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RANGIORA

Northbrook Wetlands

The Northbrook Wetlands was once the site of early Europeanindustry including; flax mills, a brewery, fellmongery and a

tannery. In recent years restoration of this area has createdan extensive wildlife and recreation reserve. As well as theremnants of the past, in the native plantings there is space forbirds to breed, tracks to wander and for kids to ride their bikesalong. 30 minutes return.

Matawai Park

A native park of plantcommunities establishedfrom Canterbury wildplants; lowland podocarp,swamp beech forest,churn tussock, grasslandand coastal. Explorethe many tracks in thepark that wind throughbushy dells and openinfo secluded alcoves orbigger grassy spaces.Great for family walksand picnics. 30 minutesreturn.

Mike Kean Walkway Ashley River

This walking track followsalongside the Ashley River,commencing by the AshleyRiver Bridge Picnic Area,Inland Scenic Route 72.Follow the winding trackto the railway bridge andreturn along the stop bankor track. The braidedAshley River is home to thewrybill and the river bedis a significant breedingground for this endangeredbird. 20 minutes return.

Informal mountain bikingtracks are formed along and on either side of the stop banksof the Ashley River in this area cyclists take care and watchfor other track users.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Choose a track in keeping with your experience, fitnessand ability

Allow enough time to walk at your own pace

Keep young children in sight

Wear comfortable footwear

Dress for the weather (be prepared for it to change)

Stay on the track

On longer walks, carry warm clothing, adequate foodand water

Tell someone where you are going

Take care in the foothill forests for wasps from Januaryto March each year. It is recommended that forest userscarry wasp kits as a precaution. These are generallyavailable from chemists.

Protect plants and animalsRemove rubbishKeep streams and lakes cleanKeep to the trackConsider othersRespect our cultural heritageEnjoy your visitToitu te whenua(leave the land undisturbed)

CHOOSING A TRACK

The various maps indicate the location of the tracks thatare described in this guide. The track description has asymbol listing that provides additional information aboutfacilities, opportunities and requirements.

Toilets Disabledaccess toilets

Disabledaccess

Wildlife

No dogs Dogs onleash

Picnicking Lookout

P la yg ro un d F is hi ng S w im mi ng I nt er pr et a ti onPanels

Parking Camping Barbeque Mountainbiking/cycling

(part only)

(part only)

KAIAPOI

Kaiapoi river walks and cycleways

A fun and interesting way to explore Kaiapoi, NorthCanterburys river town, is by cycle or on foot. You canchoose the route and length of your ride or walk, along theriverbank and across the Kaiapoi river bridges.15 minutes 1 hour

Poynter Nature Walk

This track begins at the Courtenay Lake and NCF Reserve,just past the entrance to the Courtenay Stream as it joins theKaiapoi River. This is a great family walk that features nativeplantings, exotic trees and a viewing platform at the junction ofthe Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers. 1 hour return.

Kaiapoi Island

Kaiapoi Island is the mostpopular access point tothe lower reaches of theWaimakariri River RegionalPark. The main entranceto the Kaiapoi Island is atWrights road, off the oldMain North Road Bridge.There is also accessonto the stop bank byfoot or cycle from RavenQuay, Kaiapoi. Cycle and walking tracks link to upstreamdestinations and to areas outside the park. Public toilets andthe main information kiosk are located adjacent to the mainentrance.

Kaiapoi Lakes

Kaiapoi Lakes is a perfect place for picnics, bird watchingand walking. The immediate and surrounding areas are ofhigh significance to Maori and European history.

Lets Walk Kaiapoi

This colourful map includes 6walks in and around Kaiapoifrom 3kms to 6.5kms. The mapis intended to be a guide thatwill encourage you to get outand explore Kaiapois manyinteresting walkways, streets,parks and reserves. The walkscan extended, shortened,reversed or re-invented enjoyand have fun. Maps availableat the Kaiapoi i-SITE VisitorCentre.

