3 minute read
Hungry for Selwyn District
If 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.
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With six stellar ski fields in the area, winter sees the powder hounds 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!
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.
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 NATIONAL PARK
TO-DO LIST
Arthur’s Pass © Getty Images
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.
24 hours in Lincoln
MORNING
Kick-start your day with breakfast at Coffee Culture on Lincoln’s Gerald St. You’ll get a real feel for Lincoln’s community spirit here and the region’s best bagels to boot.
MID-MORNING
Pop into historic Liffey Cottage and Pioneer Hall. The former was built in 1875 and has since been restored into a working man’s cottage. From Lincoln, drive 35 minutes to The Knobs. A brisk one-hour walk leads to the summit of Coopers Knob. High above the head of the Bay, you’re presented with panoramic views over Lyttelton Harbour.
AFTERNOON
Peaceful Chamberlains Ford is a naturemade plunge pool flanked by a pebble bank. There’s public toilets and free-to-use barbecues.
LATE AFTERNOON
Upon laying your eyes on Ōhinetahi Gardens it’s hard to believe that this immaculate enclosure once fell into complete disrepair. A labour of love for New Zealand’s first botanist, T.H. Potts, his death in 1919 led to the demise of his beloved garden. Fortunately, Sir Miles Warren and Mr and Mrs Trengrove restored the area in 1977 and it’s been a thing of beauty ever since. Afterward, head to Halswell River in Tai Tapu for a stroll along the bank.
EVENING
The Laboratory might sound like an ominous venue for dinner, but this Lincoln-based pub serves a fine range of craft beers and wood-fired pizza. If your taste buds fall hard for their brews, refillable bottles are available for fans to take home.
Main image: Devils Punchbowl Falls, Arthur’s Pass © Department of Conservation
