www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz KAIAPOI RANGIORA BEACHES OF WAIMAKARIRI Discover Waimakariri’s Kaiapoi river walks and cycleways Tuhaitara Coastal Park natural adventure playground (part only) Stretching from the Waimakariri River 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 South Island, only 20 minutes north 15 minutes – 1 hour. of Christchurch. 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 Glentui 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 Waikuku 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 Kairaki, Woodend and Waikuku. adjacent to the main entrance. swamp beech forest, churn tussock, grassland Pegasus Bay 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 Ohoka 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 New Zealand 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 Waimakariri District 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.