TRACK VARIETY

Try the variety of tracks outlined in this useful guide andexperience this districts rich human and natural heritage adiversity that encompasses mountains, forests, lakes, rivers,wetland reserves and beaches.

There are tracks for all levels of experience, fitness andability. The tracks provide access to sites with beautifulpanoramic views, historic, cultural or spiritual significance andopportunities to explore the backcountry.

INTRODUCTION

The country lifestyle district of Waimakariri is based inthe heartland of the South Island, only 20 minutes northof Christchurch.

In this district you will discover an adventureplayground in the countryside that lies between theWaimakariri River, and just beyond its northern partner,the Ashley River.

Discover Waimakaririsnatural adventure playground

To Rangiora

Beach Rd

KAIAPOI

SmithSt

CharlesSt

KaiapoiLakes

LinesideRd

To Pines &Karaki Beach

Lookout

WaimakaririRiver

OhokaRd

Nort

he

rnM

ot o

rway

To Oxford

TramRd

Willia

msSt

MapNottoScaleNotal lroadsshown

Pegasus BayWalkway

tobeaches&rivermouth

KaiapoiRiver

RavenQuay

MainN

orthRd

CourtenayD

rNCF

Reserve

CourtenayLake

CourtenayStream

PoynterTrack

RANGIORA

To Cust &Oxford

To Woodend

Kippenberger Ave

Coldstream Ave

High St

RiverRd

South Belt Boys Rd

Northbrook Rd

NorthbrookWetlands

As

hle

y S

t

P e r c

i v a

l S t

WestBelt

King

St

Blackett St

WestBelt

MapNottoScaleNotal lroadsshown

Ea stBelt

To Kaiapoi &Christchurch

LinesideRdP

entecostRd

Ashley River

Mike KeanWalkway

Enverton

Dr

Ashley RiverBridge Picnicarea

MiltonAve

MatawaiPark

EastB

elt

Johns Rd

Printed November 2009

Guide produced by:

Supported by:

Visit Waimakariri acknowledges the involvement of the various

agencies, community groups and individuals that have

assisted with the production of this guide.

Kaiapoi

Rangiora

Oxford

BeachesandRivers

OxfordForest

ConservationArea

MtThomasForest

ConservationArea

GlentuiandMt

Richardson

walking&cycling

Waimakaririguide

www.visitwaimakariri.co.nzNORTHCANTERBURY,NEWZEALANDBEACHES OF WAIMAKARIRI

Tuhaitara CoastalPark

Stretching from theWaimakariri River to theAshley River is an area of580ha of coastline that isunder the management ofthe Te Kohaka o TuhaitaraTrust. The TuhaitaraCoastal Park is a specialenvironment that offersecological, educational,cultural and recreationalopportunities for all whovisit. www.tuhaitarapark.org.nz

Kairaki, Pines,Woodend and Waikuku Beaches

These beach settlementsprovide picnic spaces,childrens playgroundareas, and access out tothe wide sandy beachesfor fishing, swimming,surfing, walking,horse riding, buildingsandcastles and playinghide n seek in the sanddunes.

Cycling and walking track from Kaiapoi to Pines Beachalongside Beach Road. Camping grounds are located in closeproximity to the beach at Kairaki, Woodend and Waikuku.

Pegasus Bay Track

A relatively easy walk that can start at the Kaiapoi i-SITE VisitorCentre and features about 15 km of wide track for walkers,runners, and cyclists. The walking track traverses wide riverflats and reaches Kairaki and Pines beaches in an hour and ahalf. Some of this track crosses private farmland and there aresigns up that state No Dogs. Further stages of the walkwayfollow the coastline through pine plantations and sand dunesto reach Woodend beach and finally Waikuku beach, andis approx. 5 hours to walk one way.

