Ohoka is only 15 minutes drive from Christchurch – one of the closest rural areas to the city.

It sits on the extensive fertile plains between the Ashley and Waimakariri rivers, which are fast developing as specialist farms and lifestyle blocks. The busy service centre of Kaiapoi is very close by, so Ohoka enjoys the best of both worlds – amenities on tap and quiet county living.

Journey through this area and you will be greeted with stunning views of the Southern Alps and their bush-clad foothills. You will also find an historic church that has been cleverly converted to a home and wedding venue.

Immerse yourself in the Ohoka area and you could soon be playing a round on a nine hole golf course, watching a sheep shearing demonstration, taking a horse and carriage tour and learning about the lives of early settlers. You could even stay overnight in a B&B guesthouse on a truffiere (a truffle growing farm).

Cantabrians absolutely adore gardening and flower beds and leafy lanes are very much a feature of the Waimakariri District. Ohoka presents itself in classical mode. Formal private gardens at Wilson’s Mill and Cashel, feature large-scale plantings of trees, with colour provided by hostas and lavender and decorative ponds and canals. Garden tours are available from Christchurch and they allow ample time to absorb the beauty and tranquillity of Ohoka’s gardens.

Swannanoa is just 20 minutes drive from Christchurch and is easily accessed from the Northern Motorway.

This is ‘County Fair Country,’ where the Waimakariri rural community come together to celebrate the ‘good life’ down on the farm and the lifestyle block.

It is renowned for the Swannanoa Country Fair, held in March and the Somerset Downs Country Craft Fayre, held in November. The beautifully manicured grounds of the Downs are perfect for a big day out with family and friends. The nearby Vineyard and Function Centre is also an ideal venue to host a function in the relaxed country atmosphere at Swannanoa.