Discover rocky outcrops and rare plants at Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area

Not only home to striking geological features, Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area or Castle Hill in Canterbury’s Waimakariri Basin also has...

By Jo Percival

Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area, or Castle Hill. © Simon Bradfield

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Road trips

Campervanning: the spontaneous way to travel

If the idea of a guided tour brings you out in spots, you’ll be wanting to bring yourself to the spots you most want to see. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

TranzAlpine: one of the best rail journeys in the world

Feast on one breathtaking view after another as you travel from Christchurch to Greymouth. Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

Inland Scenic Route 72: Christchurch loop

Round trips are immensely satisfying. There’s a pleasing symmetry in ending up back where you started, a closing of the loop, a real sense of achievement. Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

The Great Alpine Highway: Christchurch to Greymouth

This is probably the most staggering piece of road you'll ever come across. So keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes off the pies. Just stop often. Seriously: this is stunning.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Climbing: facing your fear

Climbing is the unique blend of physical and mental exertion that leads both to a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of calm. All in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in New Zealand. Read the story . . . 

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Natural attractions

Arthur’s Pass National Park: over the backbone

The high mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park are the ‘backbone’ of the South Island and the pass itself is the key link between east and west. Read the story . . . 

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Road trips

Arthur's Pass: to the other side

Today the landscape of Arthur's Pass is punctuated with small towns that cling to the geography despite harsh wind, snow and mercurial populations. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Get outside: skiing the Selwyn six

There’s an adventure to suit anyone at the so-called Selwyn Six. Aside from their proximity, these ski areas don’t have a huge amount in common. Rather, it’s the variety that makes this an interesting area to explore. Read the story . . . 

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Natural attractions

Adventure time: tramping in New Zealand

Known in other countries as hiking, bushwalking or trekking, tramping is a uniquely Kiwi term that fits the style of walking here – often rough, frequently wet, but regularly inspiring.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Get outside: 14 must-do short walks

New Zealand is blessed with so many beautiful and varied landscapes. Often the best way to discover them is on foot.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Adventure time: Canterbury Plains hot air ballooning

Ballooning is probably the most relaxing form of transport ever devised, like floating down a river on an inner-tube, only in mid-air. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Cross the South Island on the TranzAlpine, one of the world's most scenic train journeys

As far as window seats go, they don’t get much better than on the TranzAlpine, where the term ‘picture window’ takes on a whole new meaning.  Read the story . . . 

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