Rakahuri Walkway

This walkway starts on the stop bank at the end of ParkTerrace, Waikuku Beach and you can choose from followingthe track down into the lagoon area or continuing along thestop bank to the SH1 road bridge. Return along riverbed

tracks, with options ofrejoining the stop banktrack. The riverbed tracks

lead to the Ashley Rivermouth and at low tide theestuary can be crossedand a return along thebeach or estuary. Viewsof the Ashley River,Saltwater CreekEstuary, and theAshley Rivermouth. This area

is a significant breeding area of migratory birds andis the spawning ground of inanga whitebait.1 hour return.

Mountain biking is possible along the stop bank andon the riverbed tracks cyclists take care and watchfor other track users.

Kaiapoi Pa Ngai Tahu historic site

Located on Preeces Road, access off State Highway1, just north of Woodend. The Kaiapoi Pa is asignificantly important site for local Ngai Tahu Maori,as this was once a working Pa and was the centre oftrade for the South Island. Today the site is a greenfield of low mounds with a monument and viewingplatform.

Hire aBikeExplore the towns and tracks of the Waimakariri district

MOUNTAIN BIKES:$19 one hr, $25 two hrs, $35 four hrs, $45 per day

TANDEM BIKES:$25 one hr, $35 two hrs, $50 four hrs, $60 per day

BIKE TRAILERS (up to 7 yrs): $10 per hr

Available from:

Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre

Kaiapoi Wharf, Charles Street, KaiapoiPhone: 03 327 3134

Email: info@kaiapoivisitorcentre.co.nzWeb: www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz

Call in and see our friendly staff for Lets Walk maps,Department of Conservation brochures and hut tickets.

We can also provide local and regional information,and travel and accommodation bookings.

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Eyre Walk

Pearson Park, cross the pedestrian crossing, continue walkingalong the south side of Main Street and past the West OxfordHotel. Turn left into Commercial Road and enjoy the view of MtTorlesse and Browns Rock from the seat before you turn left atBurnt Hill Road. Turn right into Harewood Road, left into MataiPlace and through the lane, left into Park Avenue where youcan see the entrance of Pearson Park.Time:45 minutes easy walk.

Oak Walk

Pearson Park, travel through the main entrance, follow the ovalon the right hand side to the walkway through to Reids Lane.Turn right into Burnett Street and past the Oxford Town Hall,crossing at the pedestrian crossing. Turn right at the corner ofHigh and Main Street and approx 800m on the left hand sideis the entrance to Oak Plantation. Meander under the trees,following the marked track, and enjoy the quiet English settingon the seats provided or have a picnic in the dappled light.Follow the fence line along the back where you will come tothe Oxford Cemetery. Leave the cemetery through the HighStreet gate, turn right and return to Pearson Park.Time:50 minutes easy walk

(please note that the walk

through the oak trees isclosed during lambingseason, at high fire risktimes and at the leaseesdiscretion)

Mountain View Walk

Pearson Park, crossthe pedestrian crossingand turn back to ParkAvenue. Continuealong Park Avenue untilHarewood Road. Turnleft and continue alongHarewood Road whereyou will enjoy views ofBig Ben, Puketeraki Range, the Port Hills and Browns Rock.A plane table, native planting and seating will allow you toenjoy the views. Turn left into High Street and continue to theintersection of High and Main Streets. Turn left and follow MainStreet back to Pearson Park.Time:Approx 50 minutes.

Oxford Millenium Lookout Walk

Pearson Park and walk through to Dohrmans Road. Right intoBay Road and cross over the intersection of Church Street andBay Road and continue towards the foothills. At the top is theOxford Millenium Lookout with views of the Port Hills. BrownsRock and some of the Canterbury Plains can be seen.Time: If you return the same way, approx 55 minutes.

Lookout Walk

Start: Pearson Park to Oxford Millenium Lookout (as above).To make a longer and more interesting walk, continue alongSales Road, turn right Powells Road, right into Barracks Road,left Burnettt Street off Church Street and back into PearsonPark off Reids Lane.Time:Approx 1hr30mins.

