Cust is an attractive township on the Inland Scenic Route 72, half-way between Oxford and Rangiora. Route 72 is a popular travelling road between Geraldine and Amberley, which provides wonderful views of the Southern Alps and pastoral Canterbury.
Ashley is a quiet village on the banks of the Ashley River, just minutes away from its busy neighbour, Rangiora. The picturesque Ashley River looks very inviting on a bright summer’s day and locals make the most of the swimming holes and picnic spots along the willow-lined banks.
Kaiapoi, North Canterbury’s top river town, is located on S.H.1 just over the broad, shingle-strewn Waimakariri River from Christchurch. This principal town of the Waimakariri District occupies a strategic position, flanked by the river and fertile farm flats to the west and the great expanse of Pegasus Bay to the east.
Leaving Christchurch, head north across the pancake-flat, patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains, for a breath of fresh country air. As you pass over the long Waimakariri River bridge, you are entering ‘Lifestyle Country.’
The wide open Waimakariri beaches fronting Pegasus Bay, might just be North Canterbury’s best kept secret. Canterbury’s continental climate has great extremes, from the sizzling 30 plus Centigrade temperatures of summer to the cold southerlies in winter.
German explorer, Julius von Haast, named Franz Josef glacier in 1865 after the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Franz Josef and South Westland has a long and colour history, in fact Abel Tasman and James Cook saw the mountains of the region from their ships!
The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers of New Zealand's Westland National Park are remembered by visitors for the extraordinary sights of glacier ice within the forest zone.
The South West New Zealand World Heritage Area is home to the majestic glaciers, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
You find yourself in a wonderland of pristine whiteness - ice pinnacles, blue crevasses, deep caves and towering seracs. The glorious crispness and purity of this jumbled icefall is truly astounding.
Visitors are treated to an impressive variety of walks in the region - from short lake side strolls through to serious hikes for experienced trampers. New Zealand's Information Network have compiled a selection of popular walks in the area for your convenience.
Lake Hawea is an ‘all-year-round’ holiday playground and is renowned as both a Sumner and Winter Resort for New Zealand and overseas guests visiting this popular South Island destination.
Fox Glacier lies on the West Coast of the South Island. It is one of the most impressive scenic attractions in New Zealand. It is known for it's huge virgin forrests, beautiful expansive lakes, rugged sea coast, ice glaciers tumbling down steep valleys to almost sea level and unspoilt beauty.
Ashburton and surrounding areas boast a breathtaking variety of activities and attractions to be enjoyed throughout the year, from simple low cost activities such as hiking a nature trail to more extravagant adventures such as sky diving and hot air ballooning! No matter what your holiday budget.
The Ashburtorn district offers a surprisingly wide variety of shops and business services for locals and tourist visitors. The central town is well designed so visitors can easily walk around the lovely shops, restaurants and local cafes, however there is plenty of parking available for cars, motorhomes and campervans.
Ashburton is located in South Canterbury and is within one hour's easy driving from Christchurch International Airport in the South Island of New Zealand. If you are planning a self-drive journey we suggest you take advantage of the district's two highway's - State Highway One and the Inland Scenic Route 72.
The Ashburton district now offers some fabulous dining options boasting fresh, contemporary cuisine, outstanding customer service and award winning New Zealand wines. There is a decent supply of eateries in central Ashburton offering a range of menus to suit your tastes, budget or dietary requirements.
Located in South Canterbury, the town of Ashburton is the gateway to some of the most breath-taking scenery, attractions and activities to be found in this South Island district. Ashburton is the perfect base for your outdoor holiday adventure due to its close proximity to Lake Hood, Methven, Mt Hutt, Mt Somers and Rakaia.
Ashburton is a popular base for your South Canterbury holiday due to the close proximity of Christchurch, Mt Hutt, Methven, Raikia and other popular holiday destinations. The district offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets!
Staying in a semi rural town offers the best of everything, you can still enjoy the convenience of a large township with major shopping, restaurants, cafes, fast-food outlets and supermarkets, while enjoying a more relaxed and laid back atmosphere, where things move at a slower pace.
