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Selwyn District Must Do's
Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill 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.
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Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill Centre © Selwyn.govt.nz
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, 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.
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.
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.
Lincoln Must Do's
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 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 Must Do's
RĀKAIA SALMON STATUE Stop for a snap with the giant salmon statue. Stay for the playground, with its tractor and human-sized hamster wheel.
RIVER FISHING One of Aotearoa’s largest braided rivers boasts some of the best salmon fishing, most fruitful between November and March.
RĀKAIA RIVER TERRACE WALK Just outside Rākaia town, it’s 45 minutes one way and dog-friendly, too.
JET-BOAT TOURS Career down the milky-blue waters of Rākaia Gorge, carving up the waterways under the presence of snow-licked mountains.
Devils Punchbowl Falls © Adobe Stock
Arthur's Pass Must Do's
Arthur’s Pass Village
The gateway to Arthur’s Pass National Park, with loads of terrific walks starting from here.
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.
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.
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.
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> MTB Tracks
> Temple Basin Ski Area
