FOR YOUR SAFETY• Chooseatrackinkeepingwithyourexperience,fitness

and 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 food and water

• Tell someone where you are going

• Take care in the foothill forests for wasps from January to March each year. It is recommended that forest users carry wasp kits as a precaution. These are generally available 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 TRACKThe various maps indicate the location of the tracks that are described in this guide. The track description has a symbol listing that provides additional information about facilities, opportunities and requirements.

Toilets Disabled access toilets

Disabled access

Wildlife

No dogs Dogs on leash

Picnicking Lookout

Playground Fishing Swimming Interpretation Panels

Parking Camping Barbeque Mountain biking/cycling

(part only)

(part only)

KAIAPOIKaiapoi river walks and cycleways

A fun and interesting way to explore Kaiapoi, ‘North Canterbury’s river town’, is by cycle or on foot. You can choose the route and length of your ride or walk, along the riverbank and across the Kaiapoi river bridges. 15 minutes – 1 hour.

Kaiapoi Island

Kaiapoi Island is the most popular access point to the lower reaches of the Waimakariri River Regional Park. The main entrance to the Kaiapoi Island is at Wrights road, off the old Main North Road Bridge. There is also access onto the stop bank by foot or cycle from Raven Quay, Kaiapoi. Cycle and walking tracks link to upstream destinations and to areas outside the park. Public toilets and the main information kiosk are located adjacent to the main entrance.

Kaiapoi Lakes

Kaiapoi Lakes is known as Nga Tapuwae o Mua (footsteps of the past) and is a perfect place for picnics, bird watching,catchandreleasefishingandwalking.TheimmediateandsurroundingareasareofhighsignificancetoMaori and is an integral part of Waimakariri history.

RANGIORA

Northbrook Wetlands

The Northbrook Wetlands was once the site of early European industryincluding;flaxmills,abrewery,fellmongeryandatannery. In recent years restoration of this area has created an extensive wildlife and recreation reserve. As well as the remnants of the past, in the native plantings there is space for birds to breed, tracks to wander and for kids to ride their bikes along. 30 minutes return.

Matawai Park

A native park of plant communities established from Canterbury wild plants; lowland podocarp, swamp beech forest, churn tussock, grassland and coastal. Explore the many tracks in the park that wind through bushy dells and open info secluded alcoves or bigger grassy spaces. Great for family walks and picnics. 30 minutes return.

Mike Kean Walkway – Ashley River

This walking track follows alongside the Ashley River, commencing by the Ashley River Bridge Picnic Area, Inland Scenic Route 72. Follow the winding track to the railway bridge and return along the stop bank or track. The braided Ashley River is home to the wrybill and the river bed isasignificantbreedingground for this endangered bird. 20 minutes return.

Informal mountain biking tracks are formed along and on either side of the stop banks of the Ashley River in this area – cyclists take care and watch for other track users.

TRACK VARIETYTry the variety of tracks outlined in this useful guide and experience this district’s rich human and natural heritage – a diversity that encompasses mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, wetland reserves and beaches.

Therearetracksforalllevelsofexperience,fitnessandability. The tracks provide access to sites with beautiful panoramicviews,historic,culturalorspiritualsignificanceandopportunities to explore the backcountry.

INTRODUCTIONThe country lifestyle district of Waimakariri is based in the heartland of the South Island, only 20 minutes north of Christchurch.

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

Discover Waimakariri’s natural adventure playground

To Rangiora

Beach Rd

KAIAPOI

Smith St

Charles St

Kaiapoi Lakes

Lineside RdTo Pines &Karaki Beach

Lookout

WaimakaririRiver

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Pegasus BayWalkway

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BEACHES OF WAIMAKARIRITuhaitara Coastal ParkStretching from the Waimakariri River to the Ashley River is an area of 580ha of coastline that is under the management of the Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust. The Tuhaitara Coastal Park is a special environment that offers ecological, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for all who visit. www.tuhaitarapark.org.nz

Kairaki, Pines, Woodend and Waikuku Beaches

These beach settlements provide picnic spaces, children’s playground areas, and access out to the wide sandy beaches forfishing,swimming,surfing,walking,horse riding, building sandcastles and playing hide ‘n seek in the sand dunes.

