNDS

ABEL TASMAN GREAT WALK

This 60km one-way Great Walk covers achingly beautiful beaches, mermaid-worthy water and an exciting tidal crossing over the course of three to five days. Book early to secure the best DOC campsites and ocean fronting lodges.

MĀRAHAU One of the main gateways to Abel Tasman National Park. The 60km Abel Tasman Coast Track starts from this village.

THE BARN GLAMPING Camp facilities at the very start of The Abel Tasman. Begin your park adventure the right way – or finish on a high! Stay in a beachfront bach, private cabin or dorm. Or pitch your tent right before the ocean.

BEACH HORSE RIDING As the tide retreats, join Abel Tasman Horse Trekking for a horseback ride on Mārahau Beach. Suitable for every level, treks are tailored

to stay in your comfort zone.

WAKA ABEL TASMAN

Following te reo Māori introductions, a hongi and waiata, push off from Kaiteriteri Beach in a traditional waka. Glide across the bay and learn about local Māori traditions as you journey to Toka Ngāwhā –Split Apple Rock.

WINE, ART AND WILDERNESS

Three days, three fully guided tours in three very different National Parks.

3-DAY CLASSIC GREAT WALK Walk, swim, enjoy the banter of your company and your hosts handle the camp setup and cooking for you.

KAITERITERI MOUNTAIN

BIKE PARK Well-kept trails overlooking the ocean with a good range of tracks shaded under the tree line.

KAITERITERI A seaside resortlike spot providing plenty of

sea, sand and seclusion. This is another fab base for jaunts into the national park.

DAY SPA Descend on Kimi Ora Eco Resort in Kaiteriteri, where you can knead away your every niggle with treatment packages for both resort guests and walk-ins.

CLEOPATRA’S POOL On day two of the Abel Tasman Great Walk, a 20-minute side trip leads to an astounding emerald lagoon.

SPLIT APPLE ROCK The most insta-famous rock in New Zealand, this giant orb is perfectly split in half. Sail to this ‘rockstar’ or snap it from the shoreline via the Towers Bay walking track.

TONGA ISLAND MARINE RESERVE Golden sands and small coves lend themselves to swimming and snorkelling. The best snorkelling is around the

rocks between Tonga Quarry and Foul Point. If you kayak the reserve, you might get lucky and spot dolphins, seals and penguins.

BOAT TRIPS Departing and returning Kaiteriteri, boat charters slice through the aqua blue waters, calling at beaches, coves and deserted motu.

OTHER MUST-DO’S

> Anchorage Beach

> Anapai Bay

> Torrent Bay

> Adele Island/Motuareronui

> Harwoods Hole

TOP TIP: Many scenic cruises and kayaking trips will take you into the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park for memorable day trips.

RUBY COAST & MOUTERE MĀPUA

BOTTOM:

FAR

MOUTERE ABEL TASMAN ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK TĀKAKA

BAY TĀKAKA & GOLDEN BAY MURCHISON

Farewell Spit Huge dunes form a landing strip for thousands of shore birds (and over 90 species) that have migrated from the northern hemisphere. At 35km-long, the sandspit is a phenomenal sight but access is limited due to tide times. Eco-tours depart both Collingwood and Pūponga.

Anahata Yoga Retreat Cradled in the forest with views across Golden Bay, stay in straw bale yurts, dorms or cottages. Totally off-grid, there’s a sauna, weekly fire ceremony and yoga workshops.

Aorere Valley Follow the river to Aorere Valley for walks to the Ballroom Caves (once used by gold miners for dancing), swimming at Salisbury Creek and the staggering Devil’s Boots rock formations.

Collingwood Museum and Aorere Heritage Centre Collingwood rapidly expanded and was then destroyed by fire. Learn all about this and more at two museums sat beside one another.

Ngārua Caves An incredible underground adventure, this vast limestone cave is crammed with stalactites and vaulted caverns. Hidden within Marble Mountain on the Tākaka Hill range, guided tours lead the curious inside.

Wainui Waterfall Just over 12km from Pohara this 20m waterfall is accessible on a one-hour return walk.

Tākaka Village Market Small in scale but huge on community spirit, discover a trove of clothing, jewellery and keepsakes with a side of good food. Saturday 9am-1.30pm.

Heaphy Track Collingwood is well situated for the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park, an official Great Walk that covers 78.4km in four to six days. An increasingly popular option is to fly in to either end of the track, a service provided by Adventure Flights Golden Bay.

Labyrinth Rocks Park A maze of rocky pathways peppered with

weird and wonderful limestone formations. Take on the selfguided scavenger hunt to find rocks shaped like kissing pigs and dinosaurs. Toys have also been snuck between the rocks for kids to find and re-hide.

Anatoki Salmon Fish for your salmon dinner on scenic Lake Anatoki. The team will then fillet, smoke and serve your catch. Eels, chickens and pigs also reside on site, and there is a café.

Te Waikoropupū Springs

A 10-minute drive from Tākaka, you won’t find clearer water. Even at its deepest (63m), the clarity is shockingly glass-like. The springs are sacred to Māori, who ask visitors to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking near the springs or making contact with the water.

Rawhiti Cave A wooden platform lurches into an enormous chamber of impressive stalactites, much like jagged teeth. You’ll marvel at the grotesque beauty of this callusriddled cave.

Wharariki Beach Trek Join a guided horse trek and ride through caves and archways, past seals and surf, then canter along the beach, hooves pounding the white sand. Alternatively, you can walk along the sand using your own two feet.

BELOW:

TOP TIP: Come winter, hire ice-skates from the water taxi operator at St Arnaud and go ice-skating on a pond.

St Arnaud Village The alpine gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park and mere minutes from Lake Rotoiti. Descend here with your boats, kayaks and water skis.

Ski Rainbow Family-orientated ski and snowboard field in the St Arnaud Range with varied runs.

Lake Rotoiti An aqua-violet lake framed by snow-licked mountains and an iconic jetty.

Lake Rotoroa Excellent for boating and kayaking, with mountain biking nearby. DOC’s Lake Rotoroa campsite provides easy access to the water and surrounding bush.

Hikes Day Favourites include Mt Robert Circuit Track and the St Arnaud Range Track, both five hours a piece. For longer stints, the Travers-Sabine Circuit takes five days while the Lake Angelus Track takes two.

TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL This New Zealand Great Ride, departing from central Nelson, covers 175km. Designed to indulge your taste buds, it passes vineyards, artisan food producers and restaurants and is all Grade 1 and 2 complete with a new section.

NELSON CRAFT BEER TRAIL Stretching from Founders Heritage Park to Ōnekakā in Golden Bay, find craft breweries of every

loop

Embark on

create

Gold

Cycling around Nelson

Oliver Weber

TĀKAKA

Kahurangi National Park The park spans from Golden Bay in the North, to Murchison in the South, the latter making an excellent base point. White-water Rafting Thrills range from family friendly to downright terrifying. Graded two to four, choose your adventure.

Maruia Falls Easily accessible from the SH 65, these powerful must-see falls are on the Maruia River, a 5-minute walk from the parking.

Buller Gorge Adventure and Heritage Park Soar over Buller River on a 160m flying fox, thrash up the river in a jet boat, teeter across the swing bridge and embark on walks.

Natural Flames Experience

Believe it or not, a natural flame has been burning in the forest for a century. Join a four-hour walking and 4WD tour to see for yourself.

The Old Ghost Road One of the country's leading back-country tracks, the course runs from Lyell to Seddonville over five days.

MORE TO DO HERE:

> Trout Fishing

> White-water Rafting

> Murchison District Museum

Hansen is the legendary creator of the world’s most famous ring, The One Ring, for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. We are Nelson’s most established and only internationally acclaimed artisan jewellery workshop.

us for hand-forged diamond engagement and wedding rings that are crafted to last for generations.

MATAKI MOTEL

PENMAN MOTEL

Welcome to

sits over 500m above the Tasman Sea. This spectacular location was host to what was once dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ – a 1670m long incline coal railway with a gradient of nearly 45° in places. It’s an engineering marvel that is surrounded by stories of the hardy folk that lived and worked in this remote and extreme environment.

West CoastWild about the

The Story Behind a Gin A small distillery in Reefton has created a botanical rich dry gin in honour of Bridget ‘Little Biddy’ Goodwin, a pipesmoking, gin-toting, 4-foot tall gold miner who prospected the West Coast in the 1860s. The distillery, Reefton Distilling Co, uses local business and ingredients as much as possible in the production of its spirit range.

South Westland Salmon

Freshly smoked salmon and other treats at Lake Paringa

Matheson Café Good coffee to go with great views of the Southern Alps.

MUSEUMS

History House Photograph Museum A photographic collection of more than 20,000 photographs and artefacts at this Greymouth institution tell a compelling story of the area’s history. Stoke your imagination with tales of shipwrecks and gold rushes.

Granity Museum Showcasing the region’s rich mining history, including a massive Marion shovel. Pop-up History House in Greymouth This is an extension of the History House on Gresson St, housing more photographs

covering the Grey District’s past. Find it on McKay St.

Blacks Point Museum Chock full of artefacts and old everyday items used by the local people, the museum is located in an old church for Methodist miners on the Lewis Pass Rd just before reaching Reefton. It’s open October to April, Wednesdays to Fridays and Sundays.

Hector Country Music Museum

A jaw-dropping collection of country music memorabilia.

THE TASMAN SEA CRASHING AGAINST ITS EDGE, THE WEST COAST RUNS FROM KARAMEA DOWN TO GLACIER COUNTRY, WITH STUNNING LANDSCAPES, HISTORY AND ADVENTURE BY THE BUCKET LOAD.

NATURAL WONDERS

KARST This area, from Greymouth to the top of the South Island, is the southern hemisphere’s secondlargest cave area.

HECTOR’S DOLPHINS 100m from the mouth of the Grey River is the home of many Hector’s dolphins.

STONE BEACHES Amazing gemstones and treasures can be found when combing the rugged shores of Greymouth.

SEA GEYSERS AND PANCAKE

ROCKS See the thousands of tonnes of water heaved from the ocean floor and forced out in a roar of white spray across pancake-like rocks at Punakāiki.

LAKE BRUNNER Glacial lake with a stunning mountain backdrop and great fishing.

ALPINE FAULTLINE TREASURES

Created by a shifting of the Earth’s tectonic plates, the mountains of the central Southern Alps have

rich veins of gold and pounamu (greenstone jade). The river gorges of the Grey and Taramakau are good places to see these treasures and in many places there are solid rock walls that have been twisted by the forces of the alpine fault line.

BLUE POOLS A short walk from the car park on State Highway 6 near Makarora just north of Muddy Creek, you cross a swing bridge that leads through a silver beech forest that overlooks pools of pure glacial water that are crystal clear

BEST BEACHES

Kahurangi Point Wild, windswept and isolated with a large expanse of beach overlooked by a lighthouse.

Scott’s Beach A spectacular sandy cove surrounded by steep cliffs covered in dense rainforest on the Heaphy Track.

Gentle Annie At the mouth of the Mokihinui River, this is popular with surfcasters.

Little Wanganui A golden sand beach with a river mouth at its southern end, popular with surfers.

Carters Beach Just 6kms south of Westport is a sheltered cove with a sandy beach studded with interesting geological features and coastal cliffs.

Motukiekie Beach Halfway between Greymouth and Punakāiki, this is a premier place to catch a sunset.

and bright blue. Look for the large brown and rainbow trout that live in the river.

GATES OF HAAST AND THUNDER

CREEK FALLS Reached by a five minute walk from the Gates of Haast Bridge where you can see the tumbling rapids of the Gates of Haast, there is a viewing platform from where you can see Thunder Creek falls. The water drops 28m to a pool alongside the rapidly flowing Haast River.

Tauranga Bay At Westport, with a seal colony at the northern end and a café at the other.

Nine Mile Beach A south-west facing beach just south of Westport, popular with surfers for its beach breaks.

Rapahoe Beach Just 12km north of Greymouth, good for swimming.

Gillespies Beach 21km north of Fox Glacier village, this is a secluded beach often strewn with driftwood. At the northern end is a lagoon.

Ship

Haast

Walking

Cape Foulwind © Adobe Stock

LEFT: Greymouth Coalminers Memorial © West Coast Tourism FAR LEFT: © Westland Salmon Farm INSET RIGHT: Fur seal / kekeno © Staci Offwood

DISTRICT

Off-the-beaten-track

Fronting the Tasman Sea, Buller District spans from Punakāiki in the South, to the town of Westport, and over to Karamea, Kahurangi National Park and Reefton. Its under-discovered isolation is a huge drawcard.

Paparoa National Park

It doesn’t get more ‘rugged wild west coast’ than this; an explorer’s dream destination. Discover coastal forests, limestone cliffs, caves, canyons and underground streams.

Paparoa Track & Pike29 Memorial Track A historyetched Great Walk with 1930s miners’ huts and a centuryold quartz crushing battery. Remnants of the past are frozen in time; none more poignant than the memorial site

commemorating 29 lost lives of the Pike River explosions.

Maruia Hot Springs Tucked away on Lewis Pass, 10 minutes from Springs Junction. Grab a day pass and relax or dine and stay overnight in a cosy glamping pod.

The Ballroom Overhang Track A staggeringly huge lick of limestone rock, frozen and suspended mid-air, its colossal overhang provides a safe shelter and epic camping spot. This is in Paparoa National Park.

Lewis Pass Connecting the east to the west. When travelling Lewis Pass, get out and stretch your legs at Springs Junction. There are several forest and lake walks to undertake.

TOP TIP: Easily Karamea’s bestkept secret , the Honeycomb Caves conceal a full-size, perfectly preserved moa skeleton. Entry to the caves is only permitted with a certified guide.

Karamea Beach Calm and serene, this beach is almost always empty. Home to beautiful scenery and equally stunning birdlife.

