Things to do nearby:

The cottage is just a short drive (5km) to the Oxford township. Enjoy a walk up Mt Oxford or a  walk to the waterfall at the Ashley Gorge loop track, local horse trek, or have a jetboat ride on the Waimakariri River.

Stargazing!

Oxford Forest's International Dark Sky Park Accreditation means we get some of the best naked-eye views of the Milky Way! On a clear night, step outside and look up; the stars are incredible here! Our rural property is a wonderful place to enjoy the night sky. Oxford Observatory

Walks

Experience the beauty, native flora and birds in the Oxford foothills and Puketeraki Range, Mt Oxford, Glentui, Mt Richardson, Ashley Gorge. The Ryde Falls is another popular walk.  www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz www.doc.govt.nz

The Ashley Gorge Loop Track has views across the Ashley River and Canterbury Plains. It has been extended to include a waterfall track. Park at the Ashley Gorge Recreation Reserve and walk across the bridge to the start of the track. 

Ashley Gorge River  - 8km from Oxford township. Have a splash in the river, play at the park & have lunch at the picnic areas. 

Another loop track a little further away is the Glentui Loop Track. Why not also experience the perfect introduction to Canyoning!

Click here for a map showing numerous walks including Mears Track, Oxford Rural Walk, Eyre Walk, Oak Walk, Mountain View Walk, Millennium Lookout & Lookout Walk.

Day Trips from Oxford

• Castle Hill - Only 45 minutes away - explore the ancient limestone formations, breathtaking scenery and mountain range as featured in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". Wander around the rocks, and crawl through mini tunnels and arches probably chiseled by glaciers millions of years ago. http://www.christchurchnz.com/walk-canterbury/castle-hill/

• Arthur's Pass - 1.5 hours away.  A dramatic mountain pass, alpine village and National Park with walking tracks and Kea.

• Ski Fields - Porters, Mount Hutt, Mt Olympus & Temple Basin.

• Orana Wildlife Park  - (35 Min away). NZ's largest open-range wildlife park with a variety of native and exotic species including kiwi and kea. Feed the giraffes, see rhinos, lions, gorillas, Tasmanian Devils, farm animals, and many more. Refer to their website). Hop on & off the free shuttle.

• Akaroa - Picturesque harbour village with cafes, galleries and French heritage. Cruise on the Black Cat Cruises 

• Hanmer - approximately 2 hours away. Enjoy a relaxing soak at the Hanmer Springs hot pools.

• TranzAlpine Scenic Train - Travel from Christchurch through the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass and Greymouth on one of New Zealand's most scenic train journeys. 

• Hot Air Ballooning - Experience the magic over the Canterbury plains with Aoraki Balloon Safaris, Methven. NZ Ballooning.

Christchurch Activities 

• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve - Kiwi, birds, farm animals, deer, wallabies, monkeys, gibbons, lemurs etc. 

• Margaret Mahy Playground - A fantastic free playground in central Christchurch. Jam-packed with fun equipment for children of all ages eg flying foxes, interactive water play area, slides, sand pit, trampolines.

• International Antarctic Centre - Experience an arctic storm, see the Little Blue Penguins, ride in a Hagglund, 4D simulated cinema. Learn about life in modern-day Antarctica & Scott Base.

• Christchurch Tram - A good introduction/tour around the city centre combining history & sightseeing. Hop on & off (17 stops) - a great way to see the city. The drivers' commentary informs you about the city, its landmarks & local sights.  Get a combo pass for both the Gondola and Tram.

• Botanic Gardens - Have a stroll around the gardens, a great picnic spot & free to enter. Shuttle Tours available (see website).

• Punting on the Avon - A relaxing way to see Christchurch from a different perspective.

• Riverside Market - many food options - a great place for lunch.