WHY WE KEEP EXPLORING

With two conservation parks in the foothills, two braided rivers, the pacific ocean we are not shy on adventure. Whether you want to be active in it, or watch it we have adventure for you.

Travel around Waimakariri and visit our galleries displaying work created by local and international artists. Or looking for history, each of our towns has a museum housing the history of the district and beyond.

With over 30 boutique shops in our towns, you are spoilt for choice with the latest local and international fashions and homewares. We have great preloved clothing alongside some excellent opportunities to find treasures from days gone by.

Come and stroll in in our gardens. From food forests, formal gardens to fields of lavender. There is something here for you.

Choose from one of the five courses and tailor your day to suit. From the professional to the relaxed we have a course to suit your needs.

Our first market is on Friday morning in Ohoka where you will be treated to great tastes and a variety of stalls. Then on Sunday, head to Oxford for an authentic farmers market set with the backdrop of the foothills.

We have the water covered with two braided rivers, the Kaiapoi River, the Pacific Ocean, wetlands, lakes ,canyons to be explored. Check out the activities you can do on the water with us.

Plan your adventure and learn why you should bring your bike.

Cycling in Waimakariri is not just about the ride. It's also about what you see and do along the way. Enjoy our trails to indulgence taking you from our beach settlements to our towns and cafes.

Head to the eastern side of the district to enjoy over 60kms of trails.

Bored with the flat? Head to the hills and take your ride to new heights in Mount Oxford and Mount Richardson. These rides are subject to track conditions.

You can get between our towns and places by using our urban connectors. If coming from Christchurch then enjoy the accessibility of the Christchurch Northern Corridor.

We have two braided rivers, Waimakariri and Ashley Rakahuri as well as the Kaiapoi River. So, when it comes to river walks you have options. Why not select a walk that suits you best?

One of the most environmentally important areas, protecting our flora and fauna whilst drawing down our carbon. Take time to stroll or view our wetlands... and breathe.

Looking to walk near water? We have it covered. With walks close to town and a little further out, you can choose the walk that best suits the mood. All walks are very accessible.

Waimakariri is home to small bush walks, both in the country and in our towns. Lovely for a stroll and all offering wonderful picnic options. If looking for a longer walk check out the Foothill Walks.

Glentui in the Mt Thomas Forest Conservation Area is an excellent area for day trips, with a picturesque picnic area and several walking tracks around Mt Richardson (1047m).

Mt Thomas Forest Conservation Area is an excellent area for day trips, with two picturesque picnic areas and several walking tracks around the two main summits, Mt Thomas (1023m) and Mt Richardson (1047m).

Oxford Forest Conservation Area covers an area of 11,350 hectares with tracks through the tawai/beech and scattered podocarp forests. Choose from day walks, overnight tramps.

We have a number of pathways that connect towns with other towns or beach settlements. These will help you walk between our places or connect the walkways.