The Karamea Centennial Museum Opened in 1974 to celebrate Karamea’s settlement a century earlier, the museum displays many artefacts from the area’s rural heyday. Open by request only – contact Karamea Information Centre.

The Ōpararā Basin and Rainforest Karamea is the nearest large settlement for exploring the Ōpararā Basin’s famed limestone arches and caves. Forty-five minutes north of town, explore pristine forest and the rich gold mining heritage of the area.

Historic Hotel In the heart of town, Karamea Village Hotel is a restored landmark building with accommodation, pretty gardens,

TOP TIP: Be sure to check that access by road is available to the Ōpararā Basin and caves and bring a torch so you can explore them properly.

open fires and tons of character. It’s close to the beach, too.

Ōpararā Guided Tours These cover the entire Karamea region

including Ōpararā Basin and Honeycomb Caves. Walk 13km of underground passages and see why 'Honeycomb' is aptly named.

KARAMEA

CHARMING CREEK WALKWAY

Bring your boots, bikes and dogs to enjoy this 5.5km walking track and Grade 3 bike trail. Venture past mining sites to a viewpoint over Mangatini Falls. Allow two hours each way (walking).

OLD GHOST ROAD This once forgotten gold miners’ route has been given a new lease of life as a four to five-day tramping trail and Grade 4 mountain bike track. Four forgotten towns speckle the 85km-long road, connecting Lyell to Mōkihinui. The latter sits just 5km from Seddonville.

HECTOR BEACH 14km from Seddonville and just 650m from Charming Creek Walkway. Not surprisingly, it’s frequently visited by Hector’s dolphins.

OLD GHOST ULTRA The 85km Old Ghost Road can also be run! Undoubtedly one of the most remote, arduous backcountry marathons in the country.

NGĀKAWAU AND GRANITY

These two wonderfully remote townships sit 15-20 minutes south-west of Seddonville. No resorts, bus tours or throngs of tourists in sight.

TOP TIP: Tackle the Paparoa Track with the pros. Paparoa Guided Walks provide a well-balanced experience combining advice, meals and lessons on local history, flora and fauna.

ABOVE & BELOW LEFT: Ōpararā Basin/caves & rainforest © West Coast Tourism

BELOW: Old Ghost Road © Gareth Eyres

TOP LEFT: Paparoa Track © Stewart Nimmo

THE GREAT COAST ROAD stretches along the 102kms between Westport and Greymouth and has been named one of the world’s Top 10 coastal drives.

KARAMEA

Hungry? Sink your teeth into a mouth-watering Westport pie, filled with 100% New Zealand wild game. Wash it down with a beer from the local Shortjaw Brewery.

Coaltown Museum Westport is famed for its coal mining past and port that shipped it worldwide. Making history fun, the museum has mine exhibits, videos and hands-on displays. Learn all about life underground and take a 50-cent coin to run the sand pump.

Cape Foulwind Walkway

Spend just over one hour (one way 3.4km) negotiating the coastal bluffs, spotting fur seals/kekeno breeding colony and Cape Foulwind lighthouse.

Jewels and Gold Try your hand at gold panning or head to the coast and try your luck fossicking for semiprecious stones along wild, West Coast beaches.

SEDDONVILLE BULLER DISTRICT WESTPORT REEFTON CHARLESTON GREYMOUTH PUNAKĀIKI HOKITIKA GLACIER COUNTRY

Whitebait Festival The Labour Weekend festivities include family friendly events, live music, food and entertainment. Partake in cooking demonstrations and eat like a king.

Carters Beach Just 6km from central Westport, this coastal suburb is a great place for walking, bike riding, swimming, fishing and kite flying. There is a great beach, park, playground and nearby golf.

Kawatiri Coastal Trail A Grade 2 cycling and walking trail with well-kept boardwalks and bridges connecting Westport with Charleston over 55km. The stretch between Buller River Bridge (just outside Westport) provides

GLACIER FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

a picturesque and safe route to Kawatiri Beach Reserve.

Kawatiri River Trail An 8km family-friendly walking and cycle trail running alongside the BullerKawatiri River between Buller and nearby North Beach. Packed with flora and fauna.

Surf Seasoned surfers enjoy Tauranga Bay and Carters Beach. Learners can book lessons at two Westport surf schools or summer classes at Tauranga Bay.

Charming Creek Walkway A 25-minute drive north, discover beautiful forest scenery and waterfalls while negotiating disused train tunnels along this former rail track. Three hours, 9.5km return.

TOP TIP: Bazil’s hostel in Westport also run Bazil’s Surf School (Surfing New Zealand Accredited), as well as daily paddleboarding trips.

ABOVE: Great Coast Road near Westport •

Westport Municipal Chambers

IMAGES: © Adobe Stock

BELOW: Reefton town centre • ABOVE INSET: Reefton • TOP RIGHT: Walking in Reefton

IMAGES: © West Coast Tourism

© Underworld Adventures, Charleston

UNDERWORLD ADVENTURES Based in Charleston and specialising in adventures in Paparoa National Park. Explore an enormous cave system, raft down the wild Nile River, abseil into an abyss, journey into chasms lit only by glowworms and ride through untamed wilderness on the rainforest train.

JACK’S PIZZA & GASTHOF The very definition of off-the-beaten-track, this rugged farm is pleasantly unconventional. Shabby-chic and nothing but, pitch your tent for $10 a night and scoff pizza for dinner. Swim in the river, enjoy zero phone reception and take cash – it’s all they

Oddfellows Hall Reefton was the first town in the southern hemisphere to have electric street lights and the fifth settlement in the world to provide residents with electricity. Check out the first electric light which has glowed above Oddfellows Hall since 1888.

Bottled Lightning Powerhouse Walk Seek the original Reefton power station, located along this 40-minute looped walk.

Demolished in 1961, remnants remain. Start from the i-SITE and follow the swing bridge over Inangahua River.

Mountain Biking From 20 minutes to multi-day adventures, Reefton is a mountain biking mecca, with 15 named trails, many of which link together. For an easy Grade 2 track, try Reefton Lookout or up the ante with Big River (Grade 3). Hardcore riders will enjoy the strenuous Kirwans Track.

The Bearded Miners Step inside a crooked old miner’s hut. Sit in front of the fire, enjoy a cup of billy tea and listen as ‘the bearded miners’ share a wealth of knowledge and anecdotes. Watch traditional blacksmithing and pan for gold.

Reefton Visitor Centre You wouldn’t know from merely walking past, but this centre houses its own mine. As well as a working winding engine (mining hoist), there’s a walkthrough replica gold mine.

Reefton Distilling Co A modern distillery causing a big stir on the spirit scene. Housed in the original 19th century Haralds General Store, there's a distillery, tasting bar, store and small tours at 4pm.

The Broadway Tearooms

A bakery since 1874, serving miners for well over 130 years. With an historical façade, food made from a family recipe book. The cat’s a bit of a character, too!

Reefton Cinema Established in 1951 and albeit newly refurbished, the cinema retains all its vintage charm. At $15 adult tickets (and $8.50 for children) the prices are also refreshingly retro.

Pan for gold in Slab Hut Creek Six-minutes from Reefton in Victoria Forest Park, complete with DOC campsite. Try gold fossicking in the creek – gold pans are available to buy at Reefton Sports Centre.

PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK From Punakāiki it’s a mere hop into the park, famed for its incredulous limestone formations, including the Pancake Rocks and noteworthy walks such as Paparoa Track.

PUNAKĀIKI PANCAKE ROCKS A series of rocks that resemble stacked pancakes, albeit ‘made’ 30 million years ago. Joined by erupting blowholes and a ferocious surge pool called the Devil's Cauldron.

PUNAKĀIKI CAVERN A short walk from Punakāiki village (and a five-minute walk from Pancake Rocks), an unassuming wooden stairway descends into a cavern with over 130m of safe, explorable passages.

PETREL COLONY TOURS Between Punakāiki and Barrytown, this private wildlife sanctuary is just a seven-minute drive from either town. Join a sunrise or sunset tour of the world’s only breeding grounds of the Westland Petrel. Open April to midDecember.

TRUMAN TRACK In Paparoa National Park, this 30-minute return track burrows through subtropical forest before emerging on the coast where a waterfall plummets straight onto the beach.

SHANTYTOWN A life-size village plucked straight out of the 1860s. Wander in and out of the houses, stores, jail and tearoom; quench your thirst in the saloon bar; dress up in period attire and ride a vintage steam train. History has a pulse in this old town.

BRUNNER MINE SITE WALK

Easily one of Greymouth’s most historically significant sites. This 2km looped walkway weaves between its brick factory, coke ovens and longforgotten tunnel entrances.

MONTEITHS BREWERY Learn all about the gold brew. An icon of the West Coast, tours bring Monteiths’ brewing history to life, with beer tasting at the end and a great dining venue to boot.

GREENSTONE/POUNAMU

This treasured stone is only found in the South Island having been uplifted from the seabed upon the formation of the Southern Alps, 10 million years ago. Take time to visit one of the highly skilled carvers in this region.

THE GREAT COAST ROAD

Snaking for 100km between

Westport and Greymouth (with Punakāiki Pancake Rocks en route), the road is sandwiched between frothing sea and imposing cliffs. The air is always licked with salt and beaches such as 9 Mile and 17 Mile are definite must-see’s.

LAKE BRUNNER Forty-five minutes inland from Greymouth, those with rods come for the brown trout. The TranzAlpine train stops here. Tiny Moana sits on the lake’s edge, boasting a campground, small store and Kōtuku Pottery shop.

THE TRANZALPINE

EXPERIENCE

One of the world’s great rail journeys, there are few other methods of transport that conjure such magic. This iconic train travels daily between Greymouth and Christchurch –return taking approximately fourand-a-half hours one way.

COAL CREEK FALLS WALKWAY

Judging by the forest sounds, the wildlife is as excited to be here as you are. Walk for half an hour through the bush to reach wide, boisterous falls and a swimming hole.

Punakāiki

WEST COAST WILDERNESS

CYCLE TRAIL The start line for this easy Grade 2 cycle trail is in central Greymouth by Grey River. Arrive in Ross four to five days later having covered 136km of terrain.

KUMARA RACES Get a taste of real western hospitality with whitebait, venison, live music and race-day fashions at the Kumara Racing Club’s annual race meet in January. The main prize is a real gold nugget!

BARRYTOWN Walk from Barrytown for coastal views and to the beach to look for gemstones. Like live music? The local hall is on the itinerary for touring bands.

HORSE & CART TOURS Meet Duke the Clydesdale. This gentle, giant horse at Golden Sands Wagon Tours will take you on a two-anda-half-hour journey to his favourite parts of the Barrytown borough.

KUMARA JUNCTION Once a bustling hub of gold-mining activity, now a popular stop off on the West Coast Wilderness cycling

trail. Explore handsome heritage buildings such as The Theatre Royal Hotel. It’s the West Coast’s only fully restored gold miners’ hotel and was once a world-renowned theatre, too.

KUMARA GALA DAY Enjoy good old-fashioned fun in the form of raffles, market stalls, vintage bike rides, Can Can girls and plenty of pomp. Held every November in and around Memorial Hall.

JACKSONS Up the road from Kumara, this is another charming historic town that has a nice

liveliness about it. The holiday park is top-notch and has plenty of top walks, fishing and skiing near by. It’s also a perfect base for the annual Wild Food Festival.

BLACKBALL This surprising little town is a bit of an over-achiever. It has an extra interesting history (revealed in the quality museum), a cool historic hotel and deliciously its very own famous Blackball Salami Company with meat treats.

TOP LEFT: Sunset in Greymouth

BOTTOM LEFT: Shantytown, Greymouth

LEFT INSET: Dining in Greymouth

ALL IMAGES: © West Coast Tourism

Karamea Village Hotel

The Woodstock Greymouth Grill is set in the heart of Greymouth. With the Grey river, TranzAlpine, and beginning of the wilderness

only a stone’s throw

Greymouth specialises in

wholesome

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and cider

it down.

a

inviting

feel

BRITANNIA TRACK, WESTPORT

Find a (mostly) intact five-head stamper battery. The machine operated between 1925 to 1937 and was used to crush quartz in the gold extraction process. 2hr, 6km one way.

CHARMING CREEK, SEDDONVILLE

Follow an historic bush tramway all the way to the Charming Creek Coal Mine. Cross the Ngākawau River Suspension Bridge for views of Mangatini Falls. 3hr, 9.5km one way.

COALBROOKDALE WALK, DENNISTON BRIDLE PATH

A pleasant but steep walk with lots of intrepid creek crossings. 3hr, 4.2km one way.

THE FENIAN, KARAMEA

Left behind by the gold miners of the 1860s, several easy grade tracks weave through beech and podocarp forest, averaging 3-6hrs return.

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LEFT: Charming Creek, Seddonville

Miles Holden

REEFTON CHARLESTON GREYMOUTH PUNAKĀIKI HOKITIKA GLACIER COUNTRY

Hokitika Beach If you haven’t been to Hokitika Beach and taken a sunset selfie with its unmistakable driftwood sign – have you really even been to Hokitika?

West Coast Treetop Walk & Café Scuttle across a 450m-long platform elevated 20m above ground between ancient rimu and kāmahi trees, then climb Hokitika Tower, an extra 20m above.

FOX GLACIER FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER AORAKI MT COOK

Lake Mahinapua Part of Mahinapua Scenic Reserve and a stone’s throw from West Coast Treetop Walk, stay at the peaceful DOC campsite, swim in the lake and reconnect with nature.

AORAKI HAAST

Hokitika Gorge The water is an astonishing electric blue and you won’t want to leave without crossing the swing bridges to admire dramatic gorge scenery. Located 33km from central Hokitika.

Ross to Rainforest Ramble

This one day, return biking trip from Hokitika will take you over bridges and lagoons, with epic views of Mt Cook an Mt Tasman, plus a pit stop at the West Coast Treetop Walk.