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

Pegasus Bay TrackA relatively easy walk that can start at the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visi-tor Centre and features about 15 km of wide track for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The walking track traverses wide river flatsandreachesKairakiandPinesbeachesinanhourandahalf. Some of this track crosses private farmland and there are signs up that state “No Dogs”. Further stages of the walkway follow the coastline through pine plantations and sand dunes toreachWoodendbeachandfinallyWaikukubeach,andis approx. 5 hours to walk one way.

Rakahuri Walkway

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

tracks, with options of rejoining the stop bank track. The riverbed tracks lead to the Ashley River mouth and at low tide the estuary can be crossed and a return along the beach or estuary. Views of the Ashley River, Saltwater Creek Estuary, and the Ashley River mouth. This area

isasignificantbreedingareaofmigratorybirdsandis the spawning ground of inanga – whitebait. 1 hour return.

Mountain biking is possible along the stop bank and on the riverbed tracks – cyclists take care and watch for other track users.

Kaiapoi Pa – Ngai Tahu historic siteLocated on Preeces Road, access off State Highway 1, just north of Woodend. The Kaiapoi Pa is a significantlyimportantsiteforlocalNgaiTahuMaori,as this was once a working Pa and was the centre of trade for the South Island. Today the site is a green fieldoflowmoundswithamonumentandviewingplatform.

EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGEand bookings throughout New Zealand

• One Stop Shop • Easy free parking • Free booking service

Visit the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Information Centre for what to see and do throughout the Waimakariri District and New Zealand.We also provide Department of Conservation brochures, hut tickets and sell Fishing Licences.• Free booking Service• Tours• Activities• Accommodation• Transport• Dash ticketing for theatre, concerts and festivals• Local Maps, brochures & DoC Hut Tickets• Gift Vouchers available• Fishing Rod Hire

Visit: Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Information Centre 143 Williams Street, Kaiapoi 7644 Phone: +64 3 327 3134 Email: info@kaiapoivisitorcentre.co.nz Web: visitwaimakariri.co.nz Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat/Sun 10am-4pm, Public Holidays 11am-4pm, Closed Christmas Day.

PEGASUSThe Pegasus Lake is a great destination for walking and cycling, with a formed track all the way round. 20 to 45 minutes return.

Te Kohanga Wetlands

Te Kohanga is the 97 hectare, recreation and conservation area of Pegasus. Careful work has been underway to create a range of natural habitats so that it will once again support the variety and numbers of native plants and animals that once lived there.

Formed pathways and boardwalks allow easy walking and cycling along this area.

Pegasus Town

WALKING & CYCLINGWAIMAKARIRI GUIDENORTH CANTERBURY, NEW ZEALAND

www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz

Kaiapoi RangioraOxfordPegasusBeaches and RiversOxford Forest Conservation AreaMt Thomas Forest Conservation AreaGlentui and Mt Richardson

Eyre WalkPearson Park, cross the pedestrian crossing, continue walking along the south side of Main Street and past the West Oxford Hotel. Turn left into Commercial Road and enjoy the view of Mt Torlesse and Browns Rock from the seat before you turn left at Burnt Hill Road. Turn right into Harewood Road, left into Matai Place and through the lane, left into Park Avenue where you can see the entrance of Pearson Park. Time: 45 minutes easy walk.

Oak WalkPearson Park, travel through the main entrance, follow the oval on 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 of High and Main Street and approx 800m on the left hand side is the entrance to Oak Plantation. Meander under the trees, following the marked track, and enjoy the quiet English setting on the seats provided or have a picnic in the dappled light. Follow the fence line along the back where you will come to the Oxford Cemetery. Leave the cemetery through the High Street gate, turn right and return to Pearson Park. Time: 50 minutes easy walk.

(please note that the walk through the oak trees is closed during lambing season, at high fire risk times and at the leasee’s discretion)

Mountain View WalkPearson Park, cross the pedestrian crossing and turn back to Park Avenue. Continue along Park Avenue until Harewood Road. Turn left and continue along Harewood Road where you will enjoy views of Big Ben, Puketeraki Range, the Port Hills and Browns Rock. A plane table, native planting and seating will allow you to enjoy the views. Turn left into High Street and continue to the intersection of High and Main Streets. Turn left and follow Main Street back to Pearson Park. Time: Approx 50 minutes.

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

Lookout WalkStart: Pearson Park to Oxford Millenium Lookout (as above). To make a longer and more interesting walk, continue along Sales Road, turn right Powells Road, right into Barracks Road, left Burnettt Street off Church Street and back into Pearson Park off Reids Lane. Time: Approx 1hr 30mins.

