Take your pick of a great selection of short walks that are perfect for all ages.
Walk by the sea, a lake, a river, and through native bush in the foothill forests.
Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch and you can be walking in the fresh air of the Waimakariri district.
Pack the picnic basket, gather up your family and friends and head to the great outdoors of the Waimakariri district. Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch is an idyllic countryside destination that offers lots of choices for short walks from sandy beaches, to a lake with golden sand beaches, wetlands, river side tracks, to the foothill tracks through native bush.
Short Walks in Waimakariri 2012
Take your pick from the following short walk suggestions, suitable for all ages….
Northbrook Wetlands, Rangiora – 30 minutes return
The tracks through the wetlands are also ideal for kids on bikes as well as being wheelchair friendly.
Matawai Park, Rangiora – 15 to 30 minutes return
The 4 hectare native park located in the centre of Rangiora, is planted to reflect Canterbury’s hill country, plains and swamp vegetation.
Pegasus Lake – 20 to 45 minutes return
The new lake is a great destination for walking, with a formed track all the way round and golden sandy beaches at the lake edge.
Woodend Beach and Waikuku Beach
Walk along beside the sea for as long or as far as you choose, and enjoy the sound of the waves, the smell of the fresh air and the stunning views; out to sea, across to Banks Peninsula and the hills of Waipara.
Ohoka Stream Historic Walk – 40 minutes return
Located within the country lifestyle area of Ohoka, is a walkway that you can follow around the village and discover the historic homes and places.
Kaiapoi 150yr Walkway – 30 minutes to 1 hour return
Following the Kaiapoi River, this walk can be started at any point in the town centre. Most of the walkway is open and you can contact Kaiapoi i-SITE to get an update of the track and bridge access.
Mears Track, Oxford – 20 minutes return
Located only 5 minutes drive from Oxford, this walking track is one of the last stands of native bush close to the township. The track is well marked, and is a great place to introduce young children to walking in the bush.
Glentui Loop Track / Glentui Waterfall Track - 30 minutes and 1 hour return
This is a very popular recreational area with two shorter tracks that are ideal for enjoying the native bush and bird life.
Mt Thomas; Kereru Track / Forest Track – 1 to 2 hours return.
This is an excellent area to walk and the Kereru and Forest tracks are very pretty bush walks. The Wooded Gully camping and picnic area offer lots of neat grassy areas for picnicking and to set up camp for overnights stays.
These walks are all included in the Waimakariri Walking & Cycling brochure: Waimakariri Walking & Cycling Guide
Need a coffee and refreshments after your walk? We suggest you stop in at….
Rangiora – The Good Street Deli, Blue Rooster, Artisan Bakery
Pegasus – Flat White Café and Bunker Bar & Café
Ohoka – Ohoka Farmers Market, every Friday morning 9am – 12.30pm
Kaiapoi –Kaiapoi Club
Oxford –Seagars and Café 51
Cust – Route 72 Café Bar & Emporium
For more information about these short walks, accommodation options, and cafes, contact the friendly staff at the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre for personal assistance .
Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre
Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Raven Quay, Kaiapoi
P: 03 327 3134
E: info@kaiapoivisitorcentre.co.nz