Hokitika Heritage Trail Walkway Tracing the town’s perimeter, every secret from Hokitika’s 19th century gold-rush days is revealed along this pathway

for walkers and bike riders. Pick up a brochure detailing the entire walk from the local i-SITE.

Hokitika Driftwood and Sand Festival Held every January, come and express your creative side with anything you can forage off the beach to create unique sculptures.

Hokitika Glass Studio Admire the hypnotic art of glassblowing in the heart of Hokitika. Witness the workshop in action every weekday between 10:30am and 4pm.

Wildfoods Festival Get your gnashers around a lamb’s testicle on 11 March 2023. A festival of both obscure foods and your favourite fare, good tucker and entertainment.

Rimu Lookout Tear your eyes away from the scenery to learn more about the area’s gold mining heritage via several displays dotted along this one-hour looped walk.

GOLD-RUSH Legacy In the late 1860s, at the height of the gold rush, 12 per cent of New Zealand’s population resided on the West Coast. In Hokitika, visit Carnegie Public Library for fascinating exhibits dating back to this thriving time.

Glowworm Dell You can walk here from town in less than 15 minutes. Well sign-posted from the main road, discover a fern grotto by day and a stunning galaxy of glowworms by night.

Hokitika Craft Gallery Boasting works of art that are 80 percent locally made, come and admire a wealth of Hokitika talent.

National Kiwi Centre In need of a family-friendly indoor activity? Say hello to various New Zealand species, including kiwi, tuatara and giant eels which you can feed.

Hokitika Historic Buildings

Visit the Regent Theatre, an Art Deco building that still shows the latest movies and live shows. The elegant St Mary’s Church is equally as captivating.

Lake Kaniere Drive 24km inland from Hokitika for swimming spots, a jetty, biking and walking routes, and secret picnic nooks on this picturesque lake.

Honourable Roddy In 1909, New Zealand’s largest gold nugget was discovered in Ross, weighing in at 2.81 kilogram. A replica of Big Rod sits in the Ross Goldfield’s Information Heritage Centre. The

original was gifted to the English monarchy, melted into a tea set and subsequently ‘misplaced’!

Bonz ‘N’ Stonz Join a master carver for a tutorial on chiselling greenstone/pounamu, as well as paua shell or bone.

Ross Just 20 minutes from Hokitika, this historic little town buzzes with quiet energy. Visit the museum, pan for gold, enjoy walks or saddle up: this is one end of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail.

TOP TIP: Have your socks knocked off viewing their extensive collection of vintage knitting machines and accessories, plus a library of manuals you may just be looking for.

ABOVE: Hokitita Gorge © West Coast Tourism

LEFT: Hokitika beach sign © Adobe Stock

FAR RIGHT: © Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

Fox Glacier.

Franz Josef Glacier

TOP TIP: Make the most of Mahinapua Scenic Reserve on a West Coast Scenic Waterways Cruise.

GREYMOUTH PUNAKĀIKI HOKITIKA

Franz Josef Five kilometres from Franz Josef Village lies one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. A one-and-a-half hour walk from the Franz Josef car park will get you within 75m of its grand glacial face.

pristine alpine scenery. Awardwinning Heli Hike Fox Glacier fly over astonishing terrain before depositing you right there on the glacier.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Fox Glacier For dazzling views of Fox Glacier, follow the Fox Glacier South Side Walk, a two-hour trail tracing the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest to a stunning viewpoint.

South Westland Salmon Farm

A beautiful pit stop along SH 6 in Paringa, call in for salmon feeding, a cosy café with wood burner, an elevated deck with views of the salmon farm and a salmon shop.

Scenic Flights Soar over great masses of ice by helicopter or plane. Helicopters are favoured for snow landings whereas scenic flights cover a whopping 200km of

Heli-hiking Guided heli-hiking tours to both glaciers forge a route through, up and over the ice. Crawl through ice caves and arches and stride over untouched snow.

White-water Rafting In Franz Josef, rafting experiences vary from gentle Grade 2 thrills to an extreme Grade 5 adventure.

Quad Biking Bounce along rainforest tracks, riverbanks and grassland with Franz Josef glacier as your backdrop.

E-Bikes Whether you are stepping up your adventuring level or want some company on a guided tour, e-biking in this region will get you there easier and faster with time to spare.

Gillespies Beach For stunning views of the Southern Alps, gold mining remnants and invigorating coastal walks, this beach is just out of Fox Glacier. Stay at the campsite for its nearby seal colony, scattered mining relics and walks to Gillespies Lagoon where there's an old miners' tunnel.

Ōkārito There is so much to cover at this serene lagoon, just 25 minutes north of Franz Josef Glacier. Explore the waterways by kayak, passing white herons and other rare birds with the snowy mountains as your backdrop. Keen photographers may opt for a drier boat tour. Freedom rentals and guided trip are both available.

Kayak on Lake Mapourika Hit the water and paddle beside

your guide to places enveloped by snow-iced mountain tops and Jurassic rainforest. Gain local insight into the region, its glaciers and terrain.

Waiho Hot Tub Experience

Sinking into a private wood-fired hot tub certainly isn't a bad way to finish a day on the ice. Soak and dine packages mean you needn’t lift a finger.

TOP TIP: Not quite as steep as Franz Josef, Fox Glacier’s mellower slopes lends itself to gentler heli-hikes.

about the Glacier Country

COUNTRY

FOX GLACIER FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

AORAKI MT COOK AORAKI HAAST

Lake Matheson Easily Aotearoa’s best known ‘mirror lake’. Just 5km from Fox Glacier township, come and see the perfect reflection of Aoraki Mt Cook in its glass-like water –best experienced on the gentle, 90-minute looped Lake Matheson/ Te Ara Kairaumati Walk.

Paddle and Soak Get on the water with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours and kayak the glacial black waters of Lake Mapourika. Afterward, jump in Waiho Hot Tubs and warm up your extremities.

Skydive Fox or Franz Josef The ultimate thrill and a great way to see the glaciers.

White Heron Sanctuary Tours An informative and fun tour through undisturbed native forest to see the only White Heron/ kōtuku nesting and breeding site

in New Zealand. Located near Whataroa, the tour involves a jet boat and a walk.

Westland Te Poutini National Park Extending from the Southern Alps to the West Coast, this is a landscape of dramatic contrasts, forming part of Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Make the most of your time here with guided tours, rainforest hikes, scenic flights, rafting and guide-led heli-hikes. West Coast Wildlife Centre In Westland’s lowland forest lives the only remaining population of the endangered rowi – New Zealand’s rarest kiwi. Meet one yourself at this wildlife centre in Franz Josef. They run a successful hatch and release programme for the rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi.

Westland Wonderland Gracing the movie screen in the Alpine

Adventure Centre theatre in Franz Josef, experience the best of the surrounding landscape and nature of Glacier Country in 2D format. Running hourly from 10am.

Glacier Valley Eco Tours

TOP TIP: If it’s epic photos you’re after, the water is most mirror-like in the morning at Lake Matheson.

umbrellas, hot drinks and snacks, take a guided walking tour in Glacier Country. Groups are small and the pace is relaxed. Get ready for gigantic waterfalls, icy discoveries and an enrapturing array of flora and fauna.

Lake Matheson • INSET BELOW: White heron / kōtuku, Ōkārito Lagoon • BOTH: © Adobe Stock

TOP TIP: At Jacksons Bay, walk the Wharekai-Te Kou Track. Follow the stream through native forest to the beach, where rock pools flutter with crustaceans and seals bathe nearby.

PUNAKĀIKI HOKITIKA

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

AORAKI MT COOK AORAKI

HAAST

Waiatoto River Safari Get to know both the Alps and the water by jet boating down the Waiatoto River. Fun, informative and suitable for all ages, journey into remote backcountry, bumping over rapids and disembarking for bush walks.

Fishing in Jacksons Bay

A feast for the eyes as well as your stomach should you be able to catch cod, groper and terakihi off the wharf.

Dine at The Craypot Perched on the coast in Jacksons Bay, this restaurant is a quirky converted railway carriage. Gorge on both the views and the region’s plumpest crayfish.

Heli/plane Flights Marvel at pristine lakes and native forest so dense it’s by and large untouched by human footprint. Soar over the West Coast’s dramatic landscape, spying hidden rivers and glaciers. Neils Beach On the way to Jacksons Bay, this beach is promoted as a safe place to swim and is often frequented by dolphins.

Lake Paringa An oasis in the wilderness, popular for boating, fishing and swimming. Stay at the easy-going DOC campsite. Word to the wise – pack insect repellent. Forty minutes north of Haast.

Hapuku Estuary Walk A 15 to 20-minute walk, past wetland estuary, tussock fields and salt marshes. This looped walk, 15km from Haast, has panels explaining the ecology of the estuary and is stunning at sunset.

Ship Creek Walks Want to see the wild West Coast live up its name? Two 30-minute walks at Ship Creek include the Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk with its marsh and wetland, and the Dune Lake Walk, with sand dunes windswept into a frenzy.

Roaring Billy Falls Imagine a crystalline river and lush green forest resonating with birdsong. Couple that with a boisterous waterfall and you have Roaring Billy Falls, 20 minutes from Haast.

Tauparikākā Marine

Haast Whitebait Festival

Held in October each year, whitebait is the hero of this festival. There’s a Great Whitebait cook-off and other whitebait challenges such as count the whitebait and the great whitebait maze. Join the fun with live music, market day stalls and other familyfriendly activities.

Haast Pass Connecting the east of the South Island to the west, allow plenty of time to travel this spectacular road to the coast. Short walks begin at the road’s edge, leading through rainforest to fabulous waterfalls.

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Reserve

A small yet thriving marine reserve that leaves a lasting impression. A 20-minute drive north of Haast, it’s one of the best places to see Hector’s dolphins without a boat.

Blue Pools Track A flat, one-hour walk that crosses a swing bridge and leads through silver beech forest to a viewing platform. This overlooks pools of pure glacial water that are an astonishing blue.

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THE WEST COAST’S

Opening Summer

Court Motel

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ME

Discover

From spa towns and wineries to outdoor adventures, stunning scenery and coastal hubs where the wildlife almost outnumbers the human residents, North Canterbury sure knows how to entertain. All that plus freshas seafood; be ready to be impressed.

MID CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY BANKS PENINSULA

CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTCHURCH & LOWER SOUTH ISLAND SOUTHERN LAKES

Buzz

For adrenalin junkies there is Glenstrae Farm’s guided quad bike tour that goes from SH 1 to the coast, with a chauffeured version for those less confident on quad bikes. This farm has a tree split in half vertically by the quake, as it sits on the fault line.

MYRA MCLELLAND OWNER OF LAVENDYL LAVENDER, KAIKŌURA

North CanterburyWonders of

On the doorstep of Christchurch’s hustle and bustle is Waimakariri, a region of vast natural beauty that offers a diverse range of experiences. Ten kilometres of pure New Zealand beaches, two conservation areas in the foothills, two regional parks, a coastal park, wetlands and lakes all with cycling and walking opportunities. Two braided rivers perfect for fishing, boating or just having fun. Five golf courses, three farmers markets, four art galleries. Two urban centres, six smaller towns, villages, and beach settlements. Seventy cafés and dining options. Thirty boutique shops.

• HANMER SPRINGS rubs shoulders with great company and the town, and its surrounding areas, have a lot to offer. From early Māori art at Weka Pass Historic Reserve to the Kowhai River Walk leading from Leithfield to the coastal lagoon and beach spit, you’ll be in your element if you love to explore.

• RIDE THE WEKA PASS RAILWAY More than 12km of scenic line through the unique limestone setting of the Weka Pass. Vintage steam and dieselelectric locomotives will give you a nostalgic flavour of yesteryear while you take in sprawling farmland, a large irrigation reservoir, and vineyards before conquering some steep grades winding through the pass.

• THE POINT SHEEP SHEARING SHOW in Kaikōura offers a hands-on sheep sharing experience. Kids can hold and feed lambs, play with the dogs, and get up close to the Drysdale Ram.

Gore Bay © Visit Hurunui

Kayaking with seals © Kaikōura Kayaks

A SHORT DRIVE FROM CHRISTCHURCH IS A REGION BOUND BY MIGHTY RIVERS AND GUARDED BY ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK, HIGH IN THE SOUTHERN ALPS. EVERYWHERE YOU GO, THE VIEWS ARE SENSATIONAL.

FOOD & DRINK

MK RESTAURANT, HANMER

SPRINGS TripAdvisor has rated this the Number 1 Restaurant in Hanmer Springs. The food is made from scratch and all of the ingredients are selected by chefs keen to provide a memorable dining experience.

WAIPARA SPRINGS WINERY AND CAFÉ Waipara Springs is a boutique vineyard and winery in the warm, dry Waipara Valley. Wines are produced on the premises from estate-grown fruit and the results have been enjoyed both in New Zealand and

ARTS & CULTURE

RIBBLESDALE GARDENS On the boundary of Oxford, a budding community asset rolls out acres of vibrant beauty. Blooms and butterflies mingle and thrive thanks to a carefully designed ecosystem that benefits from its own microclimate.

AMURI ARTS – AMURI Community Arts Council fosters art and culture in Hanmer Springs. It runs a weekly art market, open every Saturday under the redwood trees in the village and also organises visiting artists and workshops.

WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT is home to some very talented artisans. Each of the towns and villages - Kaiapoi, Rangiora and Oxford to name a few - have freeaccess galleries and showcases featuring paintings, photographs, sculptures and ceramics.

internationally since. Café and cellar door open 7 days week excluding public holidays.

NO. 31, HANMER SPRINGS

Substantial servings of good quality cuisine is on offer in this pretty wooden cottage. The upmarket ambience befits the prices, though you’re also paying for the location, directly opposite the hot springs. Canterbury lamb and venison feature along with craft beer and wine from the nearby Waipara region.

