4 minute read
Wonders of North Canterbury
TOP SPOT
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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.
Kayaking with seals © Kaikōura Kayaks
FAMILY FUN
• 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.
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 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.
Pier Hotel mussels © @barekiwi
ARTS & CULTURE
Kaikōura to Kēkerengū Road © DWB
• 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 freeaccessgalleries and showcases featuring paintings, photographs, sculptures and ceramics.
• KAIKŌURA MUSEUM Located on the ground floor of the landmark ‘craypot’ building in Kaikōura’s westend, this iconic museum boasts impressive historic collections and hosts special exhibitions.
Gore Bay © Visit Hurunui
