The walking and cycling tracks in the Waimakariri, North Canterbury will take you from the rivers, to the coastline of wide sandy beaches, through townships and to the lush foothill forests nestled below the mountains.

Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch - explore the natural environment of Waimakariri, North Canterbury.

Click here for a map of the Waimakariri
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Just a few minutes drive out of Oxford is a lovely walking track, perfect for all ages and a great place to take a picnic. The track meanders through a stand of native bush and takes about 20 minutes to walk. If you set out walking from Oxford, allow 2 hours.

Of course a coffee afterwards is a must, call into Cafe 51 or Seagars at Oxford, then take a wander in next door at Arts in Oxford (new from 25 February 2010), and then pop in to visit Emma in Emma's at Oxford.

Planning to stay in Oxford? We recommend staying at Villa Rosa Oxford B & B Hielan House Countrystay B & BWaimakariri Lodge or nearby at the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park

Adobe Acrobat DocumentOxford Walking Tracks
Adobe Acrobat DocumentOxford Walking Tracks Map

 

 Northbrook Wetlands walking track, Rangiora

Only got time for an hours walk? The Waimakariri district has a great selection of walking tracks from 20 minutes to a couple of hours that will take you along sandy beaches, by lakes, rivers and wetlands or through the native bush.

Here is a great selection of short walks for you, your family and friends:
Adobe Acrobat DocumentShort Walks in Waimakariri

Experience an adventure playground in the country lifestyle district of Waimakariri, between the mighty Waimakariri River and just beyond it's northern partner, the Ashley River. Along with the walking and cycling tracks there is an abundance of great activities and family fun to be discovered just north of Christchurch. Hire a bike and discover the towns of Kaiapoi and Pegasus.

Keen to meet up with local cyclists? For road bikers and mountain bikers, there is a very active club with members that are out riding the local roads and tracks every week.  For more information visit North Canterbury Cycle Club and the members will make you feel very welcome!

The Waimakariri's Walking & Cycling Guide, features over 50 tracks, which are suitable for all levels of fitness.
Contact Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre for a copy of the guide, or download a copy here: Adobe Acrobat DocumentWaimakariri Walking & Cycling Guide
 
The popular Short Walks in Waimakariri:  Adobe Acrobat DocumentShort Walks in Waimakariri 2012

New for Summer 2012, Family Fun Itineraries featuring foothills walking tracks: Adobe Acrobat DocumentFamily Fun in Waimakariri 2012

 

 Northbrook Wetlands  © Ann Worthy
 Biking around Pegasus Lake, North Canterbury
 © Christchurch Photographic Society
 Poynter Track Lookout, Kaiapoi River, Waimakariri River

 

Information on day walks, hiking routes, cycling & mountain biking tracks in Waimakariri, North Canterbury, New Zealand.