Learn more about Canterbury's native species by visiting Mid & South Canterbury. Whether you take a stroll in Hunter Hills or mountain bike in North Opuha, the area features an array of recreational opportunities.
Hakatere Conservation Area is in mid-Canterbury, Ashburton Lakes area. It is new public land as an outcome of Barrosa pastoral lease completing tenure review. Location: Hakatere Conservation Area is in mid-Canterbury, Ashburton Lakes area. It is next to Hakatere Conservation Park.
Hakatere Conservation Park, in mid-Canterbury, is centred around the Ashburton Lakes District between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. Location: Hakatere Conservation Park is inland from the mid-Canterbury town of Ashburton, about 2 hours drive south of Christchurch, South Island.
There are a number of public conservation areas along the Hunter Hills. Hunting and camping are possible in some reserves and most have walking tracks and picnic areas. Location: The Hunter Hills are southwest of Timaru, which is 160 km south of Christchurch, on the east coast of the South Island.
Mt Alford Conservation Area offers varied vegetation, scenic views across Canterbury, and a history of forestry and diamond prospecting. Settlers used Alford Forest as one of their few sources of timber. Location: South of the Ashburton River North Branch/Haketere, Mt Alford Conservation Area is about 12.5 km from Methven.
Mt Hutt Forest Conservation Area protects over 4000 hectares of mountain beech forest in mid-Canterbury. It includes the popular Mt Hutt Skifield within its boundaries. Location: Mt Hutt Conservation Area is 14 kilometres west of the mid-Canterbury township of Methven.
Mt Somers in mid-Canterbury features rugged bush, open sub-alpine tussock lands, historic coalmines, impressive volcanic formations and deep canyons. Location: Mt Somers Conservation Area is in the foothill ranges of the Southern Alps, inland mid-Canterbury. The closest towns are Staveley village, and Mt Somers township.
You can explore the varying terrain of North Opuha Conservation Area on foot, horseback or mountain bike. Alert: Changes to the access easement provisions. Location: The North Opuha Conservation Area is 30 km NW of Fairlie, opposite the Fox Peak Skifield Area, South Canterbury.
Ō Tū Wharekai, nestled amongst high-country tussocklands and set against the towering Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana, is one of the best examples of an inter-montane wetland system in New Zealand. Location: Located near Mt Somers village.
Peel Forest is a remnant of a forest once covering much of mid-Canterbury. The diverse forest environment attracts walkers, and the Rangitata River lures fishers, canoeists and rafters. Location: Peel Forest Park is situated along the foothills of the Southern Alps by the Rangitata River in the Geraldine District, mid-Canterbury.
As a result of the tenure review process for Redcliffe Station, completed in October 2009, some 7837 hectares are now public conservation land; 113 hectares of these are in scenic reserves. Location: Redcliffe Conservation Area is part of the Mt Hutt Range, just south of the Rakaia River, 24 km northwest of Methven. It is bounded by the Swift River to the west and adjoins Hakatere Conservation Park at Mt Hutt.
Talbot Forest, Waihi Gorge, Orari Gorge and Te Moana Scenic Reserve are remnants of a vast forest that used to cover the area, while Pioneer Park celebrates its colonial history. Location: These reserves are inland and south of the township of Geraldine, in South Canterbury.
Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park spans the Mid & South Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country & Waitaki areas. It encompasses spectacular landscapes of ice-shaped mountains and broad glaciated valleys in the Two Thumb Range. Location: The park spans the Mid & South Canterbury and the Mackenzie Country & Waitaki areas. Two Thumb Range originates in the central Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana icefields, running south to terminate in the mountains above Burkes Pass.
Tenehaun Conservation Area includes the highest peak in the Moorhouse Range, as well as walking and mountain-bike public access easements above Rangitata Gorge. Location: Inland from Ashburton, Tenehaun is part of the Moorhouse Range, which is to the east of the Rangitata River.
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