KAIKŌURA SEAFOOD BBQ Located on the way to the Point Kean Seal Colony, this long-standing roadside barbecue is a great spot to sample local seafood, including crayfish, chowder and whitebait fritters.

ARTISAN BY RANGIORA BAKERY

Rangiora Bakery is one of the most known bakeries in New Zealand. Having won many NZ Baker of the Year titles over the years, this has evolved to creating Artisan as a food destination. It’s a bright, friendly, modern, two-level café with artisanstyle cakes, savouries, breakfast and lunches. You can see behind the scenes, too, with theatre baking, chef zone and cake decorating areas.

KAIKŌURA MUSEUM Located on the ground floor of the landmark ‘craypot’ building in Kaikōura’s west end, this iconic museum boasts impressive historic collections and hosts special exhibitions.

Couple

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

KAIKŌURA

> Bernie’s Diner & Harmon’s Car Museum

A 1950s-style diner and classic car museum.

> Mt Fyffe Trek An eighthour return trek, 5km out of town.

> King Tide Eatery Tuck into an array of fish dishes.

> Strawberry Tree Dining, beer garden and live music.

> Dave’s Diving Tours and lessons with a couple of Daves who love to dive!

> Middle Hill Mountain Bike Park A network of intermediate to advanced downhill tracks.

> Hāpuku Kitchen A forage to plate culinary experience.

> Emporium Brewing with mini-golf course and escape rooms.

> Poppy’s Ice Cream

Eighty flavours handmade on site.

> Mt Lyford Kaikōura is just 60km from this uncrowded ski field.

Swim with Dolphins Watch from the boat or jump in for a swim to meet these funsters in their natural habitat.

Ōhau Point Lookout North of Kaikōura on SH 1, with plenty of parking, observe a seal colony from a safe and non-disruptive place.

See Seals Snorkel in the shallow waters of Kaikōura Peninsula with kekeno or walk to Point Kean Seal Colony to observe them napping on the rocks.

Whale Watching Giant sperm whales can be seen all year round as well as dolphins, seals, albatross and, depending on the season, other whale species – from the sea or air.

Kayaking Hire a sit-on-top or sea kayak from Kaikōura Kayaks, then

KĒKERENGŪ CHEVIOT HURUNUI DISTRICT WAIPARA AMBERLEY HANMER SPRINGS

fly solo or join a guided tour and get close to the local wildlife.

Albatross Cruises Kaikōura puts on an epic bird show. With threemetre wingspans, albatross steal the show while other pelagic birds also swoop in to impress.

Crayfish Nin’s Bin is the iconic roadside shack serving fresh crayfish; Kaikōura Seafood Barbecue boasts generous servings at wallet-friendly prices and Karaka Lobster is full of seaside positivity, 35km north of Kaikōura.

Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Tracks around the peninsula range from five minutes to three hours, passing seals, detailed information panels and contemporary Māori sculptures.

Coastal Trek The Kaikōura Coast Track is a two-day private walk, run by local farming families. Located on Conway Flat, 40km south of Kaikōura.

The Mayfair Theatre She’s pink and you can’t, and shouldn’t, miss her. This fully renovated art deco cinema, exhibition space and artists’ hub is worth a visit.

Surf & SUP Learn from the pros with a surf and SUP lesson from Kiwi Surf Experience. There are also top-rated, solid peaks out at Mangamaunu and the Meatworks, both north of Kaikōura for experienced surfers.

Donegal House This lively Irish pub and hotel also has a campground, beer garden and roaring fireplace.

Kaikōura Museum You’ll find this fun, relaxed, modern museum in the ‘craypot’ building.

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Fyffe House Step inside a genuine former whale hunter house; it’s like the 1844 owners never left.

Kaikōura Trail Starting at the i-SITE, explore some of the places you don’t see from the highway. Cycle 40kms along the coastline, through bush, along country roads and by the Kowhai River.

Kēkerengū, a magical, unrushed spot halfway between Kaikōura and Blenheim.

CLARENCE RIVER RAFTING Career downriver on an exhilarating half-day trip or upgrade to a multi-day adventure in the wilderness. Dazzling scenery, food and scenic campsites make this a 10/10 river holiday.

THE STORE CAFÉ A charming place lauded by locals and tourists alike, the coastal views are terrific, with fires burning in cooler months and beanbags on the lawn over summer. The adjoining campground sits right on the beach, with nothing but seals for company.

WINTERHOME GARDEN A garden of grandeur, discover stately lawns worthy of a Jane Austin novel and long avenues framed by clipped hedges and immaculate flower beds. Open October to March.

KAIKŌURA KĒKERENGŪ CHEVIOT HURUNUI DISTRICT WAIPARA AMBERLEY HANMER SPRINGS RANGIORA

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WAIMAKARIRI

ALPINE PACIFIC TOURING ROUTE This popular touring route is 450km of sensory indulgence, weaving from Christchurch to Kaikōura over four days. Waipara’s food and wine scene sends taste buds into a tizz; the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs will leave you replenished; there’s endless alpine beauty to gaze over and in Kaikōura, listen for dolphin trills while scouring the sea for whales, seals and albatross. Did someone say bucket-list road trip? We think so.

WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT

WAIKUKU

HURUNUI RIVER FISHING

Trout, whitebait and seasonal, sea-run salmon flush the river’s waters. If the fishing is superb, then the scenery is second to none. Quite simply, a haven for anglers.

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NORTH CANTERBURY WINE

REGION Spanning nearly 200km, this extensive wine region includes Waipara Valley, a fast-growing subregion just 20 minutes south of Hurunui town. The cool, dry climate implores visitors to try impressive Riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay.

LEWIS PASS The northern-most of three passes crossing the Southern Alps, Lewis Pass is staggeringly beautiful. Expect an often steep and windy drive through extensive beech forest protected within a national reserve.

Gore Bay The classic Kiwi beach with rugged good looks, dolphins and surf breaks to die for. Nearby, Buxton Reserve boasts a playground, barbecues and outdoor table tennis.

Cathedral Cliffs A huge formation of eroded siltstone pillars that now resemble organ pipes. Best seen from a viewpoint right off Cathedral Road, conveniently close to Gore Bay.

WEKA PASS HISTORIC RESERVE Embark on a 40-minute walk (one way) to a large overhang shelter and concave rock formation featuring Māori rock art. The track is steep but rewarding.

WAIPARA VALLEY VINEYARD TRAIL Cradled in the palm of Teviotdale Hills, several vineyards including Waipara Hills, Greystone, Black Estate, Pegasus Bay and Terrace Edge. Riesling and pinot noir excel.

THE WEKA PASS RAILWAY Take the vintage train ride through the limestone landscape of Weka Pass. This 45-minute journey passes between Glenmark and Waikari on selected Sundays and public holidays.

FROG ROCK In the middle of

rock

Cobb Cottage In 1866, Cobb Cottage was indeed cobbled together with a mix of clay, sand, straw and earth. It stands in Chamberlain Park, fitted out with period furniture.

Amberley Farmers’ Market Fill your bags with locally grown, fresh produce, every Saturday morning throughout the year, in front of the Hurunui District Council buildings.

Amberley Golf Club Fronting the ocean, this 18-hole par 72 links course with well-kept fairways and views. Brew Moon Brewing An independent craft brewery sitting confidently on the on upper scale of

St Anne’s Lagoon

Just a few minutes north from Cheviot it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs. Stroll alongside the tranquil and picturesque lagoon, with its diverse waterfowl and blooming spring flowers.

CHEVIOT HURUNUI DISTRICT WAIPARA AMBERLEY HANMER SPRINGS RANGIORA

Cheviot Museum Exhibiting local memorabilia and rural life in 1850s New Zealand. Open from Labour Weekend to King’s Birthday every Sunday 2-4pm (or by request).

KAIKŌURA KĒKERENGŪ

Top Walks Stretch your legs on the Tweedies Gully Walk or the Manuka Bay Track.

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cool, serving 16 freshly brewed beers and wood-fired pizzas in a lofty, laidback premises and beer garden.

Amberley Beach A shingle beach great for walking and surfing.

Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park Enjoy a serene stroll amongst these amazing kinetic sculptures, set up in a disused quarry, they are not to be missed!

Retail Therapy Peruse the latest boutique stores stocked with gifts and homewares to squeeze into your suitcase.

Little Vintage Espresso A wee gem off the main road, it’s a stylish café housed in a rustic building.

KAIKŌURA KĒKERENGŪ CHEVIOT HURUNUI DISTRICT WAIPARA AMBERLEY HANMER SPRINGS RANGIORA

Conical Hill Walkway The town’s most popular short walk, this gentle, 30-minute track zigzags its way 550m skyward to the summit, where a small shelter and lookout soak up the vistas.

Mountain Biking The Hanmer Trails are a network of biking trails on the village doorstep. Dog Stream Reserve is ideal for families and beginners, but veteran riders are also well catered for. Hire a bike and pop into the i-SITE for trail recommendations for your skill level.

4WD or 2WD with chains. There's a heated day lodge, toboggans and Robinson Lodge accommodates 64.

2.5hr options that include instruction and photos as a memento from your visit. Riders must be 12 years old to ride solo or 8 years up to backie with a guide.

TOP TIP: Hanmer

Forest is also home to a collection of fairy doors along Dog Stream Track. You can open the doors and say hello, but the fairies are usually out (running fairy errands).

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Hanmer Springs Canoes Paddle down the Waiau River in an inflatable canoe. Enjoy a full-day, fully guided trip with a picnic lunch and jet boat ride back to base.

Horse Riding Join Palomine

Art in the Forest All sorts of chiselled animals lurk in Hanmer Heritage Forest. Embark on the 30-minute 'Forest Amble' to find scores of wooden nature carvings along a flat, buggy-friendly path.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa Laze about in open-air thermal pools before heading to the spa for massages and seriously indulgent body and face therapies. When excitement beckons, fling yourself down SuperBowl waterslides and winding hydroslides, glide the lazy river or splash about in the fresh water pool. Designed with family fun in mind, there are play options galore here.

Molesworth Station Take a 4WD road trip. Located behind the inland Kaikōura mountains, drive across isolated high country, scree-scarred mountains, wide river valleys and tussock slopes. Open late December to late March, access outside this period requires permission. White-water Rafting Navigate Waiau River by raft, forging a nailbiting path through several gorges and small to medium rapids. Guides will help negotiate ‘The Narrows’, a short gorge that froths with Grade 3-4+ rapids (but you can walk and re-board to skip this section).

Hanmer Springs Animal Park Meet an amusing bunch of farm animals, pet the sheep, goats and alpacas, feed wallabies, cuddle giant Flemish rabbits and picnic on the extensive deck.

DISTRICT WAIKUKU

of the Lost Temple maze, a puzzling escapade with a handful of surprises along the way.

Hanmer Llamas Stroll hand-inhand (or hand in reign) with your new best friend, a laid-back llama. One day trips take in Hanmer's best scenic spots while fully catered three of four-day journeys offer a complete removal from the world.

GLENTUI

Hanmer Horse Trekking for some wholesome family fun. With rides between 30 minutes to two-hour treks at a gentle, undaunting pace, meandering around picturesque Hanmer Basin.

Chisholm Park A lovely, central spot with a beautiful pond and bordering boardwalk suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Feed the ducks and make use of the playground.

KAIAPOI

Hanmer Springs Ski Area Forty minutes from Hanmer village, open July to mid-September, weather dependent.. A shuttle runs from at 8.15am and 9.15am, returning at 4pm and 5pm, or drive there by

OXFORD

Quad Biking Get revved up for a muddy quad bike adventure on an exclusive 15,000 acre property with stunning views. Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre have 1.5hr and

Quadricycles

Hire a four-wheel quadricycle from Hanmer Rockets in Hanmer Adventure Centre or Village Cruisers at Alpine Crazy Putt. Enjoy a romp around town on these fun contraptions designed for two to six peddlers.

A-Maze-N-Golf Enjoy the gold rush-themed 18-hole mini-golf course and then solve the mystery

Secret Hot Spring A hidden gem in the bush where you can hop off your bike and take a dip. Cow Stream Hot Springs can be found just off the Edwards Valley Track.

OPPOSITE,

OPPOSITE:

OPPOSITE,

ABOVE,

ABOVE,

TRUFFLES If you can’t resist these earthy delicacies, then you are in luck. During truffle season (June to August), Kings Truffles offer group hunts alongside their gorgeous expert sniffer dogs.

RANGIORA

PEGASUS & WOODEND PEGASUS WOODEND WAIMAKARIRI

WAIMAKARIRI WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT WAIKUKU GLENTUI KAIAPOI OXFORD

WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT WAIKUKU GLENTUI KAIAPOI OXFORD

Oxford Farmers’ Market Every Sunday, local producers gather to sell their wares at this traditional authentic farmers’ market. Open year round, 9am-12pm.

Oxford Museum Delving into Oxford's rural past, the museum preserves a superb collection of historic items and farming equipment which represent the lives and times of a bygone era.

Kowhai Horse Treks Groom and tack up your horse, then jump on the saddle for countryside treks saturated in Canterbury Plains’ views. Free transfers from Oxford when you book a full-day tour.

Big Rock Adventures If you love water, action and adventure then canyoning is for you! Journey through pristine waterways and waterfalls, zip lining, abseiling, sliding and jumping around in nature’s waterpark.

Ashley Gorge Holiday Park Not far from Oxford is this scenic holiday park nestled in the foothills on the

side of the Ashley River. Great for a day trip or longer. Take your togs, pack up the kids, throw in the dog and take a picnic.

Top Oxford Eateries Head to Cruisy Day Diners for that 1950s vibe or Sheffield Pie Shop to taste their award-winning pies.

Oxford Forest Conservation Area Scribbled with a variety of

hiking tracks, trails range from a few hours to overnight, snaking through tangled forest. Treat yourself with a dip in the Ryde Falls, a fivetired waterfall.

