Things to do and places to visit

AMBERLEY is a small, rural, North Canterbury town that is the gateway to the wine growing region of the Waipara Valley where connoisseurs of fine wine can sample some of the best wines in the world. Named after Amberley in Derbyshire, U.K. the township began in 1876 when the railway arrived. Amberley has several good restaurants, the beach is unspoilt, there is bird life in abundance and a farmers’ market is held every Saturday morning where stall holders are only too happy to discuss their home - grown produce. There are several good nature trails and forest walks at nearby Mt.Grey and Mt.Cass. There is fishing in the local rivers, surf casting from the beach and wine tasting at the nearby vineyards.

Nature trails and walks
Maukatere, or Mt Grey as it is better known as, rises to a height of 934 metres (3,064 feet) and whilst in winter it's snow covered peak peeps above the cloud, in summer it's heavily wooded slopes are a haven for walkers, explorers and mountain bikers. There are several marked trails from which to choose and once you reach the summit you will have unparalleled views across the vast Canterbury Plain to the Pacific Ocean and Christchurch. Our home is at the bottom of Mt Grey and access to it is less than a five minute drive away.

Horse riding
Spend the day on horseback on a working farm rounding up cattle or sheep, or take a lazy trail ride through stunning alpine scenery. For those of you who enjoy the western style of riding, or who have always wanted to try it, lessons or rides can be arranged with a neighbouring appaloosa stud farm that has some of the best examples of the breed to be found anywhere in New Zealand. If you have an interest in appaloosas this stud farm raises supreme champions.

Waipara Valley vineyards 
The Waipara Valley is the country's fourth largest wine region with over 1400ha of vines. Pinot Noir and dry Reisling are regional specialties but the vineyards also produce Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot, Gewürtztraminer, Muller Thurgau, Pinotage, Syrah and even Port (red, white and special reserve). The valley also boasts olive groves and nut farms. www.waiparawine.co.nz/wineries

Weka Pass Railway 
This is an historic rural railway using both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives on 12.8 kms of scenic line through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass. For fire reasons, the steam locomotives are replaced by diesels during the hot, dry, summer months.
www.wekapassrailway.co.nz

Hanmer Springs 
Hanmer Springs is New Zealand's premier alpine spa destination and consists of a selection of natural thermal pools of varying temperatures. Soak in warm or hot water up to your chin, swim in the large pool, play on the children's slides, relax and be spoiled with a massage or beauty treatment. There are also a number of hydrotherapy pools where jets of warm water play on your body and massage away tension and aching muscles.
www.hanmersprings.co.nz  

Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and was one of Lonely Planet's top 10 cities to visit in 2013. Visit the Christchurch Gondola  and Antartic Centre . For innovative design and cutting edge technology visit the transitional cathedral, otherwise known as the 'cardboard cathedral'. Take a leisurely punt down the River Avon or bask in the glorious summer sunshine on one of several beaches.
www.gondola.co.nz
www.iceberg.co.nz 

Akaroa 
Originally intended by the French to be developed as a whaling port, Akaroa is a popular tourist destination flanked by the extinct volcanoes that form the Banks Peninsula. An historic township, it is famous for its magnificent harbour, the rare hector dolphins and hugely enjoyable sea cruises. The stunning blue pearls that are unique to New Zealand can be bought here.
www.akaroa.com 

Kaikoura 
Spend the day at the lovely town of Kaikoura and sample freshly caught local seafood. Take a boat, aeroplane or helicopter and be wowed by the sight of whales rising from the ocean depths, swim with dolphins as they frolic around you, take photos of seal colonies basking in sunshine on the rocks and enjoy stunning scenery and walks. Ladies, if you like paua shell (abalone) jewellery, this is the place to go shopping.

Links

The following links may help you to plan your holiday

The official tourism and visitor website for Christchurch and Canterbury
www.christchurchnz.net

Explore the Alpine Pacific Triangle
www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/alpine-pacific-triangle/ 

Official New Zealand website 
www.newzealand.com