Let’s Walk OxfordThis colourful map includes 7 walks and afitnesscircuitinandaround Oxford from 1km to 7kms. The map is intended to be a guide to encourage you to get out and explore Oxford’s many interesting walkways, streets, parks and reserves. The walks can be extended, shortened, reversed or re-invented – enjoy and have fun. Maps available at the Oxford Service Centre and Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre.

ASHLEY GORGE

Ashley Gorge is an exceptional environment, only 45 minutes from Christchurch. Nestled beside Mt Thomas Forest and set 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 close proximitytotheriver.Pleasebeawareofthetotalfirebaninthis area.

WAIMAKARIRI GORGE

Waimakariri translates to cold, rushing water.

Traditionally, the course of the river through the Waimakariri Gorge was a route from Canterbury to the West Coast, where pounamu (greenstone) was gathered by early Maori.

Today the dramatic Waimakariri Gorge with its steep rock walls ispopularforjetboating,fishingandkayakingandisthelasttransition point for the annual Coast to Coast event.

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

MT THOMAS FOREST CONSERVATION AREAMt 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). Mt Thomas Forest Conservation Area covers 10,800 hectares, between the Ashley and Okuku Rivers, and contains extensive exotic plantations, which in the case of Mt Thomas itself extend right to the summit. From the summits there are views over the Canterbury Plains to Pegasus Bay, into the Lees Valley and theupperOkukuRiver.Lightingoffiresisprohibitedduringperiodsofextremefirerisk,andsomeareasortracksmaybeclosed.

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

DOC Walking Tracks: Kereru Track – 1 hour return, 2.2km Forest Track – 2 hours return, 2.8km Red Pine Track – 3 hours return, 5 km Wooded Gully Track – 3 hours one way, 5.3km

DOC Tramping Tracks: Summit Track – to Mt Thomas Summit, 3 hours one way Ridge Track – to Mt Thomas Summit, 5 hours one way Pinchgut Track – Pinchgut Hut via Okuku River – 5 hours one way (not shown on map). Access this track from Loburn –Whiterock Road, left into Taaffes Glen Road and park your vehicle near Fox Creek.

OXFORDOxford is becoming a popular visitor destination on the Inland Scenic Route 72, with boutique stores, cafes and country stay accommodation. Oxford is nestled below the foothills of the Southern Alps, and there are many easy and short walks in and around this country town, mainly along footpaths and formed roads. Here you can be a part of the beauty and tranquility of the farmland, native bush and hear the song of native 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 at the edge of public roads.

Mears TrackMain Street, turn right into Mill Road, left into Bush Road on

bend and right into Crallans Drain Road (approx 3kms). There is a sealed car park approx 1km from turnoff.

This stand of native bush is one of few near the Oxford township and is a QEII Covenant. The track isclearlydefinedwithnativeplantsidentified,and incorporates

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

Oxford Rural WalkPearson Park, west along Main Street and turn right into Bay Road, turn left into Bush Road and continue until the intersection of Mill Road. Left into Mill Road to Main Street and continue 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 Range in front of you.

Time: Approx. 50 minutes.

Loburn, Rangiora& Oxford

WoodedGully

camping &picnic area Hayland Road

MT THOMAS FOREST CONSERVATION AREA

V

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 a variety of track options from easy walks through the native bush, to moderately steep climbing to the Mt Richardson summit where there are sweeping views of the Puketeraki Range and Lees Valley. Mountain biking is permitted on the Blowhard Track only. Horse riders also use the Blowhard Track – cyclists take care and watch for other track users. Lighting of firesisprohibitedduringperiodsofextremefirerisk,andsomeareas or tracks may be closed.

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

Blowhard Track – Ashley Gorge Road crosses Washpool Stream to become Birch Hill Road. After 1km, turn left onto Maori Reserve Road and follow for 3.5kms to the track-head near the Boys Brigade Camp.

