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 is one of only three in NZ to gain International Dark Sky Park Accreditation. We get some of the best naked-eye views of the Milky Way! On a clear night, just step outside and look up; the stars are incredible here! Our rural property is a wonderful place to enjoy the night sky.

Oxford Area School 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 bridge to the start of the track. 

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.

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

Day Trips....

Castle Hill

Only 45 minutes away - explore the ancient limestone formations, breathtaking scenery and mountain range. Wander around the rocks, and crawl through mini tunnels and arches probably chiseled by glaciers millions of years ago. The Dalai Lama has said it is the spiritual centre of the universe! http://www.christchurchnz.com/walk-canterbury/castle-hill/

Arthurs Pass

1.5 hours away.  A dramatic mountain pass, alpine village and National Park with walking tracks and Kea.

Ski Fields

Six Ski Fields including: Porters (approx one hour drive), Mount Hutt, Porter Heights/ & Temple Basin.

Orana Wildlife Park 

(35 Min away). Feed the giraffes. See the lions, tigers, NZ's only gorillas, zebras, cheetahs, rhinos, Tasmanian Devils, kiwi, farm animals, birds etc. (70 different species, refer to website). Hop on & off the free shuttle.

Akaroa is a day trip away.  Cruise on the Black Cat Cruises  & swim with the dolphins. 

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

Train - Take the TranzAlpine Train trip to Arthur's Pass or on to Greymouth. 

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. See website for more info.Margaret Mahy Playground

This multi-million-dollar playground is a must for children! It's the largest in the Southern Hemisphere (3500 square meters) & jam-packed with fun equipment. There are flying foxes, interactive water play area (take spare clothes!), big slide, tall spiral slide, sand pit, trampolines, swings, see-saws, climbing net/web to name a few!!! Free entry.

International Antarctic Centre

Experience an arctic storm, see the Little Blue Penguins, ride in a Hagglund, 4D simulated cinema (Cruise & Happy Feet). Learn about life in modern day Antarctica & Scott Base.

Christchurch Tram

A good introduction/tour around the city centre combining history & sightseeing. See the changing face of Christchurch. The day ticket allows you to get on & off as much as you like (17 stops) - a great way to see the city. The knowledgeable drivers inform you about the city, its landmarks & local sights. (Children are free with a paying adult).

Botanic Gardens

Have a stroll around the gardens - a great picnic spot & free to enter. Shuttle Tours available (see website for tour cost).

Punting on the Avon

A relaxing way to see Christchurch from a different perspective.