www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz BEACHES OF WAIMAKARIRI Discover Waimakariri’s walks and cycleways Tuhaitara Coastal Park

natural adventure playground (part only) Stretching from the to the A fun and interesting way to explore Kaiapoi, ‘North Ashley River is an area of Canterbury’s river town’, is by cycle or on foot. You can INTRODUCTION TRACK VARIETY 580ha of coastline that is choose the route and length of your ride or walk, along the Try the variety of tracks outlined in this useful guide and under the management of The country lifestyle district of Waimakariri is based in riverbank and across the Kaiapoi river bridges. experience this district’s rich human and natural heritage – a the Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara the heartland of the , only 20 minutes north 15 minutes – 1 hour.

of . diversity that encompasses mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, Trust. The Tuhaitara

wetland reserves and beaches. Coastal Park is a special Richardson

In this district you will discover an adventure environment that offers Mt and playground in the countryside that lies between the There are tracks for all levels of experience, fitness and ecological, educational,

ability. The tracks provide access to sites with beautiful Waimakariri River, and just beyond its northern partner, cultural and recreational Area Conservation

the Ashley River. panoramic views, historic, cultural or spiritual significance and opportunities for all who Forest Thomas Mt opportunities to explore the backcountry. Northbrook Wetlands visit. www.tuhaitarapark.org.nz

Kairaki, Pines, Area Conservation Forest Oxford Kaiapoi Island Woodend and Beaches

The Northbrook Wetlands was once the site of early European Rivers and Beaches industry including; flax mills, a brewery, fellmongery and a Pegasus

(part only) tannery. In recent years restoration of this area has created an extensive wildlife and recreation reserve. As well as the Oxford

remnants of the past, in the native plantings there is space for These beach settlements Rangiora Kaiapoi Island is the most birds to breed, tracks to wander and for kids to ride their bikes

popular access point to provide picnic spaces, along. 30 minutes return. Kaiapoi the lower reaches of the children’s playground Waimakariri River Regional Matawai Park areas, and access out to Park. The main entrance the wide sandy beaches to the Kaiapoi Island is at for fishing, swimming, Wrights road, off the old surfing, walking, Main North Road Bridge. horse riding, building There is also access onto sandcastles and playing the stop bank by foot or hide ‘n seek in the sand cycle from Raven Quay, A native park of plant dunes. Kaiapoi. Cycle and walking communities established Cycling and walking track from Kaiapoi to Pines Beach tracks link to upstream destinations and to areas outside the from Canterbury wild alongside Beach Road. Camping grounds are located in close park. Public toilets and the main information kiosk are located plants; lowland podocarp, proximity to the beach at , Woodend and Waikuku. adjacent to the main entrance. swamp beech forest, churn tussock, grassland Track

Kaiapoi Lakes and coastal. Explore

the many tracks in the A relatively easy walk that can start at the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visi- ZEALAND NEW CANTERBURY, NORTH park that wind through tor Centre and features about 15 km of wide track for walkers, GUIDE WAIMAKARIRI

bushy dells and open runners, and cyclists. The walking track traverses wide river

flats and reaches Kairaki and Pines beaches in an hour and a info secluded alcoves or CYCLING & WALKING Kaiapoi Lakes is known as Nga Tapuwae o Mua (footsteps bigger grassy spaces. half. Some of this track crosses private farmland and there are of the past) and is a perfect place for picnics, bird Great for family walks signs up that state “No Dogs”. Further stages of the walkway watching,catch and release fishing and walking. The and picnics. 30 minutes follow the coastline through pine plantations and sand dunes immediate and surrounding areas are of high significance to return. to reach Woodend beach and finally Waikuku beach, and Maori and is an integral part of Waimakariri history. is approx. 5 hours to walk one way.

