Selwyn District has something for everyone - spectacular scenery, golf courses, arts and crafts, lovely picnic spots, lakes, rivers, forests and walkways and friendly small towns where visitors are always welcome.  Read on or visit our district promotional website: www.selwyndistrict.co.nz

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Wilderness Areas

One of the South Island's most spectacular national parks, Arthur's Pass National Park, is home to the endangered kiwi and the world's only alpine parrot, the cheeky kea. Located high in the Southern Alps, the park is famous for its forests, gorges, waterfalls and small lakes. It has many walking and climbing routes, ranging from easy day walks to extremely rugged mountain treks. Accommodation and dining are available at Arthur's Pass village. For more information, contact the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre Phone: 03 318 9211 Email: arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz
  

Note: mountain weather is very changeable, so take food and warm clothing when you go walking or tramping.

Rivers

Selwyn is defined by the Selwyn River, which runs (sometimes) from the foothills to Lake Ellesmere.  Although its upper reaches are often dry, its spring-fed lower reaches are always running, forming popular picnic spots at Chamberlain's Ford and Coe's Ford, and attracting a small community of fishers and holiday-makers to the Selwyn Huts where the river joins the lake.

On its northern and southern boundaries Selwyn District is bounded by the Waimakiriri and Rakaia rivers whose dramatic gorges, fast flowing rapids, teeming trout and salmon populations and exhilarating jet boat and rafting tours offer recreational opportunities for everyone. The Waimakiriri Gorge is accessible from the townships of Darfield, Springfield and Sheffield on the main road between Christchurch and Arthurs Pass.  

Lakes

Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) is the largest coastal lake in New Zealand. Known for its birdlife and as a wind surfing and jet ski recreation area, it can be accessed from various points, including the Lakeside Reserve off Timberyard Road near Leeston township. Lake Coleridge is a blue water mountain lake that is very popular with boaties, recreational fishers and sight-seers. It has lakeside camping facilities as well as top class indoor accommodation.  Selwyn also has many small alpine lakes, such as Lake Ida, near Coleridge, popular with ice skaters, Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon on Highway 73 and one man-made water sports lake (the privately-owned Lake Crichton near Dundsandel).   

 Ski-fields

Between Springfield and the Otira Gorge you'll find no less than six of them: Craigieburn, Broken River, Porter Heights, Mt. Cheeseman, Olympus and Temple Basin. 

High Country

Selwyn's beautiful high country is a playground for adventurers and sight-seers and offers even more to those who prefer to "rough it" in luxury (e.g. Wilderness Lodge, Gunyah Lodge, Ryton Station Lodge). Whether you seek full-on outdoor action or a quiet mountain retreat it's all there amid the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps.

Arts and Crafts

Selwyn District is home to a thriving arts and crafts industry. Sample the pleasures and treasures of our most creative residents and visiting artists at Darfield's Selwyn Gallery or at the many craftshops and studios dotted around the district.  

Wine

Selwyn's sunny climate and all-purpose soils are great for wine growing. The district has many excellent wineries, ranging from boutique operations to larger-scale commercial ones.  All are within a short drive of Christchurch City.  

 Golf Courses

Selwyn has many attractive, accessible golf courses that are open to the public.  Most are just a short drive (pun intended) from Christchurch. The district also has a world-class private golf course at the Terrace Downs resort and conference facility on the road to Lake Coleridge.

Conference Centres

Selwyn has excellent conference and function facilities, ranging from those that are within a short distance of Christchurch to those that offer rural seclusion and inspirational scenery. They include the university-based Lincoln Conference and Function Centre (left), close to Christchurch and the local wineries, and a variety of high country facilities (e.g. Terrace Downs,  Wilderness Lodge).

For more information

To find out more about the district's attractions, contact our Community Development Unit or phone our main office numbers, 347 2800 or 318 3883 (overseas callers must use the prefix 00 643, while domestic callers must use 03).