Canyoning Tui canyon slices through dense forest here, perfect for rambles, scrambles, swims and abseiling. Meet the guides from

Canyoning Christchurch in Glentui and embark on a three-hour adventure.

Mt Thomas Tracks Forty minutes from Glentui, tramps range from a few hours to several, weaving through native forest. Far-reaching views of the Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula will impress.

Old School Collective Once a schoolhouse, now a complex of bespoke stores, artisans and studios, drop in for treasures of every type, as well as good coffee and great company.

Waikuku Beach Book in at the beachside holiday park and you’ll be able roll on to the sand from your sleeping bag. At night, enjoy a starlit walk on the beach.

Sand Sculpture

Competition Every January, Waikuku Beach hosts this incredible event. See some seriously talented sculptors at work.

Tuhaitara Coastal Park

Enjoy a walk or cycle through these flat and wide trails, with birdlife populating the wetlands and quail scurrying along on the trail. Loop through Pegasus to pick up lunchtime supplies and picnic en route.

KAIKŌURA KĒKERENGŪ CHEVIOT

LAKE PEGASUS Stretch your legs with a stroll or cycle, tracing the lake’s edges or dine lakeside at The Good Home.

PEGASUS GOLF CLUB A parkland-style par course with impeccable fairways and views of the mountain ranges

DISTRICT WAIPARA AMBERLEY HANMER SPRINGS RANGIORA

SPRINGS

& WOODEND

from almost every shot.

TE KŌHANGA WETLANDS Pegasus is built around its namesake lake and expansive wetland. Located on the east side of town, use the boardwalks and pathways to meet local birdlife and native flora in

this 97 hectare conservation area.

WOODEND BEACH Part of the Tūhaitara Coastal Park and popular with families over summer when the beach is patrolled, the long stretch of sand calls for beach walks, bathing and afternoon naps.

clothes, Tinkerbell houses and haberdashery, it’s magic stitched by craft needle. Done and Dusted and Route 72 Emporium are a couple of other shops with a difference that are worth a visit.

Rangiora Bakery Established in 1860, the accolades have come thick and fast ever since. Partnered with Artisan Café, follow your nostrils to (arguably) the best baked goods in Canterbury. Visitors can peek behind the scenes with the café’s theatre baking, chef zone and cake decorating area.

Matawai Park Hiding in plain sight, this central Rangiora park is a great place to enjoy a walk, barbecue or picnic, with plenty of green space to let the kids loose.

& WOODEND

Northbrook Wetlands

A string of three lakes makes a peaceful oasis for ducks and swans, while the 1.5km circuit pathway facilitates walkers and cyclists, with picnic tables to boot.

Away with the Fairies Cust is a sleepy, rural village 20 minutes inland from Rangiora and home to an enchanting fairy, bear and patchwork shop. An emporium of collectible teddies, fairy

Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park Enjoy a brisk walk or cycle on paths skimming the river’s edge and weaving through forests. You can get from Rangiora to Waikuku.

High-end Boutiques Shop up a storm in Rangiora’s laneways and pretty main street.

River Perks Pretty river town Kaiapoi boasts two beautiful rivers passing through it, allowing for jet boat rides, river walks, bike rides and fishing. Jump aboard the Kaiapoi River Queen paddle steamer to cruise the river in vintage style or catch a ride on New Zealand’s only air boat with Alpine Jet Thrills.

Alpine Jet Thrills Zip up and down Waimakariri River by jet boat or air boat. Skilled drivers thrill passengers with 360-degree spins and detailed insight into the area’s history, nature and beautiful braided river.

Fishing The Waimakariri River is a top salmon and trout fishery so come and hook yourself a large one at the river’s mouth. Whitebaiting is also popular on the lower reaches of the river.

Kaiapoi Museum There’s enough preserved history from Kaiapoi and surrounds in this little museum to ensure you smash every Kaiapoirelated pub quiz here on in. Entry is free. Kaiapoi Museum is housed within the modern Ruataniwha Civic Centre, where you’ll also find the Art on Quay art gallery

Kaiapoi Lakes Reserve The eastern-most lake is a breeding ground for rare water birds while the south-western lake offers a peaceful recreation area for kayakers, picnic lovers and walkers.

Kaiapoi Island Part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park and a haven of outdoor pursuits. There are several shared tracks for cycling and walking as well as fishing and swimming spots.

Kaiapoi Letterbox Find a series of higgledy-piggledy red-letter boxes sculptured by Mark Larsen

to reflect 1049 homes destroyed by the 2010 earthquake.

Blackwell’s Department Store has been in Kaiapoi since 1871. Opposite the store is a small new shopping precinct punching above its weight.

Alpine Airboats Be blasted around down the Waimakariri river everglade-style onboard New Zealand’s only airboat.

Aqualand NZ As the weather heats up, don your togs and hit Aqualand inflatable waterpark for thrills and spills.

Kaiapoi River Queen © ChristchurchNZ

Open

well-overdue

up

Canterbury’s finest wineries all in one

minutes

book

The gateway to Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Southern Alps, Mid Canterbury and Selwyn are impressive and compelling with mighty plains carved by fastflowing rivers, high country trails and ski fields. Then there are the rural towns, bristling with character and history.

CANTERBURY MID CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY BANKS PENINSULA CHRISTCHURCH CHRISTCHURCH & LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

Buzz

LAKES

Methven is surrounded by nature escapes, from incredible day walks to multi day hikes, fishing, hunting, biking. Check out Washpen Falls, Awa Awa Rata Reserve, Sharplin Falls, Pinnacles Hut and Woolshed Creek.

OTAGO SOUTHLAND

MATT TURNER FROM ŌPUKE THERMAL POOLS & SPA

Mid CanterburyHighlights in

Arthur’s Pass National Park Steep gorges, braided rivers, and steep bluffs are all natural features of this special historical place. Sprawling beech forests lie to the east and are spectacularly contrasted by a mix of podocarp rainforest and ruby red rātā to the west. The sweet song of bellbirds will serenade you as you traverse the rugged terrain enjoying hikes, snowy slopes, mountain biking, and mountaineering.

Methven Walkway 3 hours, 12.4km – If you don’t feel like being put through your paces but want some great scenery to keep you company, opt for the Methven Walkway.

Mt Somers Area 26km – Mt Somers has everyone in mind with its diverse tracks. There are child-friendly options as well as an opportunity for an overnight tramp. You’ll come across historic mines, subalpine tussock lands, and intriguing geological features. Mt Somers is close to Staveley, with one of the starting points at Sharplin Falls car park.

Rākaia Gorge Walkway 3-4 hours, 10.4km – Just a 10-minute drive from Methven, Rākaia Gorge Walk is a great way to break up the trip. A historic cottage, the ruins of a home-guard fortification point, glacial and river-carved terraces and lava flows all make an appearance on this scenic track. Views of the turquoise-coloured Rākaia River and snow-capped mountains are a reward for your efforts.

Nature lovers, hikers and mountain climbers flock to

Arthur’s Pass National Park to discover the magnificent flora, fauna and vistas of the Southern Alps. Spend some time in New Zealand’s highest township, Arthur’s Pass Village, gateway to discovering this alluring mountainous area on foot.

The scenic TranzAlpine train journey also stops here, en-route daily between Christchurch and Greymouth.

FOOD & DRINK

THE DUBLINER, METHVEN The

Dubliner Irish bar and restaurant is a multiple award-winning venue overlooked by Mt Hutt ski field. This atmospheric Irish bar and restaurant is housed in Methven’s lovingly restored old post office. It’s very popular and booking for dinner

on Friday and Saturday nights is recommended.

ARABICA METHVEN Award-winning café – New Zealand Café of the Year in 2017. Enjoy food served with style in the heart of Methven. The sheltered courtyard and polished floorboards give Arabica a relaxing

and cosy atmosphere. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and light snacks six days a week.

THE FAT BEAGLE CAFE, DARFIELD

On the main street of Darfield, this café has a passion for homemade, wholesome and healthy food –plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available. There’s an outdoor courtyard which makes for pleasant dining in the summer months.

THE LAKE HOUSE RESTAURANT AND BAR, ASHBURTON Boasting a large deck that overlooks Lake Hood and provides views of the sun setting across the Alps, this restaurant offers an a la carte menu and an American barbecue menu plus plenty of New Zealand beer and wine.

THE CRAFTY MOA EATERY, ARTHUR’S PASS A family-style, gastro pub eatery located in the main Bealey Hotel Building on the edge of the Arthur’s Pass National Park overlooking the majestic Waimak River and Valley. The stunning views add to the friendly atmosphere and home-style cooking.

HISTORY

A

shburton is a treasure trove of times gone by. Unearth all kinds of historical gems at museums in Ashburton, Methven and Mt Somers, including a Harness Racing Museum, a Woodworking Museum and an Aviation Museum, where you can check out a huge collection of planes and displays. Head to the Plains Historic Village for some fascinating pioneer relics and buildings, and a working vintage railway. Transport enthusiasts are in luck with an impressive collection at Ashburton Vintage Car Museum. For intriguing glimpses into early life around these parts, visit the old lime kilns at Staveley and Mt Somers, coal mines at Woolshed Creek, the old 1860s Hakatere stone homestead and the Barrhill Historic Village.

SELWYN DISTRICT METHVEN & MT HUTT METHVEN

MT HUTT

Conservation Area A collection of colossal limestone boulders with unrivalled views from the peaks. Discover a labyrinth of rocks reached via a 20-minute track.

Rākaia Gorge Walkway Mindblowing scenery features on this 10.4 km return walk. Allow three to four hours return, stopping at the purpose-built shelter to eat your packed lunch.

Cave Stream Scenic Reserve

This is an awesome walk through a 594m-long cave. Albeit wide, a head torch is necessary. Allow at least one hour and expect to get wet.

Ski Fields Visit some of the lesser known pistes here of the region. Temple Basin, Broken River,

LINCOLN

Down by the Liffey Gallery

A dinky and delightful art gallery where local artists sell their work.

Liffey Cottage and Pioneer Hall

The 1875 cottage has been fully restored. The hall houses historic artefacts and photographs. While you’re

Craigieburn, Cheeseman Porters and Mt Olympus offer mixed terrain without the crowds of their more famous counterparts.

Craigieburn Forest Park As well as single and multi-day hikes, there’s a network of mountain biking roads and two ski clubs.

Washpen Falls West of Ashburton, this conservation project on a private farm comes complete with exceptional scenery, birdlife and a 2-hour loop walk to a waterfall and extensive views. A small fee is charged for access.

Vintage Trail The hunt is on! Fossick through the various vintage and collectable stores to find treasure you didn’t even know you needed! Visit www.selywn.nz to download the trail map.

here, walk the 45-minute Lincoln Historical Walk.

Broadfield New Zealand Landscape Garden Discover 3.5ha of landscape gardens, complete with a formal rose garden and cricket oval. Open every Wednesday and Saturday.

Blueberry Bliss In nearby Broadfield is a pick-your-own blueberry orchard, open summer.

RĀKAIA RIVER

PASS

RĀKAIA RIVER SELWYN DISTRICT

METHVEN & MT HUTT

METHVEN

gateway to Arthur’s Pass National Park, with loads of terrific walks starting from here.

MT HUTT

Otira Gorge Rock Shelter & Lookout On a rainy day, torrents of water will epically cascade over the top, making it even more fun to drive under.

If you are lucky, a kākāpō may show for a meet and greet.

McHughs Forest Park Located on the edge of Darfield town, the reserve’s main track is a 50-minute looped walk.

Glenlothian Farm A petting farm where you can hand-feed animals including wallabies and rabbits. Open for summer and school holidays.

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track Stand at the base of the waterfall and feel the spray.

It’s a refreshing experience, especially after a one-hour tramp to get here.

LINCOLN

High-country Horse Adventures Cross remote high-country terrain on a half, full or multi-day horse trail, including camping in musterers’ huts.

Springfield Adventure Park

Visit Jet Boat World to hear tales of innovation and accomplishment. Book a thrilling Alpine Jet ride then spend the afternoon at the Lazer Clay range.

Fishing in High Country Lakes The three largest mountain lakes in the area are Lake Pearson, Lake Sarah and Lake Grassmere, all within 30 minutes by car from Arthur’s Pass village.

MORE...

> Millennium Walk

ASHBURTON

> MTB Tracks

> Temple Basin Ski Area

ARTHUR’S PASS

RĀKAIA RIVER

RĀKAIA SALMON STATUE Stop

for a snap with the giant salmon statue. Stay for the playground, with its tractor and human-sized hamster wheel.

RĀKAIA RIVER TERRACE WALK

SELWYN DISTRICT

Just outside Rākaia town, it’s 45 minutes one way and dog-friendly, too.

METHVEN & MT HUTT

RIVER FISHING One of Aotearoa’s largest braided rivers boasts some of the best salmon fishing, most fruitful between November and March.

METHVEN

JET-BOAT TOURS Career down the milky-blue waters of Rākaia Gorge, carving up the waterways under the presence of snow-licked mountains.

Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill

Adventure Ballooning NZ

METHVEN & MT HUTT

METHVEN

MT HUTTDISTRICT

Mt Hutt Ski Fields Tear your eyes away from the dazzling Canterbury Plains to negotiate a wide terrain of green, blue, red and black runs across three main parks. With cafés, bars and tobogganing, this awardwinning ski area is a 35-minute drive from Methven.

HUTT

Golfing You could spend days purely golfing in this region as greens are plentiful.

Hororata Home to both the Highland Games on 5 November 2022 and the spectacular Night Glow Ballooning Festival on 6 May 2023.

Newzengland Have a blast honing your archery and shooting skills, held outdoors under snowy mountain ranges, 30 minutes from Methven. Dirt Bandits This premier, purposebuilt UTV playground offers a wide range to suit all abilities, from the 1km kids’ course to a high performance circuit, and 20km of scenic trails.

