Alpine Pacific Triangle
Route:
Tana and Petra's second rugby road trip around New Zealand covers the area known as the Alpine Pacific triangle - an amazing region which is full of contrasts. Departing from Christchurch on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Petra travels north up the coast to Kaikoura and inland to Hanmer Springs. Meanwhile Tana stops in at a rugby club which has produced many All Blacks, and continues on to a wine region, the Waipara Valley.
Road Trip Highlights & Sidelines
Christchurch: the Garden City
Photo by: CCT
The city of Christchurch promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. By day you can visit the beautiful botanic gardens, where more than ten sub-gardens stretch over 30 hectares of planting, or take a relaxing punt on the Avon River as a boatman guides you past the sights of the central city. By night, this colourful city comes alive even more, particularly around the central city area of Cathedral Square.
Kaikoura: an Ocean Oasis
Photo by:
Eric Napier
The picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura is all about adventure on or near the sea. Watch whales, snorkel with seals or tuck into a plate of crayfish. Located on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic mountains, which are snow-capped for many months of the year.
Hanmer Springs: Rest & Revive
Hanmer Springs is purpose-built for rest and rejuvenation, with local activities being all about experiencing the beautiful environment. Go forest hiking, mountain biking, horse trekking or jet boating, and at the end of the day head for the thermal reserve to soak in the naturally heated pools.
Waipara Valley: Wine & Dine
Photo by:
Kieren Scott
Wine is the number one attraction on a stay in Waipara. The area is known for superb Pinot Noir and Riesling, as well as wonderful food. To add to your gourmet experience, there are olive groves, nut farms, fields of lavender and some of the most unique accommodation experiences in the country.
Amberley: for Country Pursuits
Photo by: PhotoNewZealand
Amberley is a great place to find country hospitality on your journey around the Alpine Pacific Triangle. Enjoy fresh air, mountain views and the many country pursuits available in the area - including horse riding, surfcasting, wine tasting, river fishing, farm visits and garden tours.
Cheviot: a Farming Town
Photo by: PhotoNewZealand
Cheviot is the main town on the coastal route between Amberley and Kaikoura. Named for the Cheviot sheep, the primary local industry is wool growing and visitors are treated to the delights of sheep mustering, pony riding and other rural entertainments on a Cheviot farmstay.
Rangiora: Canterbury's Best Lamb
Photo by: PhotoNewZealand
The thriving country town of Rangiora serves the local agricultural and horticultural community. There's no better place to enjoy Canterbury lamb, and several interesting museums and some wonderful heritage buildings await visitors, including one of Canterbury's oldest wooden churches.
Kaiapoi: an old Maori Pa site
Photo by: PhotoNewZealand
Kaiapoi was once the site of a major trading settlement for the New Zealand Maori tribe of Ngai Tahu. You can visit the old pa, which appears as a series of low grassy mounds. In the 1850s and 60s Kaiapoi's waterways allowed cutters, schooners and paddle steamers to service the needs of pioneering settlers.
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