Lets Walk Oxford

This colourful mapincludes 7 walks anda fitness circuit in andaround Oxford from 1kmto 7kms. The map isintended to be a guideto encourage you toget out and exploreOxfords many interestingwalkways, streets,parks and reserves. The walks can be extended, shortened,reversed or re-invented enjoy and have fun. Maps availableat the Oxford Service Centre and Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre.

ASHLEY GORGE

Ashley Gorge is an exceptional environment, only 45 minutesfrom Christchurch. Nestled beside Mt Thomas Forest andset amidst beautiful native bush and woodland surroundings,holiday makers can enjoy both adventure and relaxation here.There is a fully serviced camping ground located in closeproximity to the river. Please be aware of the total fire ban inthis area.

WAIMAKARIRI GORGE

Waimakariri translates to cold, rushing water.

Traditionally, the course of the river through the WaimakaririGorge was a route from Canterbury to the West Coast, wherepounamu (greenstone) was gathered by early Maori.

Today the dramatic Waimakariri Gorge with its steep rock wallsis popular for jet boating, fishing and kayaking and is the lasttransition point for the annual Coast to Coast event.

The wide open space of the riverbed below the Gorge is aninteresting place to wander and explore. There is an elevatedpicnic area with great views out across the Canterbury Plains.Waimakariri Gorge is located 8km from Oxford, on InlandScenic Route 72.

MT THOMAS FOREST

CONSERVATION AREAMt Thomas Forest Conservation Area is an excellent areafor day trips, with two picturesque picnic areas and severalwalking tracks around the two main summits, Mt Thomas(1023m) and Mt Richardson (1047m). Mt Thomas ForestConservation Area covers 10,800 hectares, between theAshley and Okuku Rivers, and contains extensive exoticplantations, which in the case of Mt Thomas itself extend rightto the summit. From the summits there are views over theCanterbury Plains to Pegasus Bay, into the Lees Valley andthe upper Okuku River. Lighting of fires is prohibited duringperiods of extreme fire risk, and some areas or tracks may beclosed.

Access:Wooded Gully camping and picnic area turn into HaylandRoad, off the Oxford to Loburn Road, near to the Garry River.This brings you to the base of Mt Thomas.

DOC WalkingTracks:Kereru Track 1 hour return, 2.2kmForest Track 2 hours return, 2.8kmRed Pine Track 3 hours return, 5 kmWooded Gully Track 3hours one way, 5.3km

DOC TrampingTracks:Summit Track to MtThomas Summit, 3 hoursone wayRidge Track to MtThomas Summit, 5 hoursone wayPinchgut TrackPinchgut Hut via OkukuRiver 5 hours one way (not shown on map). Access this trackfrom Loburn Whiterock Road, left into Taaffes Glen Road andpark your vehicle near Fox Creek.

OXFORDOxford is becoming a popular visitor destination on the InlandScenic Route 72, with boutique stores, cafes and countrystay accommodation. Oxford is nestled below the foothills ofthe Southern Alps, and there are many easy and short walksin and around this country town, mainly along footpaths andformed roads. Here you can be a part of the beauty andtranquility of the farmland, native bush and hear the song ofnative birds as you walk and breathe in the fresh air of Oxford.

All walks start from the Millstone, Pearson Park, Main Street,Oxford. Please note that some sections of these walks are atthe edge of public roads.

Mears Track

Main Street, turn right into Mill Road, left into Bush Road onbend and right intoCrallans Drain Road

(approx 3kms). Thereis a sealed car parkapprox 1km fromturnoff.

This stand of nativebush is one of fewnear the Oxfordtownship and is a QEIICovenant. The trackis clearly defined withnative plants identified,and incorporates

seating and a lookout. Time:Mears track is approx. 20minutes.From Oxford township and return is approx. 2 hours.

