Things to do

There are plenty of activities in the Oxford area with something to suit everyone - from bush walks, trout fishing and kayaking to winery tours, museums and scenic drives.

Activities
Recreation opportunities
Arts, crafts and museums

Gardens and nurseries
Food and beverage
Scenic drives

About The Area

The mountain valleys and ridgelines of Canterbury's foothill forests offer a unique opportunity to enjoy forest and alpine environments. Their location at the foot of the Southern Alps is within an hours drive from Christchurch. These areas are managed by the Department of Conservation for public use and enjoyment and for the preservation of their natural values. They are remnants of the native vegetation that once existed throughout the region. Birdlife to be seen and heard in the forest area include native species like fantail, bellbird, silvereye, tomtit, grey warbler, brown creeper, wood pigeon and rifleman. Introduced species include chaffinch, red poll, blackbird and thrush.

Visit the district website www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz for information on the Waimakariri District

Activities

Ashley Gorge River - Swimming / Water Fun
The Ashley River is a great swimming area for all, there are some very shallow spots for littlies and some great swimming holes and diving spots for the older children. Bring your tube and glide down the flowing clear water. Our water is tested regularly by Environment Canterbury.

Short Walks

At the top end of the Birch Flat picnic area there is a short walk to a lookout up the Gorge. Dont forget to check out the Giants Walk while you are up there and discover the giant Redwoods. Short walks in and around Oxford, 6 short kiwi walks approximately 1 hour each. Walk across the bridge and up the steps on the LHS and enjoy a 45 minute easy loop track in the bush on the other side of the river.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreational opportunities range from interesting short walks to scenic waterfalls, challenging tramping routes along exposed mountain tops, as well as kayaking, rafting and mountain biking.

Walking Tracks

Glentui Nature Trail
Glentui Waterfall Track

Tramping Tracks

Richardson Track
Blowhard Track
Bypass Track

Mountain Biking

Blowhard Track
Wharfdale Track

Kayaking

Ashley River from middle bridge on Lees Valley Road to campground. e see camp office)
Class III+ 4-120 cumecs, Class IV >120cumecs, Experienced kayakers.
12.5 km length, time 2-5 hours, shuttle available from campground
See the book "Whitewater River Running in NZ" by Graham Egarr
Check the flow at the Gorge on www.ecan.govt.nz

Rafting

Ashley River from middle bridge on Lees Valley Road to campground
Check the river flows on www.ecan.govt.nz

Fishing

Species: Chinook salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout.
Fishing Methods: Above bridge - artificial flyfishing, spinning, Below bridge - all authorised methods
Season Duration: Above bridge - 1 Oct - 30 April, Below bridge - All year.
Limit Bags: Above bridge - 1 trout, max size less than 350mm, Below bridge - 2 trout
Bait fishing for trout only 1 Oct - 30 April The Ashley River. Photo Copyright Jim Helsel
A fishing licence is required and must be produced.
See www.fishandgame.org.nz North Canterbury region - Ph 03 366 9191
Trout Quest Canterbury Fishing Tours - Ph 03 312 4902
Canterbury High Country Fishing Tours - Ph 03 312 3379

Hunting

See www.fishandgame.org.nz North Canterbury region
The Mt Thomas Recreation Hunting Area is an open hunting zone. A permit is required to hunt in this area. Permits available from the Christchurch Department of Conservation office - Ph 03 3713706 Jet Boating
Waimakariri Gorge Jet - Ph 03 313 6490 Operate from Springfield, approx 20 mins from Ashley Gorge Holiday Park.

Golf

Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club

Animals

Kowhai Farm Horse Riding School - Ph 03 312 4309
Palmdale Llamas - Ph 03 312 1737

Kiwi Walks

6 Short walks in and around Oxford. Approximately 1 hour each.

Arts, Crafts and Museums

There are a variety of arts and crafts made locally. Local museum showcases Oxford of yesteryear.

Oxford Cottage Craft
Farmers Market (every Sunday)
Oxford Museum
Cust Museum
Away With The Fairies Cust
Darling We've Had That For Ages

Gardens and Nurseries

Interesting selection of gardens and nurseries in the area with specialist areas like herbs, unusual herbs and perennials, lavender and lavender products, organics, potager. Many have display gardens to view.