ASHBURTON LINCOLN

Lake Hood Once you've made the most of every water sport on this man-made lake, retire to The Lake House for a glass of wine on the deck.

Hakatere Conservation Park Head an hour’s drive out of town for a spectacular day trip. Covering nearly 60,000ha of mountain country this DOC park

offers a range of walks with some wheelchair, buggy and dog-friendly.

Ashburton Aviation Museum Located at Ashburton Airport, this impressive museum details the town’s importance as a WWII training base and displays the era’s rarest aircraft.

ARTHUR’S PASS RĀKAIA RIVER SELWYN DISTRICT METHVEN & MT HUTT

Trott's Community Garden In between bold splashes of colour and immaculate lawns, look out for

Enjoy panoramic views over the Canterbury plains, across the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook to the Pacific coastline.

Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spas

Located in Methven is an idyllic environment for all including adultexclusive hot pools with pool-side canapés and drinks as well as a kid’s aqua play area with a ‘crazy river’ and a ‘leap of faith’ plunge pool.

unexpected delights such as The Knot Gardens, pheasant aviary and nonchalant cats.

Ashford Village Shops Explore a charming collection of stores based in and around an historic mill house and surrounded by gardens.

Ashburton Art Gallery A vibrant and welcoming community facility devoted to innovation and experimentation in the arts.

&

Local Buzz

LAKES

There is an art collective shop in Timaru, called Gallery 329, where local artists display and sell their work. Several farmers’ markets are worth checking out in Geraldine, Pleasant Point and Timaru, as they have local crafts as well as produce.

KROENING

THE SOUTH

South CanterburyWonders of

TEKAPŌ New Zealand’s highest large lake

eyes

one of the country’s most

your mouth ajar. It is sublimely beautiful. It’s also home

seasonal

John via the 90-minute Summit Track, or drive from the village

For superb photos of Lake Tekapō, climb to the top of

café and observatory up here, too.

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

you’re after a starlit pic when the masonry of this perfect little church is doused in moonlight, book a night tour from Lake Tekapō village.

TOP SPOT

Timaru may be the second largest city in Canterbury but there’s a distinct ‘no worries, no hurries’ sentiment here. Meander along Caroline Bay Beach, grab an ice cream and peruse of the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Find out how beer is made and meet the Clydesdale dray horses on a tour of the DB Draught Brewery, then admire the town’s fluttering of Victorian and Edwardian buildings constructed from local volcanic bluestone. Centennial Park is Timaru’s main mountain biking area. The small valley was once a quarry but is now a mountain bike mecca.

Venture a little further afield to Temuka, where Temuka Pottery Shop is a highlight, or Waitohi which boasts a memorial to daring aviator, Richard Pearse

ART, CULTURE & HERITAGE

• Fairlie Heritage Museum

A fascinating look at the past, the local Fairlie museum is the meeting ground of generations of technology, inspiration, and innovation. From cameras that are decades old to some rather spine-tingling medical equipment to old tractors and trucks, it’s a

one-stop-shop for bric-a-brac from bygone eras.

• South Canterbury Museum Dedicated to South Canterbury’s people, places and past, this museum has a delightful eccentricity. A miscellany of invaluable specimens, artefacts,

images, and documents chronicle the region’s heritage.

Sheepdog Monument

A firm favourite for many visitors that flock to Tekapō, the bronze memorial of a collie - the nextdoor neighbour of the Church of the Good Shepherd - was commissioned in 1968 to pay respect to the role of hardy working dogs in the region’s agricultural history.

The Waimate Museum offers an intriguing peek into Waimate’s past and four grain silos on the main street depict more of the town’s history with giant murals of notable townsfolk. While here, check out the Waimate Art Gallery and Bushtown Heritage Park.

• Caroline Bay Bird Aviary Based in Caroline Bay in Timaru, visitors flock to see the bright-feathered birds. The dome-like structure is home to budgies, lovebirds, pheasants and some parrots and cockatiels with big personalities. Come with birdseed in hand, and you might even make some new feathered friends.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

ASHBURTON A&P SHOW, OCTOBER Mix and mingle with the locals at the largest annual agricultural event held in the mid-Canterbury District. Food, trade, and market sites will compete for your attention. You can scrub up on your rural New Zealand trivia, and wrap your laughing gear around the local produce.

CAROLINE BAY CARNIVAL Christmas/New Year – Boogie along to some sweet tunes, jump aboard the fairgroundstyle rides, and ring in Christmas and the New Year with some glittering fireworks. This famous annual Carnival is a must.

TIMARU FESTIVAL OF ROSES November – Celebrate the arrival of summer in style. Four days of activities promise to inspire with exotic sights, sounds, and palate-pleasing flavours. This is a local favourite and knows how to draw a crowd.

SOUTH CANTERBURY CHILDREN’S DAY March – It’s free, it’s about family, and it promises lots of fun – what’s not to love? This annual event to celebrate our rugrats brings entertainment, food, exhibitions, and rides.

Peel Forest Park Just 24km north of Geraldine, the park features 13 varied trails, a DOC campground and the option to join a horse trekking tour.

AORAKI MT COOK

The Valley Brewing Company

Just 7 minutes out of Geraldine, set to a rural backdrop you can sample beers while fitting in some stargazing.

Geraldine Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday from October to April, 9am-12.30pm.

LAKE ŌHAU WAIMATE GERALDINE FAIRLIE LAKE TEKAPŌ

The Vintage Car and Machinery Museum There are over 1400 exhibits here, including the oldest working tractor in New Zealand.

Barker’s Foodstore and Eatery In the grounds of the former St Mary’s Vicarage, there’s a complimentary tasting station and shelves jostling with the Barker’s cordial and preserves range.

Forge and Blades This two-days course gives you the chance to make your own fully customised knife from scratch, under the guidance of expert Shane Minnear.

MORE...

> White-water Rafting

> Rangitata River Salmon fishing

> Fox Ski Field

PUKĀKI

the Theatre Royal and famous Grosvenor Hotel.

Caroline Bay Beach A large lawn drops down onto the Bay where you’ll find a clean beach good for swimming. It’s also home to a rookery of little blue penguins/ kororā. Take a coastal walk and look out for dolphins and whales. On your return, venture to Bay Hill to a row of eateries.

LAKE ŌHAU WAIMATE GERALDINE

Caroline Bay Bird Aviary Meet some big personalities among brightly coloured budgies, lovebirds, pheasants, parrots and cockatiels.

Central Timaru Historic Walks

This is a quick-fire way to get to know Timaru and its abundance of heritage architecture, such as

Annual Caroline Bay Carnival Kicking off on Boxing Day for a solid two weeks, a bustling carnival commandeers the beachfront, showcasing free concerts, rides and traditional fête games.

Temuka Pottery Two new initiatives have taken off over the last year: a ‘pre-loved’ Temuka Pottery area in-store and a showcase of local artisan pottery. Perfect for avid fans or new collectors.

DB Draught Brewery Tour

DB’s Timaru outpost produces DB Draught, Export Gold and Export 33. Watch how they’re made and then delivered by Clydesdale

horses. Afterward, lock lips with a cold pint. Tours take place every day (except Sunday) at 1pm.

Centennial Park Find peaceful, wide open spaces and plenty of room to walk and relax. Enjoy a scrawl of walking trails (dog friendly, too), mountain biking tracks and a purpose-built BMX park.

Aigantighe Art Gallery If you don’t want to amuse the locals with your pronunciation, it’s ‘egg-an-tie’.

Exhibitions change regularly and the handsome grounds are dotted with impressive sculptures.

South Canterbury Museum

History buffs can gain a rich insight into the region and its people, including the legend of Richard

TOP TIP: Download the new app, Timaru Trails for a detailed directory of self-guided walks in around Timaru, both central and scenic.

Pearse, the fellow who built an entire aircraft in his shed in 1903.

Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre

Observe a significant collection of ancient Māori rock art. Following a one-hour guided tour of the museum, you can follow your guide, in your car, to the Ōpihi rock art sites. Tours run from November-April.

Pleasant Point Museum and Railway

A 20-minute drive from central Timaru, look out for ‘steaming days’ when you can ride a restored steam locomotive.

Timaru Botanic Gardens

Packed with ornamental ponds and fragrant roses, this is a dreamy spot to while away the hours. A diverse range of plant life is yearround attractive.

Little Blue Penguins

After a full day of fishing, little blue penguins/ kororā return at dusk. Make your way to Caroline Bay around the same time to welcome them home.

Tread lightly and observe from afar.

in Seddon Square on the second Saturday each December. Enjoy a lively jamboree of music, stalls and scores of berryfruit. The district hosts over 150 events every year!

town and view the incredible collection of vibrant murals by artist Bill Scott.

The Whitehorse MTB Tracks

Architecture Admire St Patrick’s Catholic Basilica, Italian-Romanesque in style. Seddon Square is an Edwardian-era park.

AORAKI MT COOK AORAKI

The Waimate Museum and Archives The 1879 courthouse, former police station and jail houses provides a peek into Waimate history, open Tuesday to Friday.

Wallabies They can be seen bounding in the wild; for guaranteed

GERALDINE FAIRLIE LAKE TEKAPŌ TWIZEL LAKE PUKĀKI

sightings, head to the enclosure at Victoria Park or EnkleDooVery Korna, a private wallaby park.

Victoria Park This jewel of a park is a five-minute walk from the centre of Waimate, with a playground, a scented garden, disc golf course, outdoor bowls, wallaby enclosure and camping area.

Waimate Strawberry Fare The much-loved Strawberry Fare erupts

Butlers Fruit Farm and Café

Fresh fruit picking and a year-round café serving fruity refreshments.

White Horse Walkway Drive, mountain bike or walk to the iconic White Horse monument; created from 1200 concrete slabs that have been embedded into the Waimate hillside, glowing in the dark at night.

Community Market In Seddon Square every Saturday morning.

Street Art Take a stroll around

Local riders built and maintain bike tracks in the Hunters Hills overlooking Waimate.

Rockpooling at Dashing

Rocks See crabs, starfish and other sea life amongst the rocks. Accessed via a 30-minute round trip, the walkway affords stunning Caroline Bay views from along the cliff top.

MORE...

> Hector Black’s Lounge Bar

> South Beach

> Pātiti Point

Mt Dobson Ski Area Between

Fairlie and Lake Tekapō, Mt Dobson is renowned for its natural dry powder snow, all-ability trails, huge learners’ area, all-day sun and wide-open uncrowded runs.

Fairlie Bakehouse Awardwinning Pies Not just any old bakery, this one’s renowned for its pies the length and breadth of Aotearoa. Homemade and packed with flavour, the hype is justified.

Waimate Art Gallery

The Waimate Art Society has recently opened a modern art gallery showcasing the work of local artists.

MORE IN WAIMATE:

> Birdwatching at Wainono Lagoon

> Norman Kirk Memorial Swimming Pool

MESOPOTAMIA STATION Practically unspoiled in every way, this is one of New Zealand’s oldest high country stations. Admire the terrain by helicopter flight, horse trek or a fully guided walking tour complete with backcountry huts where you can sleep under the stars.

TIMARU LAKE ŌHAU WAIMATE GERALDINE FAIRLIE LAKE TEKAPŌ

Three Creeks On the Burkes Pass route, this little roadside village has a North American vibe and various heritage buildings, 25km from Fairlie. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, there are antiques and all manner of retro collectables, as well as coffee. A hidden gem and a great place to break up the drive.

Fairlie Heritage Museum A brilliant local museum that reimagines the lives of Fairlie’s former residents via vintage motorcars, wagons and carriages, as well as implements from old hospitals, jail and agriculture. There’s also a lovely on-site café.

AORAKI MT COOK AORAKI

Gem Alpaca Stud Interact with tame alpacas. There’s plenty of time to feed and pat them. Afterward, shop for alpaca products at The Paca Shack or pop into the farm shop for an ice cream.

Scenic View Helicopters

Start with lunch at the Farm Barn Café in Fairlie, meet a few of the resident animals and then board a

helicopter for a scenic flight to Four Peaks Station.

Farm Barn Café, Gift Store and Petting Zoo Cute, cosy and inviting, with a large backyard and playground, store, café and terrace.

A huge fireplace crackles in winter; floor-length windows drink up stunning views in summer and they serve famous Fairlie pies, too.

Skipton Animal Park A great place for families and animal lovers, hand-feed a selection of farm animals and all that is fun, feathered or furry. Pack a lunch and picnic beside the playground.

SH1 turn off to Waimate © www.waimatedc.govt.nz

TWIZEL LAKE PUKĀKI

TOP TIP: Enjoy a unique buskingmeets-astronomy show at Lake Tekapō’s Solar Circle, just behind the Dark Sky Project building. As evening descends, Billy - dressed in high country garb - regales guests with starry tales of mythology and misadventure, shepherds and ghostly goddesses.

Tekapō Springs Cradled at the base of Mt John before startling Lake Tekapō views, discover an award-winning spa complex with three outdoor hot pools. In winter, try snow-tubing and ice skating. In the summer, run and jump on the large inflatable Jumpernaut or career down the hydroslide.

The Church of the Good Shepherd One of the country’s most photographed icons fronts Lake Tekapō. Visitors can spend time on the grounds but to look inside, group tours must be arranged. Check out the sheepdog monument too.

Tekapō Adventures & Air Safaris Combining helicopters with 4WD, tour the country’s highest whisky hut before crossing the breath-taking landscapes through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand’s finest Merino wool providers.

Lake Tekapō Regional Park

Here is a mecca of walks, mountain biking, picnic spots, a pump track and summer swimming. Enjoy 24km of cycling and walking trails with access from both Lake Tekapō Village and the Cowans Hill Track.

Roundhill Ski Area On Lake Tekapō’s doorstep with jaw-dropping views of the lake, Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The familyfriendly field offers a large beginners’

area with wide, gentle slopes while the more adventurous skier will love Australasia’s biggest vertical drop –an epic 783m.