KAIAPOI Mike Kean Walkway – Ashley River FOR YOUR SAFETY CHOOSING A TRACK Kaiapoi Lakes • Choose a track in keeping with your experience, fitness The various maps indicate the location of the tracks that and ability are described in this guide. The track description has a symbol listing that provides additional information about This walking track follows • Allow enough time to walk at your own pace facilities, opportunities and requirements. alongside the Ashley River, • Keep young children in sight To Rangiora commencing by the Ashley t To Pines & River Bridge Picnic Area, Lineside Rd S Karaki Beach • Wear comfortable footwear Smith St Inland Scenic Route 72. Beach Rd Follow the winding track • Dress for the weather (be prepared for it to change) K aia to beaches & river m to the railway bridge and p Williams Rive oi outh • Stay on the track r return along the stop bank Toilets Disabled Disabled Wildlife Charles S Pegasus Bay access toilets access otorway Walkway or track. The braided • On longer walks, carry warm clothing, adequate food M t

n Ashley River is home to the and water Raven Quay wrybill and the river bed Rakahuri Walkway • Tell someone where you are going NCF is a significant breeding Reserve Norther Lookout ground for this endangered • Take care in the foothill forests for wasps from January Dogs on Courtenay No dogs Picnicking Lookout Rd bird. 20 minutes return. to March each year. It is recommended that forest users leash Lake EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE carry wasp kits as a precaution. These are generally Informal mountain biking This walkway starts on the stop bank at the end of Park Courtenay Dr and bookings throughout available from chemists. tracks are formed along and on either side of the stop banks Terrace, Waikuku Beach and you can choose from following Courtenay Waimakariri of the Ashley River in this area – cyclists take care and watch the track down into the lagoon area or continuing along the Stream River stop bank to the SH1 road bridge. Return along riverbed Visit the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for what Playground Fishing Swimming Interpretation for other track users. tracks, with options of to see and do throughout the and Panels Main North Rd rejoining the stop bank New Zealand. Protect plants and animals Tram Rd RANGIORA track. The riverbed tracks We also provide Department of Conservation brochures, lead to the Ashley River hut tickets and sell Fishing Licences. Remove rubbish To Oxford Map Not to Scale Ashley River Not all roads shown Keep streams and lakes clean mouth and at low tide the • Free booking Service Keep to the track Parking Camping Barbeque Mountain Ashley River estuary can be crossed biking/ Mike Kean • Tours Consider others Bridge Picnic

cycling Walkway and a return along the area e Respect our cultural heritage PEGASUS beach or estuary. Views • Activities Enjoy your visit The Pegasus Lake is a great destination for walking and Av of the Ashley River, • Accommodation Toitu te whenua cycling, with a formed track all the way round. 20 to 45 Saltwater Creek • Transport

(leave the land undisturbed) Milton minutes return. River Rd Estuary, and the • Dash ticketing for theatre, concerts and festivals East Belt Ashley River • Local Maps, brochures & DoC Hut Tickets

t Te Kohanga Wetlands Dr Coldstream Ave mouth. This area • Gift Vouchers available est Belt est is a significant breeding area of migratory birds and W Enverton • Fishing Rod Hire To Cust & Blackett St is the spawning ground of inanga – whitebait. Oxford Ashley S 1 hour return. • One Stop Shop • Easy free parking • Free booking service Te Kohanga is the 97 High St Kippenberger Ave Mountain biking is possible along the stop bank and hectare, recreation and To Woodend on the riverbed tracks – cyclists take care and watch Visit: Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

t conservation area of Belt est for other track users. 143 Williams Street, Kaiapoi 7644 East Belt Pegasus. Careful work Johns Rd W Northbrook Rd King St Phone: +64 3 327 3134 has been underway to cival S Northbrook Email: [email protected] Matawai Wetlands create a range of natural Per Park Kaiapoi Pa – Ngai Tahu historic site Web: visitwaimakariri.co.nz habitats so that it will South Belt Boys Rd Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun 10am-4pm, once again support the Located on Preeces Road, access off State Highway Public Holidays 11am-4pm, Closed Christmas Day. variety and numbers of Rd Pentecost 1, just north of Woodend. The Kaiapoi Pa is a native plants and animals significantly important site for local Ngai Tahu Maori, that once lived there. Pegasus Town as this was once a working Pa and was the centre of

