SELWYN.NZ

visitors guide Kia ora Contents

4 WELCOME TO SELWYN 6 MAP 8 EXPERIENCE SELWYN 10 EXPLORE BY FOOT 12 EXPLORE BY BIKE 14 PASTURE TO PLATE 16 SKI SELWYN 18 GOLF 19 GARDENS OF SELWYN 20 EXPLORE OUR TOWNS 21 PREPARE FOR THE ELEMENTS 22 TOUR ITINERARIES 24 LISTINGS: Activities & Attractions 24 Food & Drink 28 Transport 29 Accommodation 29

2 visit SELWYN.NZ 3 Kia ora WELCOMEFrom the Slopes TOto SELWYN the Sea

Explore selwyn your way at your own pace intro text to go here.

From the are home to century old farms, new industry, artisans, growers mountains to and producers. the sea Only 20 minutes from Selwyn is a dynamic region , Selwyn has of diverse landscapes. The plenty to offer our visitors, stunning Southern Alps rise whether it’s for an afternoon, up against the skyline, behind a daytrip or a minibreak. See rugged ridges and rolling what awaits you in Selwyn, foothills. Stretching between from the mountains, plains the two magni cent braided and the sea. rivers, Waimakariri and , Selwyn’s patchwork like plains

4 From the people Selwyn is rich with its fertile soils and lush pastures. Selwyn Selwyn district lies within is home to Lincoln University, the takiw¯a of Ng¯ai Tahu. the oldest agricultural teaching Te Taumutu Ru¯nanga have institution in the Southern shed the abundant waters of Hemisphere. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere for The people of Selwyn bring hundreds of years and still do their character and love of to this day. Traditionally Ma¯ori the district into their fresh would hunt and products. Meet the locals and along the Waikirikiri/Selwyn producers and get great insight River, providing food for hunting into the region and its history at parties, and travellers between the township markets, shops or the islands. farm gate stores. Often considered the breadbasket of ,

visit SELWYN.NZ 5 explore SelwynFrom district Townshipthe locations Slopes and main arterial routes Hurunui district Greyto the Sea district Explore selwyn your way at your own pace intro text to go here.

Westland district TO WEST COAST

Arthur’s Pass

Great Alpine Highway 73

Kura Ta¯whiti /Castle Hill Spring eld

Inland Scenic Route

Lake Coleridge

Lake Coleridge

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Ashburton district TO LAKE TEKAPO AND QUEENSTOWN Follow us: Selwyn NZ @selwyn.nz Visit: selwyn.nz

6 Hurunui district

SELWYN DISTRICT

Rangiora Waimakariri district

Oxford

West Melton Sheffield

Inland Scenic Route 72 Darfield Rolleston Lincoln

Glentunnel

Dunsandel Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere

Leeston

Rakaia River Southbridge

Rakaia Huts

TO DUNEDIN

visit SELWYN.NZ 7 ADVENTURE From Experiencethe Slopes Selwynto the Sea

Explore selwyn your way at your own pace intro text to go here.

The Selwyn region Appreciate the night sky full appeals to culture of stars or simply taste what lovers, nature lovers, delicious produce the region has on offer from the farmer’s thrill seekers and markets or vineyards. connoisseurs of life’s nest things. Flowing from the Our activities are as diverse mountains to the as the landscapes. The hills mighty Paci c Ocean, and mountains offer a wealth the rivers, lakes of activities, from skiing and sea bring life to mountain biking, hot air to Selwyn. ballooning or horse trekking in the high country. Try jetboating in the beautiful surroundings of the foothills. Lovers of nature can visit award Alpine Jet Canyon Safaris winning gardens and historical departs from near Spring eld homesteads or walk through to view the Waimakariri canyon native bush and wetlands. from the river. Tramp to the

8 viewing platform or take the Discovery Jet at . Highlights

Fish at one of the many JET BOATING beautiful unspoilt spots along the coast and rivers. Try surf HORSE TREKKING shing at for blue moki and kahawai or sh FARM TOURS for in the or Lake Coleridge. HOT AIR BALLOONING Brown and rainbow trout are TROUT FISHING also abundant in the smaller lakes nearby. LOCAL MARKETS Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere ART GALLERIES opens to the ocean and is home to 166 species of birds THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA and 43 species of sh. FILM LOCATION

Get away from the crowds SKIING and relax beside the waters of Selwyn.