Mt John Summit For impressive views of Lake Tekapō, climb Mt John. The walk takes approximately oneand-a-half hours, or for an $8 fee, you can drive up to the summit, where there’s also a café and observatory.

Stargazing Home to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Reserve, the Mackenzie Region has exceptional stargazing opportunities. Consider joining a Dark Sky Project Astronomy Tour.

Animal Petting Zoo Found at The Cairns Alpine Resort, drop in for a pet, feed and selfie with sheep, alpaca, bunnies, lambs, calves and Whiskey the amiable kunekune pig. Guests staying at the resort receive complimentary entry.

Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking Absorb the beauty of Lake Tekapō from the saddle. Trek through stunning scenery with experienced guides, from one-hour

to overnight, catered for all skill levels.

Lake Tekapō Farm Tours Get ready for a two-hour off-road farm experience across a whopping 25,000 acres. With a maximum of 11 guests, explore two amazing (and exceptionally remote) high country farms, peppered with farm animals and breath-taking views. Alpine Recreation The granddaddies of professional mountain guiding, these guys have been operating since 1981, offering guided mountain ascents, trekking, climbing, ski touring and snowshoeing as well as various year-round alpine treks and climbing courses.

TOP TIP: For a photo worthy of a picture frame, take a pic of The Church of the Good Shepherd doused in moonlight. Book a night tour from Lake Tekapō village.

Dark

Ōhau Ski Fields It’s not the largest ski field in Aotearoa, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in stunning scenery – the views across Lake Ōhau are exceptional.

Lake Ōhau Just as beautiful as the likes of Lake Tekapō but far less known, Lake Ōhau is a vision of pristine blue water and snowy mountains. Make the effort and you’ll likely enjoy the lake alone.

ŌHAU

TWIZEL LAKE PUKĀKI

Lake Pūkaki There simply isn’t a bad Lake Pūkaki vista. However, both Lake Pūkaki Lookout and Peter’s Lookout provide two of the best, stretching as far as Aoraki Mt Cook on a clear day.

Hovercrafting It’s not every day you get to zip across vibrant blue waters on a hovercraft, but in Lake Pūkaki, these short, one-hour excursions soak up the best of the region’s Southern Alp views.

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Sit on the southern banks of Lake Pūkaki, pop into the lakefront shop and café for well-priced fresh salmon. Eat fresh sashimi by the lake, or stock up the chilly bin for later Short Walks On a fine day, the 360-degree views from the one-hour Pūkaki Kettle Bowl Track are unbeatable, or if you’re after something even shorter, the Marker Bay Track is just 20 minutes.

New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm Come and sit on a throne set amidst the vines so you can sit and inhale the aroma. Lavender-based ice creams are blue-hued and delicious and there’s even lavender yoga.

MT COOK

Ben Ōhau Peak Walk Give yourself at least six hours to summit and return via Greta Stream. At the top are views of the Mackenzie Region and its four lakes: Ōhau, Pūkaki, Benmore and man-made Lake Ruataniwha.

Twizel River Trail This takes four hours to walk or two to bike and passes some uncrowded swimming holes.

Cycling Parts of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail travel through Twizel so cyclists can easily sample a section or two of the route. Several companies in Twizel hire bikes and e-bikes and provide pick-ups and drop-offs.

Water Rides Operating from the Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park from September to May, rent anything from transparent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to swan-shaped pedal boats and water bikes!

Ski Fields Twizel is well positioned for three excellent ski fields. Mt Dobson and Roundhill Ski Area are a 90-minute drive away; Ōhau Snow Fields is 45 minutes from town.

High Country Salmon Farm See how salmon is farmed, feed the fish and catch your own.

Ruataniwha Conservation Park This playground for outdoor

enthusiasts has walks and bike tracks, fishing, climbing, 4WD and hunting opportunities alongside DOC campsites and huts.

The Musterers Hut A cosy spot with food, gift shop and mini-golf.

Red Cat Biplane Flights If a flight in an open cockpit biplane isn’t on your bucket-list, it should be!

Skydive Jump out of a plane with Skydive Mt Cook, arguably one of the most scenic sky dives in Aotearoa.

Fishing Enjoy an abundance of lakes, canals and rivers on Twizel’s doorstep, all flush with fish. Licences,

gear and guides are all available in town.

Resurrection Distillery This unique distillery focuses on making hand-crafted, small batch runs of white whisky and fragrant botanical gin, just 8kms outside of Twizel.

TOP TIP: For a short Twizel walk, grab some ice creams from Sweet Moos in town and stroll along the river’s edge until you reach the highway, then turn right to head back to Twizel.

AORAKI MT COOK AORAKI

FAIRLIE LAKE TEKAPŌ TWIZEL LAKE PUKĀKI

With 140 mountain peaks poking more than 2000m into the sky and glaciers covering 40 percent of the park, this is an unforgettable place to visit. Aoraki Mt Cook Village is perfectly positioned to take advantage of it all.

Scenic Flights Ski plane or helicopter are fantastic ways to cover this great beautiful expanse in very little time. Check the Glentanner Park Centre and Mt Cook Airport for scenic flight options.

Ski the Tasman Glacier Yes, you can ski New Zealand’s largest glacier on two of the country’s longest ski runs (green to blue grade). Led by expert alpine guides, you’ll fly in by aircraft and explore fascinating ice caves, too.

Kayak Tasman Glacier Lake Beneath the almighty presence of Aoraki Mt Cook, kayak Tasman Glacier Lake with Southern Alps Guiding. The best bit? Getting faceto-face with glistening ice bergs.

Glacier Tours Across Tasman Lake It’s a compelling two-and-a-

half-hour journey across Tasman Lake, cruising slowly by small boat to the melting ice face and within touching distance of stoic icebergs.

The Hooker Valley Track One of the park’s most popular walks, with swing bridges and Aoraki Mt Cook views, the Hooker Glacier terminal lake is your prize for a three-hour, mostly flat hike. From late spring to early summer, keep an eye out for the Aoraki Mt Cook buttercup – the world’s largest.

Tasman Glacier View Track Gain uninterrupted views across icy blue Tasman Glacier Lake. Likely frozen in winter and littered with icebergs come summer.

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Understand the man behind the legend. Learn about

the area’s history, Hillary’s life-long achievements and stories from Mountain Rescue.

Stargazing Tours Aoraki Mt Cook is part of an International Dark Sky Reserve. Departing Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village, the ‘Big Sky Stargazing’ adventure is a one-hour guided journey across the cosmos with their astronomer.

Snowshoe Tours Trek through remote, mountainous terrain, staying overnight in frosted huts while staring into the glossy folds of New Zealand’s highest ice face. For experienced alpine mountaineers, multi-day snowshoeing is on the extreme side of adventure.

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Glacier, Aoraki Mt Cook © South Canterbury Tourism Sir Edmund Hillary sculpture, Aoraki Mt Cook © Hollie Woodhouse

Parklands Motor Lodge

Welcome to

CHRISTCHURCH & BANKS PENINSULA

Once a traditional city, Christchurch is now a sassy trendsetter. There are vast areas of gentrification, a celebrated food scene and cultural merits aplenty. Nearby Banks Peninsula boasts an insatiable appetite for the good life with Akaroa, a settlement with a French flavour, an absolute treat.

Local Buzz

The Christchurch Adventure Park is the place to go. You get an amazing view from the top of the city and Lyttelton Harbour via a chairlift, but the fun part is how you get down! Try one of the many mountain bike tracks or the zipline which is one of the longest in New Zealand.

PAUL BINGHAM DIRECTOR OF BLACK CAT CRUISES

Banks Peninsula & Christchurch Highlights of

Banks Peninsula deserves plenty of time to explore all it offers, especially if you enjoy hiking. You can choose from short strolls to challenging walks through scenic reserves. Among the popular options are the multiple-day walks along the Banks Peninsula Track. The peninsula is a popular destination for a day trip from Christchurch or a long stay with accommodation options to suit all budgets.

A SHORT DRIVE FROM CHRISTCHURCH IS A REGION BOUND BY MIGHTY RIVERS AND GUARDED BY ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK, HIGH IN THE SOUTHERN ALPS. EVERYWHERE YOU GO, THE VIEWS ARE SENSATIONAL.

BACK TO NATURE

FOOD& DRINK

MEET THE PENGUINS

The whole family will be in awe of these sweet little characters. Discover wild white-flippered penguins which are endemic to Canterbury with the Banks Peninsula just one of two breeding locations in New Zealand.

AGLEY PARK In the heart of Christchurch, you can walk, run, bike or blade through this glorious treelined sanctuary that burst onto the recreation scene in the 1850s. With the Botanic Gardens on the eastern fringe of the park, you can hit both hotspots in one day.

HINEWAI RESERVE This ecological restoration project will capture your heart and mind and restore faith in humanity. Privately owned and operated by Maurice Native Forestry Trust, the reserve occupies 1250 hectares in the southern-eastern corner of Banks Peninsula. It aims to foster the natural regeneration of native vegetation and wildlife, and its potential continues to flourish.

Visitors are welcome to experience this unique environment and help spread the word about its honourable conversation goals.

SUMNER BEACH, SCARBOROUGH AND TAYLORS MISTAKE These seaside siblings on the east coast of Christchurch will have you splashing in the refreshing saltwater spray, climbing fascinating rock formations, and salivating over fresh seafood at the local eateries.

BRIDLE PATH TRACK This three-hour walk is a breath of fresh air. Constructed in 1850, it was the original foot route across the Port Hills for Canterbury’s first European settlers travelling between Lyttelton and Christchurch. A number of memorial seats honouring the pioneers and first four ships are dotted along the path.

Fiddlesticks, Central Christchurch The cosy formal dining room is perfect for intimate dinners, or opt for the glassed-in patio attached to the curvy cocktail bar for a weekend brunch, when you might be tempted to order a cheeky mimosa alongside your eggs.

Hello Sunday, Central Christchurch Spread across two rooms of a restored post office building, this popular cafe is a great spot for all-day brunches, spectacular salads and excellent coffee.

Earl, Central Christchurch This casual but trendy Italian restaurant truly captures the essence of postquake Christchurch hospitality. Inspired by coastal European culture, produce-driven dishes are geared towards great wine and conversation. Open for both lunch and dinner.

Inati, Central Christchurch If you’re after a contemporary fine dining experience, then head here. Pull up a seat at the polished brass chef’s table and watch as they expertly prepare your meal. All of the dishes are designed for sharing.

WALKS & CYCLEWAYS

Coopers Knob, or Ōmawete as it is known in Te Reo Māori, is the highest point on Christchurch’s Port Hills, with panoramic views over the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Access this craggy outcrop via some easy rock climbing on a short diversion from the Crater Rim Walkway. Begin your 30-minute walk to Coopers Knob from the Gibraltar Rock car park on Summit Road.

Banks Track You can bank on this being a one-in-a-million experience – see what we did there? One of the finest walking tracks in the country starts in Akaroa and stretches across the breathtaking volcanic coastline, weaving through farm and forest.

Let waterfalls, open pastures, native bushes, pristine beaches, and crisp ocean air make a lasting impression on you. This is a private walking trail with only 16 walkers on the track each day.

Akaroa Heads While the iconic Akaroa Lighthouse established in 1880 was relocated to Akaroa town in 1980; there is still a feeling of historical importance to the site and remnants of original road infrastructure that can’t be missed. Once you’ve conquered the steep ascent up to the lighthouse, those who are game can climb down (with care) an old iron ladder.

Gatherings, Merivale/Carlton Corner With an innovative plantbased menu, this eatery celebrates Canterbury food producers and encourages mindful eating. Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, Gatherings offers a cosy space filled with recycled wooden furniture by a local carpenter and simple artwork and crockery from local artisans.

Mountain biking LEFT: Tram and Library, Christchurch © ChristchurchNZ

BELOW: Zodiac © ChristchurchNZ

AKAROA BANKS PENINSULA

LITTLE RIVER

LYTTELTON

French Style As New Zealand’s only French settlement, arriving here is like descending on a French provincial village, padded out with Kiwi flare. The roads have French names and local restaurants are of French persuasion. Try the Little Bistro and patisserieinspired ‘Sweet-As’ bakery.

Cruise the Harbour Perennially inviting, Akaroa Harbour beckons every visitor onto the water. Jump on a two-hour nature cruise by catamaran, charter a yacht, pick up a paddle and kayak, or sail aboard New Zealand’s oldest gaffed rigged ketch.

The Giants House A stunning collection of bright, mosaic sculptures, popping with colour. Creator Josie Martin has transformed the house with dynamic mosaics that pave every nook and cranny. It’s also a Garden of International Significance and nothing shy of spellbinding.

Swim with Dolphins Get in the water with the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin. Suit up and join them in their natural habitat; all tours take the least obtrusive approach to seeing them.

October Akaroa Festival This annual three-day festival goes all out with a market, parade and plenty of music, entwined with Whānau Day to celebrate Māori history.

Wildlife Kayaking As a large, protected marine sanctuary, dolphins, seals and penguins are plentiful in Akaroa. Hire a freedom kayak from Akaroa Adventure Centre and set off to find them.

Glow in the Dark Stand-up Paddleboarding Kitted out with LED boards, depart at dusk and paddle before a dazzling sunset. As night descends, the marine life lights up beneath you.

Giant Stand-up Paddleboarding

If you’re with a group or the family, why not try a giant-sized stand-up paddleboarding? Accommodating between four and eight people, it’s very stable – as long as you are, too!

Akaroa Farmers’ Market Every Saturday during October to April from 9.30am to 1pm. With locally produced olive oil, nuts, pastries and lavender items, even the French would say ‘ooh la la’.

