Full steam ahead
A day trip to North Canterbury, or even a weekend away, offers plenty of scope for exciting, adventurous and relaxing activities.
Most people know about the wine and food options that abound in the Waipara Valley and beyond, yet there are numerous other ways to spend your time in this vibrant area. Here are some suggestions from Metropol:
Weka Pass Railway
Take a train ride along this heritage railway based in Waipara. Operated on a 12.8 km length of the former Waiau Branch railway between Waipara and Waikari, it dates back to December 1919. Vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives convey passengers through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass out of Waipara, thanks to the team of volunteers that run the railway.
On the first and third Sunday of every month, the railway operates, initially across flat farmland, passing a large irrigation reservoir and vineyards, before climbing grades to wind through the cuttings in Weka Pass, where seashells and fossils may be seen in the walls of many cuttings.
Bookings are recommended. Visit wekapassrailway.co.nz for more information.
Brew Moon Brewing Company
Established in 2002 by Kieran McCauley and Belinda Gould, the Brew Moon Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery and taproom in Amberley.
North Canterbury’s original craft brewery, it produces a range of high quality, popular beer styles alongside a selection of more exotic seasonal brews.
All Brew Moon beer is brewed on an 1800 litre brew kit in Amberley, meaning it is produced and canned on site which allows the company to oversee every aspect of production, from grain to glass.
Visit brewmoon.co.nz
Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park
Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park overlooks the Waipara River Valley.
A magical place, full of intrigue and beauty, it’s the result of more than 20 years of hard toil by sculptor Raymond Herber, transforming an abandoned limestone quarry into a huge exhibition space like no other.
On display are many different sculptures from amusing kinetic works through to giant steel and stainless steel pieces that are sure to impress.
Visit www.raymondherber.com for more information.
