Canterbury
Hungry for
Selwyn District SELWYN STRETCHES ACROSS THE CANTERBURY PLAINS BOUNDED BY THE MIGHTY RĀKAIA AND WAIMAKARIRI RIVERS, WITH ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK TO THE WEST AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN TO THE EAST.
RAKAIA GORGE WALKWAY This easy, scenic family walk follows the rim of the gorge through spectacular geological areas showing lava flows. It then descends into a gully under a canopy of forest and scrub to the site of the fascinating Snowdon coal mines. WASHPEN FALLS WALK Highlights of this walk include huge boulders of lava from volcanic eruptions, little caves that the moa hunters probably sheltered in, volcanic precipices that form the walls of the gorge, an amazing array of native plants, a continuous chorus of native birds, and, of course, the Washpen Falls.
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f you’re embarking on the TranzAlpine train journey, Springfield’s historic railway station is your last point to catch it. While coal no longer feeds locomotives, nearby Rākaia Gorge Walkway is famed for its coalmines. With six stellar ski fields in the area, winter sees the powderhounds pour into Darfield, and when the weather warms up again, Craigieburn Forest Park reveals striking new blooms. Every Saturday there’s a farmers’ market and just north of Darfield, you can take the kids to explore McHughs Forest Park to see how many of the charming fairy doors they can find.
DON’T MISS!
Devils Punchbowl Falls, Arthur’s Pass © Department of Conservation INSET: Arthur’s Pass © Getty Images
CASTLE HILL LIMESTONE RESERVE Just one hour west from Christchurch, home to rock formations created over 300 million years ago. Easy access means trails are suitable for all fitness levels.
ARTHUR’S PASS 153km NW of Christchurch
Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel Main Rd (SH 73), Arthur’s Pass Village www.apam.co.nz FREEPHONE: 0800 900 401
ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK TO-DO LIST THIS HANDFUL OF BUCKET LIST
• Our clean, warm and cosy cabins each sleep 1-5 guests. • All with own bathroom, kitchen, dining table and couch. • Listen for kiwi, watch kea play, enjoy nature at its best. • Walk one of the nearby tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park. • Free WiFi, TV and DVD player in all rooms. • Tariff: $95-$155 for 1-2 guests, extra adults $25, extra children $15. Multi-night discounts.
BOOK DIRECT FOR BEST PRICE: info@apam.co.nz
DARFIELD after town in England • 45km W of Christchurch
37 South Terrace, Darfield Ph +64 3 318 8325 E: stay@darfieldhotel.co.nz www.darfieldhotel.co.nz 6 double/twin ensuite rooms, includes complimentary tea/coffee, toaster, TV, heater, electric blankets, 2 backpacker single rooms. Back-Country Kitchen open 7 days, including Sunday lunch, a la carte and snack menu. Relax in a warm, quiet and comfortable environment with an open fire. Sports Bar & Liquor Centre Bottle Store, wide-screen & plasmas, TAB, jackpot gaming machines, pool table, bar menu.
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SUGGESTIONS WILL GET YOU OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT. ARTHUR’S PASS VILLAGE The village itself is your gateway to the park. Throbbing with accommodation and the starting point for many terrific walks. DEVILS PUNCHBOWL WALKING TRACK Standing at the base of a 131-metre waterfall is a refreshing experience, and wholly rewarding after a one-hour tramp through beech forest. OTIRA VIADUCT LOOKOUT Even if you’re not a bona fide pontist, the engineering behind this great sweeping bridge will still impress.
AVALANCHE PEAK ROUTE As steep as it is striking, only expert hikers should attempt this eight-hour trek to the top. MILLENNIUM WALK A 10-minute jaunt from the Visitor Centre leads to a lookout of the Avalanche Creek Waterfall. Return at nightfall when it’s dressed in lights. POULTER VALLEY TRACK For seasoned mountain bikers only. If you’re after an easier peddle, take the Mt White Rd along the Waimakariri River.
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