Discover The Diverse And Exciting Waimakariri
Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch’s hustle and bustle is a region of vast natural beauty, slower paced country towns, and beach settlements offering their own unique experience.
Waimakariri is home to more than 10kms of beach, two conservation areas in the foothills of the Southern Alps, two regional parks, wetlands and lakes, all with cycling and walking tracks ready to explore.
Check out the region’s braided rivers for fishing and jet boating, golf courses for a lazy Sunday, and cute towns and character villages brimming with cafes and boutique eateries.
Expect a friendly local welcome whether you’re looking for a campground, a BnB or a luxury lodge. Waimakariri is the place to stay.
Towns In Waimakariri
From rural and beach settlements, to bustling towns and urban landscapes, Waimakariri is home to a diverse built environment. Discover the laid back country towns of Oxford and Cust Village, or step it up in the bigger towns of Rangiora and Kaiapoi. You’ll find river boats and breweries, quality cafes and cinemas, art galleries and artisan shops. It’s all here waiting for you to discover.
Cycling In Waimakariri
This region is stacked with ways to enjoy a two-wheeled adventure. Trails take you from beach settlement to town centre, foothill to foodie hub. Choose your own adventure by linking up more than 60kms of trails on the eastern side of Waimakariri. Bored with the flat? Head to the hills and take your ride to new heights in Mount Oxford and Mount Richardson.
Water Adventure In Waimakariri
Waimakariri is a playground for adventure-seekers, with rivers and rapids, surf beaches and streams. Take your pick of water activities from shallow river jet boating to skimming the rapids in NZ’s first airboat. Jump onto a paddle boat on the Kaiapoi River, hire a kayak or SUP for a more individual adventure, or surf the east coast beaches.
Walking in Waimakariri
Hit the road, the trail, the mountain path – it’s all on offer in Waimakariri. Run along river banks, trek between towns, wander through wetlands or take on a mountain mission. Waimakariri is home to the Mt Thomas Conservation Area with one-day and multi-day tramps on offer, and there are bush walks scattered across the region. Strap on the boots and explore.
Inspire Me
Inspire Me
Explore the Region
The Waimakariri You Didn’t Know
Stacked with adrenalin adventure and serene escapes, natural wonders and character towns, Waimakariri is well worth the short jaunt up the road from the city.
A Day in Waimakariri
With so much to explore in the Waimakariri District, why not make a day of it!
