Waimakariri

The influences of the landscape and heritage in the Waimakariri district are an inspiration to the gardeners and artists with creativity being expressed in gardens, artists working studios, and art galleries. Country gardens are open from spring to autumn for you to visit, and come out to enjoy a relaxing day of the arts and gardens and savour delicious food, coffee or a wine in the countryside cafes.

Find more information on the North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail

The walking and cycling tracks in the Waimakariri will take you from the coastline of wide sandy beaches to the lush foothill forests nestled below the mountains. Enjoy the open spaces as you explore new or well-known places on foot or bike, including serene coastal tracks, riverbank tracks, reserves and parks, and North Canterbury foothills' forest tracks. This special recreation area awaits - only 20 minutes north of Christchurch.

Kaiapoi River

The Maori settlement of Kaiapoi Pa, close to the mahinga kai of wetlands, estuaries and east coast of Pegasus Bay was a significant historic place. During the 1700's the Pa was the major South Island trading centre. However the Pa came under siege from the dreaded Te Rauparaha and his Ngati Toa tribe. In 1831, after three months under siege, the Ngai Tahu people were finally forced out of Kaiapoi Pa by Ngati Toa.

Early European settlers influenced the landscape of this rural district as they farmed and milled the plains and hills. Towns and villages were established around railway lines and main roads that transported goods to Christchurch and the Kaiapoi Port. Today the small museums in Oxford, Cust, Rangiora and Kaiapoi are interesting places to visit to see how people lived over 150 years ago.