Drive along the dotted line where the Canterbury Plains meet the Southern Alps and find a rare kind of heaven.
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| Two worlds collide - one green and rural, the other wild and mountainous. |
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On one side, serene pastures and fields; on the other side, the rock solid beauty of New Zealand's longest, highest mountain range. Opportunities for outdoor fun can be found at every turn - bring your fly rod, hiking boots and sense of adventure.
Route Summary
Inland Scenic Route 72 journeys from Rangiora, north of Christchurch, to the farming centre of Oxford. The route continues along the foot of the alps to Mount Hutt, Canterbury's premier ski field. Mount Somers is next, for a hike in the mountains. Then it's over the Rangitata River to Geraldine, where you can link to State Highway 1 or head inland to Mount Cook.
Key Features
Outdoor adventures - both gentle and daring - are your reason for choosing to follow Inland Scenic Route 72. In any season, you'll find captivating ways to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes.
Around the country town of Oxford, there are farm stays and horse riding opportunities. Staying on a farm is the ultimate way to appreciate country life - you can help out with daily tasks and enjoy the generous, farmhouse-kitchen hospitality of a local family. Oxford Forest is a popular spot for walks and picnics. The Ryde Falls Walk is an easy excursion, while a trip up Mount Oxford is a challenging one day expedition.
| Comical, sociable keas (mountain parrots) are often a highlight of alpine hikes. |
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Flicking a fly rod is a relaxing way to absorb the beauty of the Southern Alps. On the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers, salmon are the key targets. The average catch is 6 to 8 kilograms, but 15 kilograms isn't out of the question. Rainbow and brown trout also live in these rivers. A totally different kind of river entertainment can be found in Rakaia Gorge, where you can catch a jetboat to see waterfalls, hair-raising rapids and amazing alpine scenery. The Rangitata River's special talent is white water rafting - incredibly exciting, but also suitable for first timers. Rafting trips begin where Edoras was created for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
Geraldine offers clear mountain views, beautiful walks, a vibrant boutique shopping village and is conveniently located within two hours’ drive of eight ski fields.
You'll want to get close to the Southern Alps on this journey, but the type of interaction depends on the time of the year. In winter and spring, Mount Hutt ski field has some of the most reliable skiing and snowboarding conditions in New Zealand. The town of Methven fairly fizzes with après ski activities. Once snow levels have receded, the hiking season begins. Make it your mission to complete the Mount Somers Walkway - a ten hour return trip that takes you to historic coal mines, impressive volcanic formations, tussock lands, a deep river canyon and rugged bush country. You can also climb to the top of Mount Somers for lofty views of the mountains and plains.
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INLAND SCENIC 72
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Stay on a farm in the foothills of the Southern Alps. You'll have the chance to hand feed baby animals and help out with daily tasks (but only if you want to). Farmhouse hospitality will include hearty country cooking using the freshest local ingredients. Expect a high standard of accommodation and comfort - Canterbury is famous for its farmstays.
Key tips
- From Methven it's easy to arrange transport to the Mount Hutt ski area, and safer
than taking your own vehicle.
- Weather can change quickly around Mount Somers - hikers should be prepared for
all conditions.
- Luxurious lodge accommodation is a feature of this driving route. Consider splashing
out for a night or two.
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