TRIP 16 Amberley to Geraldine Air balloon over Central Canterbury © Canterbury Tourism
TRIP 16
T
his route follows along the foothills of the Southern Alps. The Inland Scenic Route 72 is a showcase of north, mid and south Canterbury, starting in the quaint country quarters of Amberley and reaching a dramatic pause in Geraldine where southern hospitality is in good heart. First head south for 20 minutes along SH 1 to Rangiora, the largest town in the Waimakariri District. This is where you enter the heartland of New Zealand. You’ll be introduced to enchanting towns and villages along the way like Cust, Staveley, Windwhistle and Methven. You can white-water raft, visit forests, woodlands and gardens, hike, fish and even catch a ride in a hotair balloon. Whether you stop for a brief interlude or a mini-break, every location on this route is welcoming.
142 | M U S T D O ’ S • CA N T E RB URY
a journey through
Mt Hutt
Amberley to Rangiora via SH 1 or the Inland Scenic Route 21min, 25.8km Rangiora to Methven & Mt Hutt Ski Area via SH 72 / the Inland Scenic Route 1hr 38min, 115km Methven & Mt Hutt Ski Area to Geraldine via SH 72 / the Inland Scenic Route 48min, 68.4km