Lineside Rd Lineside trade for the South Island. Today the site is a green Formed pathways and boardwalks allow easy walking and To Kaiapoi & Map Not to Scale field of low mounds with a monument and viewing cycling along this area. Christchurch Not all roads shown platform. OXFORD OXFORD FOREST MT THOMAS FOREST GLENTUI & MT RICHARDSON Oxford is becoming a popular visitor destination on the Inland Eyre Walk Oxford Millenium Lookout Walk CONSERVATION AREA CONSERVATION AREA Scenic Route 72, with boutique stores, cafes and country stay accommodation. Oxford is nestled below the foothills of Pearson Park, cross the pedestrian crossing, continue walking Pearson Park and walk through to Dohrmans Road. Right into Oxford Forest Conservation Area covers an area of 11,350 Mt Thomas Forest Conservation Area is an excellent area the Southern Alps, and there are many easy and short walks along the south side of Main Street and past the West Oxford Bay Road and cross over the intersection of Church Street and hectares with tracks through the tawai/beech and scattered for day trips, with two picturesque picnic areas and several in and around this country town, mainly along footpaths and Hotel. Turn left into Commercial Road and enjoy the view of Mt Bay Road and continue towards the foothills. At the top is the podocarp forests. Choose from day walks, overnight tramps walking tracks around the two main summits, Mt Thomas formed roads. Here you can be a part of the beauty and Torlesse and Browns Rock from the seat before you turn left at Oxford Millenium Lookout with views of the Port Hills. Browns or mountain biking (permitted on the Wharfedale Track only). (1023m) and Mt Richardson (1047m). Mt Thomas Forest tranquility of the farmland, native bush and hear the song of Burnt Hill Road. Turn right into Harewood Road, left into Matai Rock and some of the can be seen. Lighting of fires is prohibited during periods of extreme fire Conservation Area covers 10,800 hectares, between the native birds as you walk and breathe in the fresh air of Oxford. Place and through the lane, left into Park Avenue where you Time: If you return the same way, approx 55 minutes. risk, and some areas or tracks may be closed. Ashley and Okuku Rivers, and contains extensive exotic can see the entrance of Pearson Park. plantations, which in the case of Mt Thomas itself extend right All walks start from the Millstone, Pearson Park, Main Street, Time: 45 minutes easy walk. Access: to the summit. From the summits there are views over the Oxford. Please note that some sections of these walks are at Coopers Creek car park – at the western end of Oxford, take Canterbury Plains to Pegasus Bay, into the Lees Valley and Lookout Walk the edge of public roads. Woodside Road. 8km northwest turn right into Mountain Road the upper . Lighting of fires is prohibited during Oak Walk Start: Pearson Park to Oxford Millenium Lookout (as above). to the Coopers Creek car park. periods of extreme fire risk, and some areas or tracks may be To make a longer and more interesting walk, continue along closed. Pearson Park, travel through the main entrance, follow the oval Sales Road, turn right Powells Road, right into Barracks Road, on the right hand side to the walkway through to Reids Lane. left Burnettt Street off Church Street and back into Pearson View Hill car park – from Oxford drive west on Inland Scenic Access: Turn right into Burnett Street and past the Oxford Town Hall, Park off Reids Lane. Route 72 for about 2kms, then turn right into Woodstock Road, Wooded Gully camping and picnic area – turn into Hayland crossing at the pedestrian crossing. Turn right at the corner of Approx 1hr travel approx 10kms, turn right up Ingrams Road, which turns Road, off the Oxford to Road, near to the Garry River. Mears Track High and Main Street and approx 800m on the left hand side Time: 30mins. left into Perhams Road. An AA signpost indicates the turn-off This brings you to the base of Mt Thomas. Main Street, turn right into Mill Road, left into Bush Road on is the entrance to Oak Plantation. Meander under the trees, to the start of the Wharfedale Track and the View Hill car park bend and right into following the marked track, and enjoy the quiet English setting Crallans Drain Road on the seats provided or have a picnic in the dappled light. Follow the fence line along the back where you will come to Let’s Walk Oxford (approx 3kms). There Lees Valley – at the eastern end of Oxford, turn into High the Oxford Cemetery. Leave the cemetery through the High is a sealed car park This colourful map Street, which becomes Road