Oxford Rural Walk

Pearson Park, west along Main Street and turn right intoBay Road, turn left into Bush Road and continue until theintersection of Mill Road. Left into Mill Road to Main Street andcontinue until you reach the pedestrian crossing.

Enjoy the rural views, including horses, deer and ostriches.The Puketeraki Range is on your right and the Torlesse Rangein front of you.

Time: Approx. 50 minutes.

Loburn, Rangiora

& OxfordWooded

Gullycamping &picnic area Ha yland Road

Mt Thomas ForestConservation Area

Mt Thomas1023 m

beechforest

RidgeTrack

WoodedGullyTrack

ForestTrack

SummitTrack

KereruTrack

lockedgate

lockedgate

pineforest

RidgeTrack

GLENTUI & MT RICHARDSON

This is a very popular recreational area that offers visitors avariety of track options from easy walks through the nativebush, to moderately steep climbing to the Mt Richardsonsummit where there are sweeping views of the PuketerakiRange and Lees Valley. Mountain biking is permitted on theBlowhard Track only. Horse riders also use the Blowhard Track cyclists take care and watch for other track users. Lighting offires is prohibited during periods of extreme fire risk, and someareas or tracks may be closed.

Access:Glentui picnic area reached via Glentui Bush Road, offthe Oxford to Loburn Road, 5kms east of the Ashley GorgeBridge. This brings you to the base of Mt Richardson.

Blowhard Track Ashley Gorge Road crosses WashpoolStream to become Birch Hill Road. After 1km, turn left ontoMaori Reserve Road and follow for 3.5kms to the track-headnear the Boys Brigade Camp.

DOC Walking Tracks:Glentui Waterfall Track 30 minutes return, 350mGlentui Loop Track 1 hour return, 2km

DOC Tramping Tracks:Mt Richardson Track 3 hours one wayBypass Track 1 to 2 hours one way (downhill)

Blowhard Track 3 to 4 hours one way

BypassTrack

GlentuiRiver

Loburn, Oxford

Blowhard

Track

Boys Brigadecamp

GlentuiLoopTrack

Glentui picnicarea

GlentuiWaterfall

Track

MtRichardson

1047 m

Glentui Bush Road

RichardsonTrack

GLENTUI AND MT RICHARDSON

footbridge

Townshend

River

Wharfedalehut

saddle

RydeFalls

Lees Valley Rd

Coopers Creekcar park

Oxford

Oxford

View Hillcar park

Black Hillhut

Mt Oxford1364 m

Perhams Rd

Mountain Rd

WharfedaleTrack

TownshendTrack

Townshend toBlackhill Track

BlackhillTrack

Viewhill toMt Oxford

Track

Oxford Forest Conservation Area

To Ashley Gorge, 8km

OXFORD

HarewoodRd

HighSt

HighSt

Ashley

GorgeRd

Powells R

d

Barracks

Rd

Oxford Rd

ChurchSt

Bay

Rd

QueenSt

Wilsons R

d

BushRd

BushRd

Reids

Lane

MainSt

MillRd

To Mt Oxford, Ryde Falls

WoodsideRdParkAve

Burnt

HillR

d

B u r n

t H i l l R d

To WaimakaririGorge, 8km

To Wharfedale Track,Ryde Falls, and View

Hill Domain, 12km

CommercialRd

SalesRd

CrallansDrainRd

Mears Track1 km walk

Lookout

Dormans

Pearson

Park

BurnettSt

D

epotR

d

72

72

WoodstockRd

Known for its scenery and views the Oxford area is a greatplace to cycle. All tracks start at View Hill Domain. Travel fromOxford township along Main Street and Depot Road, right intoWoodstock Road to the corner of Harman Gorge Road (12kmall sealed).