visit SELWYN.NZ 9 adventure explore by foot

Selwyn has a wide The Willows in West Melton range of walks and follows the beautiful trails that cater for Waimakariri River and is a great place for the family including all abilities, ages and the dog, for a bike ride, walk tness levels. or picnic. Discover abundant bird life at Walk to the Washpen Falls near Ellesmere’s Hart Creek reserve, , famous for the walk through the University regeneration of Southern Rata township of Lincoln and learn and spectacular views across of its early settler history. the to the For something a little more sea. Learn while you tread the challenging try the Coalgate Lake Coleridge Historical Walk millennium walkway which or stretch your legs to reach takes you across a working the lookout on the Rakaia River farm. The leafy shade of Gorge Walk. McHugh’s Forest in Dar eld, At Kura Ta¯whiti/Castle Hill, get established in 1893, provides close to the limestone outcrops a cooling stroll through giant or explore the 362 metre long pine trees.

10 cave at Cave Stream. Highlights For a bit more of a challenge head into the mountains where HELICOPTER HILL some great walks can be found at Craigieburn Forest Park or DEVILS PUNCHBOWL Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands ¯ Park. Selwyn’s high country KURA TAWHITI/CASTLE HILL offers longer tramps. Head BEALEY SPUR up Peak Hill or join up with Te Araroa, New Zealand’s RAKAIA GORGE WALKWAY National Pathway. WASHPEN FALLS Feel the pull of the mountains listen to the silence of the CAVE STREAM Alps and see the beauty that is Selwyn.

visit SELWYN.NZ 11 adventure Explore by bike

Appreciate Selwyn’s wetland reserve of Te Waihora/ beautiful landscapes Lake Ellesmere and Te Roto by bike with a trail o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth. for all abilities. Poulter Valley duel mountain biking and walking track offers Explore the hidden sights of great scenery with challenging the rural valleys, wetlands and parts of the trail. A hut is foothills of the region while available to stay with tickets getting your heart pumping. purchased from Department of Take the family out on one of Conservation. Selwyn’s easier bike trails. The For more challenging tracks Little River Rail Trail follows the near Kura Ta¯whiti/Castle Hill, old rail corridor from Hornby attempt one of the Craigieburn through Prebbleton, Lincoln, trails with views over Lake Motukarara and Birdlings Lyndon. Flat. It passes through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury plains, loops around hills and borders the native

12 Highlights

LITTLE RIVER RAIL TRAIL

CRAIGEBURN TRAILS

MCHUGHS FOREST

THE WILLOWS

POULTER VALLEY

KOROWAI TORLESSE TUSSOCKLANDS

visit SELWYN.NZ 13 taste

From Pasture to plate

Selwyn’s plains are a patchwork of vineyards, elds and farms stretching to the mountains.

An Abundance Along with preserves and sauces produced from Selwyn of Locally fruit and nut trees. Make sure produced Food you try those delicious hand crafted artisan chocolates too. Our producers are hard- working and creative, bringing Support local producers and try their vibrant attitudes and the products grown and lovingly sustainable practises to made, from the land. their products. Selwyn produces foods as DISCOVER our varied as saffron, honey, olive Tasty beverages oil and sheep milk gelato to Italian-style buffalo cheeses Stop by one of our boutique like mozzarella, halloumi wineries with delicious food, and ricotta. wine tastings or cellar door specials. Visit our cafes and shops which stock our local products. If beer is more to your taste, Here you’ll nd organic and take a brewery tour in Lincoln gourmet goodies for the and nd out what makes our health-conscious foodie. local craft beers special.

14 Try some sparkling and still juices using the natural FARMERS MARKETS avours of berries and fruits sourced locally. LINCOLN

TAI TAPU Markets and fruit picking ROLLESTON PREBBLETON For the berry lovers, head to one of the local blueberry or DARFIELD gooseberry orchards and pick your own. WEST MELTON

Taste some local produce and chat with the cheesemakers, trufe, saffron or nut growers, brewers and winemakers at one of the many farmer’s markets. Get the story behind the avours. Taste the Selwyn difference.

visit SELWYN.NZ 15 Adventure From Fromthe Slopes theto the Sea

SlopesExplore selwyn your way at your own pace intro You’lltext be to spoilt go here. for choice, with six ski elds to choose from.

Accommodation lodges are available at most of the ski elds so make a weekend of it. Check out each of the ski Skiers and snowboarders have eld websites for what’s on this a wealth of opportunities with season. the six ski elds Selwyn has For something a bit different, to offer. Mt Cheeseman has Selwyn's Just over 90 minutes’ drive only outdoor skating rink next from Christchurch, Selwyn’s to Forest Lodge; or try out Mt snow elds offer uncrowded Olympus has a great hot tub to slopes, kiwi hospitality and relax in after your day skiing. easy access to some of the Ski gear can be hired from best off-piste skiing in the Gnomes Alpine Sports in world. Dar eld for custom boot tting Porters, Mt Cheeseman, and gear hire. Temple Basin, Mt Olympus, Craigieburn and Broken River offer a variety of family friendly experiences and all skill levels.

