Waimakariri

From rural and beach settlements, to bustling towns and urban landscapes, Waimakariri is home to a diverse built environment. Discover the laid back country towns of Oxford and Cust Village, or step it up in the bigger towns of Rangiora and Kaiapoi. You’ll find river boats and breweries, quality cafes and cinemas, art galleries and artisan shops. It’s all here waiting for you to discover.

This region is stacked with ways to enjoy a two-wheeled adventure. Trails take you from beach settlement to town centre, foothill to foodie hub. Choose your own adventure by linking up more than 60kms of trails on the eastern side of Waimakariri. Bored with the flat? Head to the hills and take your ride to new heights in Mount Oxford and Mount Richardson.

Waimakariri is a playground for adventure-seekers, with rivers and rapids, surf beaches and streams. Take your pick of water activities from shallow river jet boating to skimming the rapids in NZ’s first airboat. Jump onto a paddle boat on the Kaiapoi River, hire a kayak or SUP for a more individual adventure, or surf the east coast beaches.

Hit the road, the trail, the mountain path – it’s all on offer in Waimakariri. Run along river banks, trek between towns, wander through wetlands or take on a mountain mission. Waimakariri is home to the Mt Thomas Conservation Area with one-day and multi-day tramps on offer, and there are bush walks scattered across the region. Strap on the boots and explore.