ROAD TRIP 16 A JOURNEY THROUGH MT HUTT

Amberley to Geraldine

Amberley to Rangiora via SH1 or the Inland Scenic Route - 21min, 25.8km

Rangiora to Methven & Mt Hutt Ski Area via SH72 / the Inland Scenic Route - 1hr 38min, 115km

Methven & Mt Hutt Ski Area to Geraldine via SH72 / the Inland Scenic Route - 48min, 68.4km

© AA Traveller 2021

This 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.

RANGIORA

As the largest town in the Waimakariri District, you can expect to find a hub of activity in this thriving town. Rangiora is quite the gem, with plenty of vibrancy and pizazz to impress.

Rangiora is renowned for its boutique shopping. Stroll the main street and lanes to explore what is on offer, then head to pretty Matawai Park. Hidden in plain sight, this centrally located park is a great place to enjoy a walk, barbecue or picnic, with plenty of green space to let the kids run free. If you’re a nature lover, make tracks to Northbrook Wetlands for its waterside 1.5km looped pathway speckled with picnic benches, walkers, cyclists – and ducks! You can also enjoy a brisk walk or cycle at Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park, with pathways skimming the river’s edge and weaving through the forests.

Rangiora town centre

© Visit Waimakariri

HIGHLIGHTS

OXFORD FARMERS’ MARKET Every Sunday, local producers gather to sell their wares. A traditional authentic farmers market. Open year round, 9am-12pm.

OXFORD FOREST CONSERVATION AREA Take your pick from a variety of hiking tracks that cover this area. Trails range from a few hours to overnight, snaking through tangled forest. Treat yourself with a dip in the Ryde Falls, a five tiered waterfall.

THE GERALDINE VINTAGE CAR & MACHINERY MUSEUM This gem has everything from hot-air engines and a threshing mill to sleek classic cars. A large collection that gets better with age, the pièce de résistance is the 1907 De Dion,which has been in the town its whole life.

WINDWHISTLE This town offers a rural lifestyle with dramatic mountain views. Whether you stop for a stretch or a sleep over, enjoy the braided rivers,charming cottages, and the famous Terrace Downs Resort Golf Course.

MESOPOTAMIA STATION An unspoiled paradise located in the headwaters of the Rangitata River, east of the Southern Alps and inland from Peel Forest. It remains one of New Zealand’s oldest high country stations running sheep, deer and cattle. Enjoy helicopter flights, hunting, fully guided walking tours and sleep under the twinkling stars.

STAVELEY Located in Mid Canterbury foothills, this iconic little town is home to the famous Staveley sausage roll. Get your skates on and perfect your pivoting on the natural ice rink, built by locals in 1949. Also visit the historic lime kilns before you head to historic Ross Cottage on Flynns Road.

MT PEEL An area of cultural and historical significance, Peel Forest lies 24km north of Geraldine and is home to the ancient giants of kahikatea, tōtara and black pine,or mataī. Take in the resplendent awning of podocarps, and the lush flora and fauna using one of the 13 varied forest trails.There’s also a DOC campground and Peel Forest Horse Trekking. Navigate untamed bush and babbling streams with tame and well-mannered horses.

RANGITATA RIVER Roughly 20 minutes from Geraldine, the river is especially rewarding for salmon fishing. The best being found at the river mouth from mid-November to mid-March. Up-river fishing is better between January and March. Early in the season, sea-run brown trout are also ample. If you’re after a bit more of a thrill, Grade 2-5 river rapids are guaranteed to quicken your heartbeat on a half-day Rangitata Rafts adventure.

MT SOMERS There are child-friendly walks here, as well as an opportunity for an overnight tramp which links to the Pinnacles and Woolshed Creek Hut. You’ll come across historic mines, subalpine tussock lands and intriguing geological features like deep canyons and volcanic formations on the full-circuit route. Mt Somers is close to Staveley, with a starting point at Sharplin Falls car park.

Believe the hype, the famous Sheffield Pie Shop is epic. It’s hard to look past a classic steak and cheese but gourmet additions include venison and whiskey relish.

Walking in Rākaia, Canterbury

© Adobe Stock

METHVEN & MT HUTT SKI AREA

One of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, avid skiers and snowboarders love the ‘pow’ here. Near Methven, the Mt Hutt Ski Field at 2086m above sea level takes in views of the Pacific Ocean to the east and the heart of the Southern Alps to the west. With a ski able area of 365ha, one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island at 683m and a diverse variety of terrain, Mt Hutt revels inits role as a must-do activity. Novice through to advanced skiers and snowboarders will find magic here with dedicated learning areas, off-piste areas and an extensive powder bowl.

It’s mostly but not all about snow here. Summer and shoulder-season visitors come to enjoy walking, trekking, mountain biking and road cycling, fishing, jet boating, golfing, hunting... you name it.

Mt Hutt, Central Canterbury

© ChristchurchNZ

Methven is a snow-sport town with a relaxed, friendly vibe. That translates to endearing eateries, attractive art galleries, character accommodation and Methven Golf Course, regarded as one of the finest in New Zealand.

TOP WALKS

RYDE FALLS WALK Oxford Forest’s pretty little secret. This easy going excursion featuring regenerating bush and scrub is named after the Ryde Brothers who established logging in the area. A five-tier waterfall is the prize on offer. 12km, 6hr

TALBOT FOREST SCENIC RESERVE Families will love the multitude of short walks in this reserve in Geraldine with rare remnants of lowland podocarp and hardwood and native forest. Picnic spots are peppered throughout.

Walking In Mid Canterbury

© Canterbury Tourism

GERALDINE

Geraldine is a small, quiet town with a big to-do list. Enjoy the relaxed rhythm of this environ, or supercharge your visit with horse trekking, hiking, white-water rafting and Big Rock canyoning.

Talbot Forest is a convenient five minute stroll from Geraldine’s main street and offers walking tracks right on the doorstep. If you’re visiting between October and March, Geraldine Farmers’ Market pops up every Saturday morning from 9am. Load up on produce, grab a coffee, gobble a pastry (or two) and chat to the locals while musicians strum a beat. Come nightfall, the night’s sky is spectacular, and the local Geraldine Observatory is run by a passionate duo who enthral guests with their stargazing prowess. Amazing gourmet fare is also available in town; follow your taste buds to Barker’s Foodstore for its café and ample shelves jostling with the full Barker’s range.

THINGS TO DO IN GERALDINE

Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum

Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve

Geraldine art scene

Gourmet Geraldine

Giant Jersey knitwear

Big Rock Canyon

Big Rock Adventure, Geraldine

© South Canterbury Tourism

Enjoying your road trip?

Where to next?

Visit https://issuu.com/aatraveller/docs/must-do_s_south_island_2021-2 and get planning.

On the road and need a place to stay? Book accommodation at aatravel.co.nz