16 Stay the night Ski Fields Accommodation close to or even on mountain is plentiful BROKEN RIVER from the foothills through to MT CHEESEMAN Arthurs Pass. All six ski elds have on the PORTER HEIGHTS mountain accommodation and CRAIGIEBURN unique experiences for the whole family to try. TEMPLE BASIN Motels, B&Bs and hostels MT OLYMPUS can be found in Spring eld or if a bit of luxury is what you are after there are a number of ve star lodges that are located along the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73).

visit SELWYN.NZ 17 experience From GOLFthe Slopeswith a differenceto the Sea

Explore selwyn your way at your own pace intro text to go here.

Practise your swing golf course nestled beneath the while enjoying the Southern Alps. views of Selwyn’s rolling foothills.

Our eight golf courses are as challenging and varied as Golf clubs Selwyn’s landscapes. They cater to players of all levels, BURNHAM from beginners to advanced. ELLESMERE Play the lush green fairways GREENDALE of Tai Tapu at the foot of the Otahuna Valley or walk the HORORATA peaceful elds of Greendale. The picturesque Hororata LINCOLN course is spread across TAI TAPU the terraces of the Selwyn River, while Terrace Downs TERRACE DOWNS provides the region with a WEEDONS COUNTRY CLUB championship grade, 18-hole

18 gardens inspired Highlights TAI TAPU SCULPTURE GARDEN by The TERRACE STATION HERITAGE GARDEN Land BROADFIELD GARDENS CASA ROSSA GARDENS

CEDAR PARK GARDENS

Visit some of our give an appreciation of our wild, award-winning dynamic and extreme scenery. gardens and historical Living in this environment can be dif cult and private gardens homesteads with their are seen and enjoyed as a safe own character and haven and paradise. distinct identity When planning a journey, Exhibiting quality design and please contact the garden large native plant collections owners in advance to check these gardens are maintained opening hours and make to a high standard. an appointment. Modern examples of land use show a range in our country lifestyle gardens from native indigenous-inspired wilderness to sculpture gardens. You will feel inspired to get creative in your own garden. Selwyn’s high country stations

visit SELWYN.NZ 19 visit From explorethe Slopes ourto the Sea

townsExplore selwyn your way at your own pace intro text to go here.

Interesting villages grounds, to self-catering and character and motel options close to townships. townships, they all have their own unique charm. There are plenty of places to If you’re heading to Te Waihora/ stop, whether it’s for a bite to Lake Ellesmere or the Little eat at one of the local cafes or River Rail Trail, take a scenic an overnight stay. route and make Tai Tapu your Most of the region’s population halfway stop. Visit one of the live on the plains. Rolleston is local cafes or country gardens, now the largest town in Selwyn have a picnic in the domain or closely followed by Lincoln explore the historic library. which draws people to the Whether you’re looking to head region with its university. out for a day trip or taking a Selwyn has a variety of few days to explore, check out accommodation options from some of our top recommended staying close to nature in one of itineraries at selwyn.nz. the boutique lodges or camping

20 weather Prepare for the elements

Selwyn has a The far east of the Selwyn vast geographical District on the coast line, near landscape and the Rakaia Huts and Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere, you can weather can vary often expect to see coastal across the district. climate conditions. For much Make sure you’re prepared and of the year, the temperature travel safely, especially if out is moderated by a cool north- enjoying the many walks and easterly sea breeze. biking tracks in the district or Inland, near the more central travelling on some of the windy areas in Selwyn, such as the country roads. West Melton and Dar eld Starting in the Alps, Arthurs townships, the climate is Pass and Lake Coleridge very dependent on the lie of weather can vary greatly with the Southern Alps. Summer hot dry summers ranging from temperatures are warm, 20-30 degrees Celsius down to however over winter it’s often 10 degrees in one day, and to cold, with overnight frosts a below freezing in the winter. frequent occurrence.