Wine Experiences Learn all about the organic wine making process high in the Akaroa hills at Akaroa Winery at Takamatua Valley Organic Vineyards; sit and sip on the deck at Meniscus Winery or book a Banks Peninsula Wine Tour.

Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese Step inside to see traditional cheese making and browse an interesting display of locally made artisan cheese. On the road between Akaroa and Christchurch.

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Akaroa Harbour © Destination Akaroa LEFT: Giants House, Akaroa © Christchurch.org.nz

LITTLE RIVER LYTTELTON

Little River Gallery Supporting New Zealand-made art, this distinct roadside art gallery showcases high-end sculptures, paintings, prints and jewellery as well as a gift shop, sculpture garden and popular Little River Café.

SiloStay A little industrial and a dash post-apocalyptic, eight grain silos have been remodelled into elegant accommodation, decked out with all the mod cons. Check out the Little River Diner next door.

Little River Craft Station The historic railway station has been sympathetically converted into a

charming centre of pottery, jewellery, leather goods and quilts, all made by locals.

Little River Cycle This 46km pathway runs from Hornby to Little River. If you aren’t looking to break a sweat then it’s a five to seven hour journey. You’ll find accommodation along the route.

Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden

LYTTELTON

Lyttelton Harbour A very lively port town nestled in a volcanic crater, explore the historic buildings, relax at sandy Corsair Bay and picnic on the grass in charming Albion Square.

Lyttelton Farmers’ Market Every Saturday from 10am-1pm on London Street. Stall holders impress with their wares and local musicians play to the crowds.

Ōtamahua/Quail Island For an island escape, rich in natural beauty and history. Pack a picnic, hop on a Black Cat Ferry, departing from Lyttleton Harbour, and spend the day swimming and walking. There’s a DOC hut for overnight stays.

Governors Bay A thriving community of heritage buildings, a handful of cafés and picnic spots. The Foreshore Track follows the picturesque coastline to Teddington, while the 15-minute walk to Māori Gardens presents a sweet, secluded bay.

Diamond Harbour Walk to the jetty and catch a ferry to Diamond Harbour. The art galleries sparkle and the water dazzles: that’s how the bay got its name.

Pōhatu Marine Reserve Home to Hector’s dolphins, penguins and seals; guided tours include kayak trips and 4WD excursions as well as walks to see penguins in their natural habitat.

Spend the Night in a Penguin Colony Book an overnight farm stay in Pōhatu Bay to sleep next door to

CHRISTCHURCH AKAROA BANKS PENINSULA LITTLE RIVER LYTTELTON

Every year the sculptures grow in number and the gardens grow more gorgeous. Exceptional grounds sprinkled with contemporary sculptures of all sizes and materials. Entry is by appointment.

Ohinetahi Gardens This garden is packed to the picket fence with incredible plants and sculptures. Pack a picnic, chat with the resident gardener and drink up Governors Bay views.

TOP TIP: Tours of the Shamarra Alpaca Farm located in Akaroa are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

a penguin colony. Evening penguin tours are a big hit.

Laverick Bay Glamping With such an incredible vista you won’t need to move far from your spot. Choose from a cosy cabin or canopy camp to call home during your stay.

Hidden Gem Beaches Okains Bay offers a safe beach for families

with a campground right on the sand. Le Bons Bay is about as far east as you can drive and easily one of Canterbury’s best beaches.

Guided Crater Rim Walks March along the rim of an ancient volcano with a knowledgeable local guide. Almost 1000m above sea level, the coastal views are spectacular. Choose a morning, afternoon or full-day tour, with pickup and drop-off from Christchurch.

Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum Tucked away in a quiet beach community, this houses a range of European and Māori taonga. Open weekends in winter and Wednesday to Saturday over summer.

Coopers Knob Climb to the highest point in Port Hills and be treated to wondrous views. It is 20 minutes each way and dogs are also welcome on leash.

Alpacas, Banks Peninsula © ChristchurchNZ

LEFT: Little Blue penguins © Adobe Stock

CHRISTCHURCH AKAROA BANKS PENINSULA LITTLE RIVER LYTTELTON

FOOD & DRINK

Zodiac Located in the heart of Christchurch CBD, this Asian Fusion restaurant has a beautiful outlook of the Ōtakaro/Avon River and is open seven days from 11am until late.

Riverside Market Unmissable seven-day a week indoor farmers’ market fronting the banks of the Ōtakaro/Avon River. Foodies will be enthralled by charismatic chefs, food choice and purveyors.

Riccarton Sunday Market With over 200 stalls, Christchurch’s largest market springs up every weekend

at Riccarton Racecourse from 9am until 2pm.

Tram Diner Combine a four-course dinner with a scenic city tour by vintage tram.

Little High Eatery There is something for everyone in this communal dining space full of international cuisine.

The Pink Lady Rooftop Bar In the Muse Art Hotel, this bar serves up stunning skyline views and is easily one of the CBD’s most sought-after venues.

NICELY UNIQUE

SALT District An exciting mash-up of laneways, shipping container pop-up shops and heritage buildings.

The Welder Industrial buildings converted to a modern destination with local products and good food.

Rollickin’ Gelato Treat yourself to their finger lickingly good gelato and desserts at this central city café.

The BOXed Quarter A distinctly urban hub of art, music, food and culture, this slick, artistic precinct is jam-packed with eateries, bars and cafés, interspersed with music studios and gallery spaces.

FLARE The Christchurch Street Art Festival brings a buzz to the city, with over 80 street and graffiti artists, both international and homegrown, painting major murals across the city centre, reclaiming Christchurch’s global status as a street art capital.

ABOVE

Tramway

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Margaret Mahy Playground

This gold standard playground in the CBD is the largest in the southern hemisphere.

International Antarctic Centre Buckle up for a ride in the all-terrain, amphibious Antarctic vehicle. Wrap up warm to visit the penguins and huskies in their sub-zero environment in the Storm Dome.

Orana Wildlife Park Set in 80ha, just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, this open range zoo is perfect for animal lovers. Visit the lounging lions, gentle giraffes, marvelous meerkats and more. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Home to a wide and happy mix of residents. Animal lovers will especially enjoy otter feeding times.

Blocland Free from ropes and harnesses, this bouldering centre is an ideal way to grow kids’ climbing confidence.

Launch Pad If you get bounced by the weather head into this colourful indoor trampoline park.

Museum of Toys & Collectibles Awaken your nostalgia by visiting this fun collection, with its is everchanging and increasing range.

Spend The Night in Jail Formerly the Addington Prison from 1874 to 1999, this former institution is now the award-winning Jailhouse

Accommodation hostel, with dorms, private and family rooms. A weirdly fun place to take the family to stay if you all have the nerve.

#chchswing at Margaret Mahy Playground, Christchurch © the7thsister

TOP: Giraffe © Orana Wildlife Park INSET, TOP: Feeding Eels © Willowbank

ABOVE: Margaret Mahy Playground

CULTURE INJECTION

Canterbury Museum World renowned for its natural and human history. Upgrades are ongoing and ever-changing exhibitions means there’s always something new to see.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand Enjoy flight simulators and behindthe-scenes tours and hear incredible Kiwi stories such as the daring escape of a WWII Prisoner of War soldier.

Theatres Iconic Isaac Theatre Royal is beautiful both inside and out; Court Theatre shows classical plays and improv (join the Court Jesters for their Friday night ‘Scared Scriptless’ comedy show) while Little Andromeda is an intimate theatre supporting smaller, Indie productions.

Ferrymead Heritage Park Experience Christchurch in the early 1900s in a replica town.

Guided Street Art Tours If you miss the FLARE festival then you can always catch up with the news and views on a walking, cycle or e-scooter guided tour around the city centre.

Waka on the River Leaving from Margaret Mahy Playground, this experience is an amazing historical and cultural trip on the Ōtākaro/Avon River.

ACTIVE RELAXATION

He Puna Taimoana/New Brighton Hot Pools Enjoy the views out to sea as you loll between the all-weather, hot saltwater pools, plunge pool and steam room. Especially invigorating on a cold day. Bookings required.

Ride the Gondola Glide to the top of Port Hills and enjoy 360-degree views. Set off on a walking track, learn about the area’s history on the unique Time Tunnel ride or grab a bite at Red Rock Café.

Punting Take in the serene Ōtakaro/Avon River through the Botanic Gardens. Your skilled punter will be dressed in traditional Edwardian attire. Departing Worcester Street bridge or the Antigua Boat Sheds.

City Tram Rides Learn about landmarks and local sights while rattling up the streets in a handsome vintage tram. The route frequents 17 stops.

© Punting on the Avon, Christchurch

Scan me

NATURE & OUTDOORS

Hagley Park Covering 165ha just minutes from the CBD, events such as ‘Christmas In The Park’ are hosted here and sport, too, in the international-standard Hagley Oval. The Botanic Gardens Welcome to a 21ha oasis with a beautiful lake and fanciful pathways. The Visitor Centre is a stunning, architecturally beautiful building with a dedicated gallery detailing Christchurch’s world of plants. There’s also a great café and gift shop.

Avon River Rentals Prefer to take the helm yourself? As well as punting, you can hire single canoes, double canoes, paddle boats and row boats.

Port Hills/Te Poho o Tamatea

This raw strip of land is the result of the Lyttelton volcano. Explore Halswell Quarry, with its historic sites and six sister-city gardens; discover WWII military remnants at Godley

Head; rock climb at the top of Rapaki Track and enjoy stellar views along the Bridle Path.

Christchurch Adventure Park Hop on the chairlift to be carried to great heights, descending down again on one of the many mountain bike or walking trails. For the brave, there are the exhilarating zipline

tours and every Wednesday you can give it a go in the dark. They also offer night riding and movie nights in the park over winter.

Adrenalin Forest Tree climbing, rope bridges and flying foxes all await. Conquer seven forestshrouded trails in the treetops and climb to dizzying heights.

Sumner Beach Do as the locals do and take a 20-minute drive out

of the city to the seaside. Walk the prom and explore Cave Rock.

New Brighton Beach Much like an old English seaside resort, this coastal suburb boasts an exceptional pier with excellent sea views (wonderful at sunset with a bag of hot chips). In summer, the beach is busy with surfers, swimmers and sun bathers. Cass Bay Grab your togs and drive 20 minutes to Cass Bay. Three swimming beaches are linked by a walking track, the water’s crystal clear and there’s a playground too.

Mountain Bike The McLeans Island Track Part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park. The entrance is directly opposite Orana Wildlife Park and if you ride at night, you’ll hear the lions stir.

Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River

This 30-miute shared-use trail, transitional between biking and walk, weaves 11km through the city, tracing the river.

Port Hills, Christchurch © Christchurch Gondola

RETAIL

> The Tannery This handsome collection of red brick buildings on the banks of the Heathcote River in Woolston gives industrial era vibes while housing something very modern inside. It showcases top New Zealand labels such as Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, Stolen Girlfriends Club and more.

> The Crossing Sleek and modern, this has turned up the

volume on Christchurch’s shopping game, creating an accessible hub with broad walkways and pristine shopfronts.

MORE TO CHECK OUT...

New Regent Street

The Colombo

Riverside Lanes

Ballantynes Department Store

Ruby & Perriam (near The Crossing)

ART & DESIGN

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū With a significant collection, major exhibitions by New Zealand artists and regular international travelling shows curated in an awe-inspiring space, this is a gallery experience worth paying for, but entry is free.

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora Built to bolster interest and involvement in art, culture

and the creative industries, visit 23 heritage buildings packed with shops, restaurants, art spaces, boutique retailers, cafés, a wine bar and cinema. Every Sunday morning, local artisans arrive here to sell crafts and edibles at The Mākete.

The National This is a chic art space predominately showcasing jewellery, as well as impressive ceramic and glass work. CoCA (The Centre of Contemporary Art) is as slick as the name suggests. If you like contemporary art galleries, head here.

TOP TIP: Every Sunday morning, local artisans descend on The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora to sell crafts and edibles at The Mākete. Look out for themed night markets, too.

centre,

Step aboard Black Cat’s luxury catamaran for an award winning two-hour nature cruise through an extinct volcanic crater. Get up close to wildlife from endemic Hector’s dolphins and seals to penguins and birds, while relaxing in the surrounds of nature and enjoying a warm kiwi welcome from our wonderful crew. Free tea, coffee and kid’s activity books. Under 5s cruise free.

Encounter the world’s rarest oceanic dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin in its natural habitat, Akaroa Harbour. Swim in the wild with the world’s smallest dolphin in the world’s largest ocean. With only 12 swimmers per trip pre-booking is recommended. Wetsuits, hot showers, free hot chocolate and swim photos are all included in your experience. Voted one of the top 10 marine mammal experiences in the world!

Quail Island Adventures

Quail Island is located in Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and is a marvellous escape from city life. Explore its timeless landscapes whilst walking the stunning 2 to 3 hour island loop track. Stop off at the calm swimming beach for a picnic and discover some Antarctic heritage, right on Christchurch’s doorstep. Just 15 mins by ferry from Lyttelton harbour.

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Let the

Explore

the

Traveller

Bainham

Puponga

Pakawau

Collingwood

PoharaTarakohe

Totaranui Marahau

Kaiteriteri

Riwaka Mariri Tasman Mapua Dovedale

Tapawera

Nelson, Tasman &

Whangamoa

Te

Endeavour Inlet

Kenepuru

Portage

WaikawaAnakiwa

Linkwater Koromiko Canvastown

Wairau

Marlborough

Clifford Bay

Lake Grassmere/

Campbell

Ward

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Kekerengu

East

River

River

Harewood

MEMORIALAVE

SAWYERSARMS

Waimairi Beach Burnside

GREERSRD

Upper Riccarton

Wigram Park

HALSWELLJUNCTIONRD

ROBINSONS

Christchurch Central

Addington Phillipstown

CURLETTSRD

HALSWELLRD

DYERS

GOVERNORS

Mt Pleasant

North New Brighton

TUNNEL

South New Brighton