View Hill Domain Track (under construction Dec 09)

A one way cycle track for young children within the Domain. Asafe place to learn to ride, meandering through the trees withthe challenge of a few humps and dips.Length: 800 metres

Wharfedale/Perhams Route Grade 3

Leave the Domain, turn left into Woodstock Road, right intoIngrams Road. Left into Perhams Road, turn right onto theroad to Wharfedale Track. A dirt track with beautiful viewsacross the Plains to the Port Hills. There are 2 fords which canbecome impassable in heavy rain and 4 gates.Length:22km return

The more adventurous can continue onto Wharfedale Track

Woodstock Route - Grade 1

Leave the Domain and turn left into Woodstock Road. Turn leftinto Washpen Road or continue to Waimakariri Gorge Road(2km further). Travel along Waimakariri Gorge Road, turn leftinto Rockford Road or continue along Waimakariri Gorge Roadto Harmans Gorge Road, turn left and back to the Domain.Length:13km return

Woodstock Route - Grade 3

Continue along Woodstock Road to the end and zigzag downthe dirt track to the Waimakariri River. Return to the corner ofWoodstock and Waimakariri Gorge Roads, either continuestraight along to the Domain or via Waimakariri Gorge Road,Rockford Road and Harmans Gorge Road.

Island Road Route - Grade 1

From the Domain turn left into Harman Gorge Road, turn rightinto Island Road. Follow Island Road (shingle part way). Turnleft at Sladdens Farm Road and continue on Island Roadthrough the ford, then right at Woodside Road. This route willtake you to Oxford (11km one way).

To return to the Domain rather than travel into Oxford, turn rightat either Raineys Road (unsealed and through ford) or furtheralong at McGraths Road (unsealed). At the end of either roadturn right into Woodstock Road.

OXFORD CYCLEWAYSVIEW HILL AREA

OXFORD FOREST

CONSERVATION AREAOxford Forest Conservation Area covers an area of 11,350hectares with tracks through the tawai/beech and scatteredpodocarp forests. Choose from day walks, overnight trampsor mountain biking (permitted on the Wharfedale Track only).Lighting of fires is prohibited during periods of extreme firerisk, and some areas or tracks may be closed.

Access:Coopers Creek car park at the western end of Oxford, takeWoodside Road. 8km northwest turn right into Mountain Roadto the Coopers Creek car park.

View Hill car park from Oxford drive west on Inland ScenicRoute 72 for about 2kms, then turn right into Woodstock Road,travel approx 10kms, turn right up Ingrams Road, which turnsleft into Perhams Road. An AA signpost indicates the turn-offto the start of the Wharfedale Track and the View Hill car park

Lees Valley at the eastern end of Oxford, turn into HighStreet, which becomes Ashley Gorge Road and travel 6kmsnorth to the Lees Valley Road.

DOC Walking Tracks:Coopers Creek to Ryde Falls Track 3 hours one way, 7kmView Hill car park to Ryde Falls 2 hours one way, 3kmLink Track View Hill to Coopers Creek car park 3 hoursone way, 7km

DOC Tramping Tracks:Wharfedale Track 5 hours

one way, 15km.Mountain biking, grade 3

Mt Oxford Track Coopers Creekcar park to Mt Oxford Summit 4 hours one way

Black Hill Track WharfedaleTrack to Black Hill Hut 3 hoursone way

Townshend to Black Hill Track 3 hours one wayView Hill to Mt Oxford Track View Hill car park to Mt Oxford Summit 4 hours one way

Townshend Track Wharfedale Hut to Lees Valley

Road, 3 hours one way. Mountain biking, grade 2

NOTE: The maps shown here for the DOC walking and tramping tracks areintended to provide an overview of the range of tracks available. The mapsshould not be used for directional purposes on the tracks.

For more information, see the detailed panels at the start of each track, getthe Foothills Forests brochure available from DOC or the Kaiapoi i-SITE VisitorCentre, or refer to the new Topo 50 Maps: BW22, BW23.