visit SELWYN.NZ 21 experience

Tour itineraries

Experience jaw-dropping scenery as you travel through our region

The Great Burnham and grab a bottle of Alpine Highway locally produced wine. State Highway 73 is the The Great Alpine Highway gateway to six of our districts (SH73) from Christchurch to the ski elds. To fuel yourself up West Coast is a 3.5 hour drive, along the way stop off at one taking you through stunning of the eateries in Dar eld, alpine vistas, across the Shef eld or Spring eld. Canterbury Plains, past lakes and rivers into Arthur’s Pass If you are travelling early in the National Park. morning, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse The journey can be completed of a hot air balloon drifting by road or train with across the sky. Plan ahead uninterrupted scenic views to experience an incredible across the plains and into the balloon ight. Further up the foothills and mountains. road stop off and go horse As you leave Christchurch, trekking in the high country. be sure to stop at one of the wineries in West Melton or

22 Some of the Selwyn Districts’ This route encapsulates the most stunning scenery exists quintessential Kiwi country through Kura Ta¯whiti/Castle drive taking in four very distinct Hill and Arthur’s Pass National districts including Selwyn. Park. As you travel through the The rolling farmland in Hororata mountains, just off the highway gives way to the foothills and the are walking and biking tracks majestic peaks of the Southern and camping areas for all to Alps, straight roads and big skies enjoy. make for a spectacular trip. Visit some of our quaint country The Inland townships on route such as Scenic Route , see golf courses, historic buildings and unique Take a relaxing journey through landmarks. Discover great picnic the heartland of New Zealand. and camping spots in the Rakaia Whether travelling from south Gorge surrounded by the views to north, or north to south, the Selwyn prides itself on. Inland Scenic Route (SH72) is one of New Zealand’s great drives and a must do for all visitors to the district.

visit SELWYN.NZ 23 Activities & Attractions 24 visit

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Activities & Attractions Activities & Attractions times by arrangement. Adults $15 children free. Picnics welcome. $15 welcome. Picnics free. Adults children by arrangement. times other 4.30pm to 8am &Saturday Wednesday Open interest. round Year minimising methods. maintenance well in Canterbury do that Plants ideas. planting and design of number Huge lillies more. and water roses, rhododendron, lillies, perenials, plants, forest kauri other of +100 species trees 100 kauri daffodils, camellia, trees, beech for 120m 140m 27 years border canal, gardens established NZ sections 20 winner. award Multi 3hectares garden. Trust 6star Gardens NZ www.gardenstovisit.co.nz (broad eld-estates) [email protected] 099 4334 27 +64 Rolleston) (near Broad eld Road, Selwyn 250 0800 26 36 26 or +64 3 385 1478 3385 +64 or 26 36 26 0800 Road, Spring eldOtarama banks. shingle and faces cliff past rapids, and waters low – through journey exciting an on off takes boat jet the as ON River, HOLD and Waimakariri the surrounding scenery alpine and excitement. breath-taking Enjoy the ofcombination scenery agreat offers experience boating jet This Alps. Southern the of foothills the through canyon Waimakariri mighty the into deep you take boats jet our as spins, jet Hamilton famous world the Experience www.alpinejetthrills.co.nz [email protected] 26 BROADFIELD GARDENS BROADFIELD ALPINE THRILLS JET

BALLOONING CANTERBURY DOWN BY THE LIFFEY GALLERY LIFFEY THE BY DOWN CASA ROSSA GARDEN & BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION &BOUTIQUE GARDEN ROSSA CASA BROKEN RIVER SKI AREA SKI RIVER BROKEN www.ballooningcanterbury.co.nz [email protected] 972 9154 27 +64 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata opportunities. photo fantastic with landscape ever changing An Alps. Southern Plains to the Canterbury the across view panoramic Enjoy www.downbytheliffeygallery.com [email protected] 2877 3325 +64 1 Lincoln James Street, shop. gallery our at purchased be can cards and Gifts weeks. four change every Exhibitions artists. for local providing a showcase gallery, art community Lincoln’s location. Open by appointment. photography & elopements, weddings accommodation, boutique signi cance, national of garden show 5 star www.casarossa.co.nz [email protected] 260 0787 22 +64 Melton West Road, Jowers 203 www.brokenriver.co.nz [email protected] 3318 7270 +64 Park Craigieburn Conservation alpine setting. in astunning accommodation On-mountain terrain. off-piste and Groomed and laid-back. friendly Uncrowded, experience. Unique, ski authentic kiwi

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SELWYN.NZ

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Activities & Attractions Food & Drink Activities & Attractions 28 www.meltonestate.co.nz [email protected] 4968 3347 +64 Weedons Ross Road, West Melton Love Summer of home the is Estate Melton sustainability. on afocus with viticulture traditional using crafted all hand wines, 8different We produce airport. 15mins Christchurch Just from restaurant. winery popular our for and shows events, Christmas weddings, hosting for many to known is Estate Melton in 2002, venue. Established event and restaurant winery Melton West our from wine boutique beautiful and hospitality award-winning offering destination wine Canterbury A favourite CHOCOLATE TRADERS HIGH COUNTRY HORSE ADVENTURES MELTON ESTATE MELTON

