Visit Waimakariri, North Canterbury New Zealand - Kaiapoi, Rangiora Accommodation, Activities & Events

Family Fun in the Outdoors of the Waimakariri District

Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch is an idyllic countryside destination that offers lots of recreation choices from sandy beaches to play on, to a lake with golden sand beaches, rivers to swim and build dams in, to the foothill tracks through native bush.

The Waimakariri district is a great place to bring family to play, explore and have fun! Take your pick with the following family day out suggestions or mix it up to suit the kids; fishing, biking, sailing, kayaking, beaches and bush walks.

Family Fun in Waimakariri 2012

Fishing and biking

Explore the river town of Kaiapoi - Kaiapoi is easily accessed from the Northern Motorway, State Highway 1, just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. The Kaiapoi River meanders through the town and the riverbanks offer a great spot to cast a line. Fish for a herring or two, and in season maybe a trout (license required for trout fishing). Call into Kaiapoi i-SITE and talk with the friendly staff about hiring fishing rods, only $5 per hour per person, or hire a mountain bike to ride the local tracks, from only $19 per hour per person.

Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre
Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm, Public Holidays 11am-4pm (closed Christmas Day)
Raven Quay (temporary location), Kaiapoi
P: 03 327 3134
E: info@kaiapoivisitorcentre.co.nz

The Kaiapoi i-SITE is your ultimate source of itinerary advice and trusted local knowledge. They offer a FREE booking service for accommodation, activities and transport throughout Waimakariri district, Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand.

Sailing and kayaking

Give it a go on Pegasus Lake or go mountain biking around Pegasus Town - with a beautifully landscaped feature lake for swimming and kayaking, bike and walking trails, as well as wetlands, Pegasus Town with its park-like surroundings is a mecca for all recreation and outdoor pursuits.

Try out sailing with optimist sailing yachts, piccolos, single and double kayaks and mountain bikes available for hire at the Pegasus Lake Hire Centre. Sailing lessons are available by arrangement, and group booking available outside of open hours

Pegasus Lake Hire Centre
Open 10am-6pm, seven days from 20 December to 6 February
Weekends only from 7 February to 1 May
Open all public holidays (closed Christmas Day)
P: 03 423 9255
E: mailto:pegasus@kiwisailingschool.co.nz

Beaches

Go out to the beach at Waikuku or Woodend Beaches or mountain bike along the new Tuhaitara Coastal Track - access the beaches from State Highway One, with only a 5 minute drive through farms and lifestyle blocks, and Woodend and Waikuku Beach Holiday Parks both offer camping grounds with tent sites and cabins available and there is a bed & breakfast overlooking the Ashley Lagoon at Waikuku Beach. Playgrounds for the kids, and spacious sheltered reserves for picnicking and games of touch, soccer and cricket are available at both beaches, with a paddling pool, flying fox and tennis courts at Waikuku Beach.

The Tuhaitara Coastal Park stretches from the Waimakariri River to the Ashley River and a recently completed mountain bike track can be ridden between Woodend and Waikuku Beaches (5kms each way). The Pegasus beach access road is due for completion in late 2011 and this will offer further cycling opportunities in and around the town, with of course a compulsory coffee stop at either the Flat White Café, or Bunker Bar & Café in Pegasus.

Ice Trampolining

28 Edward St ( Mega Mitre 10 Stadium)
Rangiora
Nigel and Vicki Humphreys, Senior Coaches
03 312 7426, 021 374 201

Tumbling Classes: Power Tumbling classes are held Saturday afternoon, 1.30 - 3.30. Run by Nicki Growcott, Canterbury's leading Tumbling expert. Ideal class for extra cheerleading training and competitive Tumbling specialists.
Recreational Classes: A fun filled, exhilerating class structure, sure to improve fitness and confidence. One and one and a half hour classes available Mon, Wed & Sat.
Casual Drop In: ICE is open to all on Thursdays, 3.00 - 4.00pm and Fridays 3.30 - 4.30pm and 4.30 - 5.30pm
$5.00 charge per session, socks and drink bottle essential.
PLEASE NOTE THESE TIMES DO NOT OPERATE IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, REFER HOLIDAY PROGRAM FOR TIMES OPEN.
Pre School Classes: Full parental involvement ensures fun and learning for all. Seven Trampolines and limited numbers give plenty of active trampoline time. Great for improving balance and confidence. Sessions run Thurs 1.15 - 2.00pm for under 4, and 2.00 - 2.45 for 4-5yrs. Phone Rosie Oliver at the North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust on 03 9755562
Awesome Birthday Parties: Take the hassle out of your next child's birthday party. Interactive Trampoline fun can be followed by food and drink on site. For full details and costs click the tab above.

Bush walks

Wander the tracks at Oxford Forest, Glentui, Mt Thomas, or go for a wander and splash in the Ashley Gorge – take a picnic and experience being in the lush green bush with the sweet smells of mountain beech.These areas offer an exceptional environment in close proximity to Christchurch, from only 45 to 60 minutes drive to be stepping out amongst beautiful native bush and woodland surroundings. Choose from walks of only half an hour, to an hour or two, and even full day hikes that will give you impressive views across the Canterbury plains to Banks Peninsula.

Mt Oxford, Glentui and Mt Richardson and Mt Thomas all have formed and market tracks that are part of the North Canterbury Foothills Forests maintained by the Department of Conservation. A camping ground and picnic area is very popular summer destination with holiday makers and visitors at the Ashley Gorge.

Pick up a free Waimakariri Walking & Cycling Guide from the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre or the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park or email for a copy of the guide to be posted to you. The Department of Conservation North Canterbury Foothills booklet is also available at Kaiapoi i-SITE for only $2.