DOC Walking Tracks: Glentui Waterfall Track – 30 minutes return, 350m Glentui Loop Track – 1 hour return, 2km DOC Tramping Tracks: Mt Richardson Track – 3 hours one way Bypass Track – 1 to 2 hours one way (downhill)

Blowhard Track – 3 to 4 hours one way

BypassTrack

Glentui River

Loburn, Oxford

BlowhardTrack

Boys Brigadecamp

GlentuiLoopTrack

Glentui picnicarea

GlentuiWaterfall

Track

V

MtRichardson

1047 m

Glentui Bush Road

RichardsonTrack

GLENTUI AND MT RICHARDSONfootbridge

TownshendRiver

Wharfedalehut

saddle

RydeFalls

Lees Valley Rd

Coopers Creekcar park

Oxford

Oxford

View Hillcar park

Black Hillhut

V

Mt Oxford1364 m

Perhams Rd

Mountain Rd

WharfedaleTrack

TownshendTrack

Townshend toBlackhill Track

BlackhillTrack

Viewhill toMt Oxford

Track

OXFORD FOREST CONSERVATION AREATo Ashley Gorge, 8km

OXFORD

Harewood Rd

High St

High St

Ashley Gorge Rd

Powells Rd

Barracks Rd

Oxford Rd

Church St

Bay Rd

Queen St

Wilsons Rd

Bush RdBush RdReidsLane

Main St

Mill Rd

To Mt Oxford, Ryde Falls

Woodside Rd

Park Ave

Burnt H

ill Rd

Burnt Hill Rd

To WaimakaririGorge, 8km

To Wharfedale Track,Ryde Falls, and View

Hill Domain, 12km

Commercial Rd

Sales Rd

Crallans Drain Rd

Mears Track1 km walk

Lookout

DormansPearson Park

Burnett St

Depo

t Rd

72

72

Woodstock Rd

Known for its scenery and views the Oxford area is a great place to cycle. All tracks start at View Hill Domain. Travel from Oxford township along Main Street and Depot Road, right into Woodstock Road to the corner of Harman Gorge Road (12km all sealed).

View Hill Domain Track (under construction Dec 09)A one way cycle track for young children within the Domain. A safe place to learn to ride, meandering through the trees with the challenge of a few humps and dips. Length: 800 metres

Wharfedale/Perhams Route – Grade 3Leave the Domain, turn left into Woodstock Road, right into Ingrams Road. Left into Perhams Road, turn right onto the road to Wharfedale Track. A dirt track with beautiful views across the Plains to the Port Hills. There are 2 fords which can become 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 left into Washpen Road or continue to Waimakariri Gorge Road (2km further). Travel along Waimakariri Gorge Road, turn left into Rockford Road or continue along Waimakariri Gorge Road to Harmans Gorge Road, turn left and back to the Domain. Length: 13km return

Woodstock Route - Grade 3Continue along Woodstock Road to the end and zigzag down the dirt track to the Waimakariri River. Return to the corner of Woodstock and Waimakariri Gorge Roads, either continue straight along to the Domain or via Waimakariri Gorge Road, Rockford Road and Harmans Gorge Road.

Island Road Route - Grade 1From the Domain turn left into Harman Gorge Road, turn right into Island Road. Follow Island Road (shingle part way). Turn left at Sladdens Farm Road and continue on Island Road through the ford, then right at Woodside Road. This route will take you to Oxford (11km one way).

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

OXFORD CYCLEWAYS VIEW HILL AREA

OXFORD FOREST CONSERVATION AREAOxford 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 or mountain biking (permitted on the Wharfedale Track only). Lightingoffiresisprohibitedduringperiodsofextremefirerisk, and some areas or tracks may be closed.

Access: Coopers Creek car park – at the western end of Oxford, take Woodside Road. 8km northwest turn right into Mountain Road to the Coopers Creek car park.

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

Lees Valley – at the eastern end of Oxford, turn into High Street, which becomes Ashley Gorge Road and travel 6kms north to the Lees Valley Road. DOC Walking Tracks: Coopers Creek to Ryde Falls Track – 3 hours one way, 7km View Hill car park to Ryde Falls – 2 hours one way, 3km Link Track – View Hill to Coopers Creek car park – 3 hours one way, 7km

DOC Tramping Tracks: Wharfedale Track – 5 hours

one way, 15km. Mountain biking, grade 3

Mt Oxford Track – Coopers Creek car park to Mt Oxford Summit – 4 hours one way

Black Hill Track – Wharfedale Track to Black Hill Hut – 3 hours one way

Townshend to Black Hill Track – 3 hours one way View 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 are intended to provide an overview of the range of tracks available. The maps should not be used for directional purposes on the tracks.

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