®

Sparkling.

www.chocolatetraders.co.nz [email protected] 798 384 0800 Robinsons 205 Road, Ladbrooks viewing window. our through confections handcrafted our making work at busy chocolatier our watch and boutique chocolate our Visit www.horsetreklakecoleridge.co.nz [email protected] 280 0274 507 or 3318 5049 +64 Coleridge Lake Place, 1 Hart Village. Coleridge Lake from multi day trail rides. Departing day, Part horseback! full day and on high country the Experience

NZ LOOK SHUTTLES

Airport transfers 24/7 and private charters. You deserve a

quality service that’s good value. Transport We genuinely enjoy making that happen – every time!

+64 27 887 7701 [email protected] www.nzlookshuttles.co.nz

LINCOLN MOTEL Accommodation

Lincoln Motel is situated in the heart of the beautiful rural township of Lincoln in a quiet position, offering modern comfort. Just 15 minutes drive south of Christchurch. Conveniently located to Lincoln University, Crown Research Centres, Lincoln Events Centre, restaurants, bars, shops, golf course, walkways and Little River Rail Trail. Close proximity to local wedding venues in Tai Tapu, Prebbleton and Lincoln. Within 1 hour drive of . 21 units consisting of studios and one and two bedroom units.

6 Maurice Street, Lincoln +64 3 974 1620 or 0800 001 689 [email protected] www.lincolnmotel.co.nz

ARTHUR’S PASS ALPINE MOTEL

Our gem in the Southern Alps. Fully self contained cabins nestled among the mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park.

13969 West Coast Road, State Highway 73, Arthur’s Pass +64 3 318 9233 [email protected] www.apam.co.nz

visit SELWYN.NZ 29 CEDAR PARK GARDENS B&B

Enjoy our peaceful, well- established fully assessed B&B, set in 1.5 acres of stunning award-winning gardens – only

Accommodation 1.5km off SH1 at Rolleston.

101B Lowes Road, Rolleston +64 3 347 7605 [email protected] www.cedarparkgardens.co.nz

CHELSEA LODGE MOTEL AND B&B

A cosy self-contained cottage in the beautiful countryside of Glentunnel, perfect for visitors looking to relax and switch off.

3 Charles Street, Glentunnel +64 3 318 2700 (Please telephone for bookings)

FOREST LODGE

Serene off-grid mountain lodge nestled in the Craigieburn Range. Unique backpacker accommodation with self- catering kitchen for $35 a night.

Mt Cheeseman Ski eld Road, Castle Hill, ph +64 3 318 8601 [email protected] www.forestlodge.info

GARDEN VIEW BED & BREAKFAST

Wander around these exceptional surroundings, enjoy the hospitality at Garden View Bed & Breakfast; an oasis of peace and quiet.

133 Lowes Road, Rolleston 0800 722 262 or +64 27 6014344 [email protected] www.gardenviewbandbnz.com

30 ROLLESTON HIGHWAY MOTEL Accommodation

We are a modern 28-unit motel complex with ample parking in the heart of Rolleston. Close to shops, restaurants, bars and cafés, the new aquatic centre, TranzAlpine stop, Christchurch airport, top class golf courses and wedding venues. Just minutes away from Izone & Iport business hubs in Rolleston. We are well located for a stop over if you are traveling further north or south, or a great place to stay when visiting family and friends.

10D Chaucer Street, Rolleston +64 3 347 2326 [email protected] www.rollestonhighwaymotel.co.nz

WAIPUNA ESTATE

Set in a tranquil location in the hills above the Canterbury Plains, we offer a unique, luxurious space to unwind.

131 Gerkins Road, Tai Tapu +64 3 329 6130 [email protected] www.waipunaestate.nz

visit SELWYN.NZ 31 Information centres

Visit an information centre for information, brochures and guidance on what Selwyn has to offer.

Arthurs Pass National Park Visitor Centre 106 Main West Coast Road Arthur’s Pass +64 3 318 9211

Christchurch Airport i-SITE Visitor Information Centre International Arrivals Hall +64 3 741 3980

Dar eld Library and Service Centre 1 South Terrace, Dar eld +64 3 318 7780

Leeston Library and Service Centre 19 Messines Street, Leeston +64 3 347 2871

Lincoln Library and Service Centre 22 Gerald Street, Lincoln +64 3 347 2876

Rolleston Library 94 Rolleston Drive, Rolleston +64 3 347 2880