West Melton
Population: 7,059 [2013 Census]
Location: 10 mins west of Christchurch on State Highway 73
West Melton has had a long association with the horse racing industry and is the centre of a developing wine industry.
Traditionally the area has been farmed for sheep, grain and potatoes, however since the 1970s, its closeness to Christchurch has seen the creation of small rural blocks of land and a diversification into olives, vineyards, and nut orchards.
Visitors often take advantage of the nearby Waimakariri River where they can relax with a picnic or enjoy water sports such as boating and fishing.
The farming area of Halkett, signposted from State Highway 73, is about 5 minutes from West Melton.
West Melton Street Map [PDF, 4206 KB] (Printable A3 size)