6 minute read
ROAD TRIP: 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
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Methven & Mt Hutt Ski Area to Geraldine via SH 72 / the Inland Scenic Route - 48min, 68.4km
Canterbury Plains, Geraldine © Getty Images
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 hot air balloon. Whether you stop for a brief interlude or a mini-break, every location on this route is welcoming.
HIGHLIGHTS
OXFORD FARMERS’ MARKET
Located on Main St, held every Sunday morning until noon, is excellent. Stock up on fruit and vegetables grown in the area and tantalising artisan foods – whitebait fritters,preserves, cured meats and honey.
THE GERALDINE VINTAGE CAR & MACHINERY MUSEUM
This gem has everything from hot-air engines and a threshing mill to sleek classic cars. This large collection keeps getting better with age, and 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 sleepover, enjoy the braided rivers,charming cottages, and the famous Terrace Downs Resort Golf Course.
MESOPOTAMIA STATION
This is an unspoiled paradise located in the head waters of the Rangitata River, east of the Southern Alps and inland from Peel Forest. It was named by English writer and former resident, Samuel Butler in 1860; Mesopotamia’s meaning is “between two rivers”. It remains one of New Zealand’s oldest high country stations running sheep, deer and cattle. You can enjoy helicopter flights, hunting, fully guided walking tours and sleep under the twinkling stars.
STAVELEY
This iconic little town is home to the famous Staveley sausage roll. Staveley is located in the mid-Canterbury foothills. 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 Rd.
Peel Forest © Getty Images
MT PEEL
A story helps to understand the cultural and historical significance of Peel Forest; 22km north of Geraldine and home to the ancient giants of kahikatea, tōtara and black pine, or mataī. Tarahaoa and his wife, Huatekerekere were passengers aboard the famous waka Āraite-uru that capsized off Matakaea. Along with many others from the waka, the couple ventured ashore to explore these new lands. They needed to regroup at the waka before daylight. Most did not find their way back and were turned into rock. Tarahaoa became the mountain known as Mt Peel and Huatekerekere became Little Mt Peel. Their children, Kirikirikatata and Aroarokaehe, are represented by two large trees in Peel Forest. As you take in the resplendent awning of podocarps, and the lush flora and fauna on the many walking tracks, keep this story in mind.
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, sub-alpine 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.
Mt Alford, Alford Forest © Canterbury Tourism
RANGIORA
Nestled in the heart of Waimakariri, Rangiora is quite the gem. Two bijou museums detail the township’s earliest settlers and one of Canterbury’s oldest wooden churches is here. The golf club is open to casual visitors and there’s no better place to try Canterbury lamb.
Coincide your arrival when your appetite is ripe, and head to Rangiora Bakery. Operating since 1860, the on-site café has modernised artisanal baking with a creative theatre Chef Zone. Rangiora is well noted for its local flavours, and Karikaas cheese factory often tops the list for visitors. Drop in and pick up award-winning gouda. To burn off all the indulgences, nearby Glentui Loop Track crosses Glentui River and takes approximately one hour. It’s a 2km, family-friendly route.
Rangiora train station © Visit Waimakariri
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 and whitewater rafting.
Geraldine Must-Do's
> Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum
> Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve
> Geraldine art scene
> Gourmet Geraldine
> Giant Jersey knitwear
> Big Rock Canyon
Peel Forest is just a few minutes’ drive from the village and offers walking and tramping tracks righton the doorstep, or you could trot through the tranquillity with a Peel Forest horse trek. If you’re visiting during the summer, Alpaca Walks has seasonal farm tours and one hour alpaca walks along the riverside. 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: the famous local cheesemaker, internationally recognised Barker’s fruit products and a chocolatier will all tempt your taste buds.
Canterbury Plains, Geraldine © Getty Images
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 skiable area of 365ha, one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island at 683m and a diverse variety of terrain, Mt Hutt revels in its 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.
Methven is a snow-sport town with a relaxed, friendly vibe.That translates to endearing cafés and bars, character accommodation options and memories in the making.
Mt Hutt Ski Area © Canterbury Tourism
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.
Mt Hutt Ski Area © Canterbury Tourism
