Immerse Yourself In The Mountains
Stretching across the Canterbury Plains from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps, Selwyn is home to mountain vistas, a Lord of the Rings film location, and New Zealand's highest altitude settlement, the alpine village of Arthur's Pass.
TranzAlpine Journey
Ski one of the Selwyn's 6 ski fields, visit Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora - New Zealand's largest coastal lake brimming with birdlife, or Lake Coleridge, a natural wilderness described as one of Canterbury's best kept secrets.
Suggested time: 3 days or 1 day.
Day 1 - Jet Boating & Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area / Castle Hill
Pick up your rental car in Christchurch and hit the road. Drive the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73) until you reach the township of Springfield, home of the giant doughnut. This journey will take just over an hour.
Once you have arrived in Springfield head to Alpine Jet Thrills where you will travel by jet boat through the foothills of the Southern Alps on one of their famous Canyon Safari Tours.
In the afternoon, continue along State Highway 73 past Darfield until you reach the majestic limestone boulders of Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area / Castle Hill. Explore the stunning landscape, don't be surprised if it conjures up memories of 'Middle Earth' as this scenic area was one of the film locations in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Day 2 - Arthur's Pass & Terrace Downs Golf Resort
Feeling rejuvenated? Why not stretch your legs walking through native New Zealand forest to the stunning Devil's Punch Bowl Falls in Arthur's Pass - 45 minutes return.
Once back on the road, head down south to the Rakaia Gorge, stop for photos and a short walk. Then make your way to your lunch venue and accommodation, Fable Terrace Downs Resort.
After enjoying a late lunch at The Cafe at Terrace Downs, spend the afternoon enjoying the resort's wide range of activities - why not challenge yourself and try something new? Choose from golf, archery, clay-bird shooting, fishing, horse riding...and more.
Tonight treat yourself to the culinary delights of Terrace Down's Hunter's Restaurant.
Day 3 - Springfield & Horse Trekking
After enjoying breakfast at Terrace Downs Golf Resort, it's time to hit the road and head back into Springfield.
Once in Springfield make your way to Rubicon Valley Horse Treks, where you will experience a special 2 hour tour of the foothills and mountains of Canterbury through Rubicon Farm, a 2000 acre high country sheep farm situated in Kowai Bush.
On your way back into Christchurch don't miss a lunch stop at Darfield Bakery, a local favourite!
1 Day Option - TranzAlpine Journey
If you only have one day, a great way to experience the Selwyn district is by train. The TranzAlpine leaves Christchurch at 8.15am, and arrives at Arthur's Pass alpine village at 10.52am.
After your scenic train journey spend the day exploring Arthur's Pass National Park, walk through New Zealand native forest, enjoy lunch at a cosy cafe, and spot a cheeky Kea (native New Zealand mountain parrot).
The TranzAlpine departs Arthur's Pass at 4.28pm and arrives back in Christchurch at 6.31pm.
