ROAD TRIP - Amberley to Geraldine

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

This route follows along thefoothills 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

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

OXFORD FARMERS’ MARKET Every Sunday, local producers gather to sell their wares. A tradition farmers market. Open year round, Sundays 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.

Oxford sign

© Visit Waimakariri

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.

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 stars.

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.

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.

ŌPUKE THERMAL POOLS & SPAS Located in Methven, you’ll find an idyllic environment for all including adult-exclusive hot pools with pool-side canapés and drinks as well as a kid’s aqua play area with a ‘crazy river’ and a ‘leap of faith’ plunge pool.

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.

Rafting on Rangitata River

© South Canterbury Tourism

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.

Oxford Forest Conservation Area

© Visit Waimakariri

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 also can enjoy a brisk walk or cycle at Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park, with pathways skimming the river’s edge and weaving through the forests.

Rangiora Railway Station

© Visit Waimakariri

TOP WALKS

OXFORD MILLENNIUM LOOKOUT WALK This walk goes through the town and up the foothills where the top reveals excellent views of the Canterbury Plains and out to the Port Hills in Christchurch. 1-hour return

PEEL FOREST PARK SCENIC RESERVE has extensive walking tracks from the awe inspiring 30-minute Big Tree Walk to the heady heights of Little Mt Peel, the climb to its 1311m summit is a walk of several hours.

Walking In Waimakariri

© 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, white-water rafting and Big Rock canyoning.albot Forest is a convenient fiveminute stroll from Geraldine’s main

> Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum

> Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve

> Geraldine Art Scene

> Gourmet Geraldine

> Barker’s Foodstore

> Big Rock Canyon

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. 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. Settle in for the evening at the Valley Brewing Company in Gapes Valley, around a 6-minute drive from Geraldine for an evening stargazing with the brewer.

Pioneer Park, Geraldine

© Jason Menard

METHVEN & MT HUTT SKI AREA

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.

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 dining

© Julian Apse