2 minute read
Five great reasons to visit the wonderful Waimakariri District
1. GET AN ADRENALIN FIX
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Thrills come in all shapes and sizes here. Jet boat down the braided Waimakariri River or try canyoning in Glentui. The surrounding mountains are wild and enticing and there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as a horseback ride in the foothills.
2. MAKE THE MOST OF THE COAST
A full day of relaxation can be spent on the wide, open sandy beaches of Waikuku and Woodend with their friendly beachside villages and surf patrols operating throughout summer. Head to nearby Pegasus for sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. If you have a rod with you, catch a kahawai off the beach, or get a fishing licence from the Kaiapoi Information Centre and try your luck hooking salmon at the mouth of the Waimakariri River.
3. STRETCH YOUR LEGS
Pack your walking shoes and take advantage of the tracks in the native forest-covered foothills of Mt Thomas and Mt Oxford conservation areas. Make your journey as short or long as you like, or simply take a picnic and enjoy the serenity. In Rangiora, the tracks by the Ashley River, Matawai Park and the Northbrook Wetlands showcase the area’s striking native wildlife and local history.
4. JUMP ON A BIKE
Explore the numerous off-road recreational cycling trails that are fun, family-friendly and can often be connected. Peddle around the eastern part of the district, taking your time along the rivers, the beaches and through the towns of Rangiora and Kaiapoi.
Cycling in Waimakariri
Visit Waimakariri
5. EXPLORE THE TOWNSHIPS
Check out the boutique shopping, curios, art and eateries all over the Waimakariri District. Rangiora is well noted for its Karikaas cheese factory and Rangiora Bakery which has been in business since 1860. Oxford has the sweet charm of an English village, and Kaiapoi is built around a river that you can cruise up on a replica steamboat. Also here is North Canterbury’s oldest department store – Blackwells. The sleepy, rural village of Cust was once the home of the New Zealand Motorcycle Grand Prix and Burt Munro (of legendary motorcyclist fame) was a regular participant. These days it’s the picturesque domain, playground, small stores, café and pub with beer garden that entice.