and travel 6kms DOC Walking Street gate, turn right and return to Pearson Park. This is a very popular recreational area that offers visitors a approx 1km from includes 7 walks and north to the Lees Valley Road. Tracks: variety of track options from easy walks through the native turnoff. Time: 50 minutes easy walk. a fitness circuit in and Kereru Track bush, to moderately steep climbing to the Mt Richardson This stand of native (please note that the walk around Oxford from 1km – 1 hour return, 2.2km summit where there are sweeping views of the Puketeraki bush is one of few through the oak trees is to 7kms. The map is DOC Walking Tracks: Forest Track Range and Lees Valley. Mountain biking is permitted on the intended to be a guide near the Oxford closed during lambing Coopers Creek to Ryde Falls Track – 3 hours one way, 7km – 2 hours return, 2.8km Blowhard Track only. Horse riders also use the Blowhard Track to encourage you to township and is a QEII season, at high fire risk View Hill car park to Ryde Falls – 2 hours one way, 3km Red Pine Track – cyclists take care and watch for other track users. Lighting of get out and explore Covenant. The track times and at the leasee’s Link Track – View Hill to Coopers Creek car park – 3 hours – 3 hours return, 5 km fires is prohibited during periods of extreme fire risk, and some is clearly defined with discretion) Oxford’s many interesting one way, 7km Wooded Gully Track areas or tracks may be closed. walkways, streets, native plants identified, – 3 hours one way, 5.3km and incorporates parks and reserves. The walks can be extended, shortened, DOC Tramping Tracks: Access: Mountain View Walk reversed or re-invented – enjoy and have fun. Maps available – reached via Glentui Bush Road, off seating and a lookout. Time: Mears track is approx. 20 Wharfedale Track – 5 hours DOC Tramping Glentui picnic area at the Oxford Service Centre and Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre. the Oxford to Loburn Road, 5kms east of the Ashley Gorge minutes. From Oxford township and return is approx. 2 hours. Pearson Park, cross one way, 15km. Tracks: Bridge. This brings you to the base of Mt Richardson. the pedestrian crossing Mountain biking, grade 3 Summit Track – to Mt Oxford Rural Walk and turn back to Park Mt Oxford Track – Coopers Creek Thomas Summit, 3 hours Pearson Park, west along Main Street and turn right into Avenue. Continue car park to Mt Oxford Summit one way Bay Road, turn left into Bush Road and continue until the along Park Avenue until – 4 hours one way Ridge Track – to Mt Blowhard Track – Ashley Gorge Road crosses Washpool intersection of Mill Road. Left into Mill Road to Main Street and Harewood Road. Turn Thomas Summit, 5 hours Stream to become Birch Hill Road. After 1km, turn left onto – Wharfedale continue until you reach the pedestrian crossing. left and continue along Black Hill Track one way Maori Reserve Road and follow for 3.5kms to the track-head Harewood Road where Track to Black Hill Hut – 3 hours Pinchgut Track – near the Boys Brigade Camp. Enjoy the rural views, including horses, deer and ostriches. you will enjoy views of one way Pinchgut Hut via Okuku The Puketeraki Range is on your right and the Torlesse Range Big Ben, Puketeraki Range, the Port Hills and Browns Rock. River – 5 hours one way (not shown on map). Access this track in front of you. Townshend to Black Hill Track A plane table, native planting and seating will allow you to – 3 hours one way from Loburn –Whiterock Road, left into Taaffes Glen Road and enjoy the views. Turn left into High Street and continue to the park your vehicle near Fox Creek. Time: Approx. 50 minutes. View Hill to Mt Oxford Track DOC Walking Tracks: intersection of High and Main Streets. Turn left and follow Main – View Hill car park to Mt Oxford Summit – 4 hours one way Street back to Pearson Park. Glentui Waterfall Track – 30 minutes return, 350m Townshend Track – Wharfedale Hut to Lees Valley – 1 hour return, 2km Time: Approx 50 minutes. Glentui Loop Track Road, 3 hours one way. Mountain biking, grade 2 DOC Tramping Tracks: OXFORD ASHLEY GORGE OXFORD FOREST CONSERVATION AREA Mt Richardson Track – 3 hours one way Bypass Track – 1 to 2 hours one way (downhill) To Ashley Gorge, 8km Lees Valley Rd Blowhard Track – 3 to 4 hours one way Powells R Lookout Sales Rd Townshend to Townshend Ashley G Ashley Gorge is an exceptional environment, only 45 minutes Black Hill Blackhill Track River from Christchurch. Nestled beside Mt Thomas Forest and hut d set amidst beautiful native bush and woodland surroundings, Townshend GLENTUI AND MT RICHARDSON

or holiday makers can enjoy both adventure and relaxation here. Track Crallans Drain Rd Drain Crallans

Bay R ge R footbridge Mears Track There is a fully serviced camping ground located in close V W Blackhill d proximity to the river. Please be aware of the total fire ban in Wharfedale 1 km walk ilsons R Boys Brigade d Track this area. hut Mt camp

Richardson

Queen St 1047 m d WAIMAKARIRI GORGE saddle V Blowhard ch St Chur Barracks Rd Viewhill to Track High St Bush Rd Bush Rd Bur Mt Oxford

nett St Track Mt Oxford Richardson Reids Wharfedale 1364 m Track Glentui River Lane Track To Mt Oxford, Ryde Falls Mill R Waimakariri translates to cold, rushing water. Bypass Track Dormans Traditionally, the course of the river through the Waimakariri d Pearson Park Oxford Rd 72 Ryde Woodside Rd Gorge was a route from Canterbury to the West Coast, where Falls Park Main St pounamu (greenstone) was gathered by early Maori. MT THOMAS FOREST CONSERVATION AREA Glentui Glentui Loop High St Av Waterfall Today the dramatic Waimakariri Gorge with its steep rock walls Track Track Com e

is popular for jet boating, fishing and kayaking and is the last Ridge

mer Har cial Rd ew transition point for the annual event. Track Glentui picnic nt Hill Rd ood Rd V area Depot Rd Bur The wide open space of the riverbed below the Gorge is an View Hill Bur car park To Wharfedale Track, 72 interesting place to wander and explore. There is an elevated Mt Thomas Glentui Bush Road Ryde Falls, and View nt Hill Rd picnic area with great views out across the Canterbury Plains. Coopers Creek 1023 m car park Hill Domain, 12km Waimakariri Gorge is located 8km from Oxford, on Inland Perhams Rd beech Oxford forest Loburn, Oxford To Waimakariri Scenic Route 72. Mountain Rd Woodstock Rd Gorge, 8km Oxford Wooded Gully Track Ridge NOTE: The maps shown here for the DOC walking and tramping tracks are Wharfedale/Perhams Route – Grade 3 Woodstock Route - Grade 3 Track intended to provide an overview of the range of tracks available. The maps OXFORD CYCLEWAYS Summit should not be used for directional purposes on the tracks. Leave the Domain, turn left into Woodstock Road, right into Continue along Woodstock Road to the end and zigzag down Track Ingrams Road. Left into Perhams Road, turn right onto the the dirt track to the Waimakariri River. Return to the corner of For more information, see the detailed panels at the start of each track, get VIEW HILL AREA Forest road to Wharfedale Track. A dirt track with beautiful views Woodstock and Waimakariri Gorge Roads, either continue the Foothills Forests brochure available from DOC or the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Track Centre, or refer to the new Topo 50 Maps: BW22, BW23. Known for its scenery and views the Oxford area is a great across the Plains to the Port Hills. There are 2 fords which can straight along to the Domain or via Waimakariri Gorge Road, place to cycle. All tracks start at View Hill Domain. Travel from become impassable in heavy rain and 4 gates. Rockford Road and Harmans Gorge Road. pine Oxford township along Main Street and Depot Road, right into Length: 22km return forest Woodstock Road to the corner of Harman Gorge Road (12km Island Road Route - Grade 1 Kereru all sealed). The more adventurous can continue onto Wharfedale Track Track From the Domain turn left into Harman Gorge Road, turn right Woodstock Route - Grade 1 into Island Road. Follow Island Road (shingle part way). Turn left at Sladdens Farm Road and continue on Island Road View Hill Domain Track (under construction Dec 09) Leave the Domain and turn left into Woodstock Road. Turn left through the ford, then right at Woodside Road. This route will locked into Washpen Road or continue to Waimakariri Gorge Road gate A one way cycle track for young children within the Domain. A take you to Oxford (11km one way). locked safe place to learn to ride, meandering through the trees with (2km further). Travel along Waimakariri Gorge Road, turn left gate the challenge of a few humps and dips. into Rockford Road or continue along Waimakariri Gorge Road To return to the Domain rather than travel into Oxford, turn right Loburn, Rangiora Length: 800 metres to Harmans Gorge Road, turn left and back to the Domain. at either Raineys Road (unsealed and through ford) or further Wooded Length: 13km return along at McGraths Road (unsealed). At the end of either road Gully & Oxford camping & turn right into Woodstock Road. picnic area Hayland Road