What's on in Waimakariri?
Sitting between the braided Waimakariri and Ashley/Rakahuri rivers, our northern neighbour has it going on! The Waimakariri district is home to fantastic food, retail, outdoor activities and, above all, a friendly and relaxed vibe. Whether you’re craving a foodie adventure or just looking to explore, Waimakariri has it all. And the best part? It’s just a quick 20-minute escape from the city. Why not make a day of it?
WAIMAKARIRI GALLERIES
The arts are a real strength of the towns and communities north of the Waimakariri River. Pop into one of the three galleries that each feature a programme of exhibitions year-round: whether it’s riverside Kaiapoi in the east, bustling country town Rangiora in the north, or Oxford on popular tourist route 72 in the mountain-backed west. Kaiapoi’s Art on the Quay can be found in the post-quake Warren & Mahoney-designed Ruataniwha Civic Centre, which also houses the museum and library. Ten exhibitions a year means there is always something new to see in the small but beautiful art space. Rangiora has the Chamber Gallery in the library, under the stunning stained glass ceiling of the old council chambers. The venue is used to display a range of quality exhibitions and as a perfect space for small classical concerts. Oxford Gallery includes exciting workshops for artists in its programme, with community events as a strong feature. Their gift shop is another attraction with a significant range of top quality, local artworks on sale.
kaiapoiartonthequay.com | chambergalleryrangiora.com | oxfordgallery.org.nz
UP-STYLE ME
Retail therapy doesn’t have to break the bank! Nestled behind the hedges, just down from the Mandeville shops in Swannanoa, Up-Style Me is a shopping destination featuring not one but four unique shops. Browse through quality second-hand and designer women’s clothing, handbags, footwear, and jewellery, and grab a bargain from labels such as Trelise Cooper, Verge, and City Chic. Rana boasts 25 years of experience in the fashion industry and complements her preloved clothing collection with an extensive array of stunning silk flowers and beautiful home décor. Up-Style Me will have you sorted, whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or sprucing up your living space.
LAVENDER FIELDS
Nestled in the scenic Waikuku, Lavender Fields was established in 1992 by Jim Curnow. Initially focused on growing Angustifolia, Stoechas, and X Intermedia for propagation and oil production, the farm has remained a family endeavour. Clare, Jim’s daughter, and her husband Kevin became increasingly involved after 2010. In 1998, they commissioned a still, and since 2011, Clare has crafted her ‘Declare’ range of products, which feature Lavender Fields’ essential oils blended with carefully sourced natural ingredients – free from animal products, parabens, sulphates, and petrochemicals. Jim, who passed away in November 2014 at 92, played a vital role in distilling their award-winning oils. Clare and Kevin continue his legacy today.
OLD SCHOOL COLLECTIVE
Waikuku’s Old School Collective has something for everyone. Billies Kitchen Shop offers delicious hand-mixed seasonings, beautiful kitchenware, organic teas, condiments, and gorgeous gifts. Louis Who? presents an eclectic mix of new and preloved designer clothing and accessories. Woven Veranda showcases a stylish Scandinavian-designed selection of indoor and outdoor furniture. To treat yourself further, visit Brows N Beauty for expert brow services and Room Four to get your hair done. Don’t forget to stop by The Office Café for some of the best sausage rolls. While you’re there, stop by Mamlambo’s Fossil Workshop, where the kids can dig for fossils! Doggie Stylez Grooming can pamper your pup while you explore the Collective!
RECLOTHE ME
Rangiora’s Reclothe Me is a preloved clothing boutique run by Michelle, who has turned her passion into a thriving business. After dreaming of opening her own store, she launched from a little pink Portacom at her farm in Oxford. She now has a space in bustling Rangiora and an online store. Reclothe Me offers a relaxed shopping environment, providing honest feedback and encouraging customers to explore new styles while respecting their individuality. They stock quality preloved clothing labels, footwear, bags, and accessories for women from sizes 6–24. With a passion for slow fashion, Michelle believes that great style doesn’t have to cost the earth!
KORE KAYAK HIRE
Is there a better way to see a place than by the water? KORE hire empowers people to embrace the water’s wonders fully. Scenically located on the Kaiapoi River at Mandeville Bridge; they offer affordable rentals for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats, making adventure accessible for everyone. Gather your friends, family, or even a group of colleagues, and set off to explore. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the river’s beauty and uncover the region’s hidden gems from a fresh perspective, no matter your fitness level or experience. Go on, get paddling! Find them on Facebook to make a booking.
BROADOAK GARDENS
Broadoak Gardens transports visitors to an English estate-inspired paradise. Broadoak is a two-acre English garden and a functional family lifestyle block, complete with an orchard, potting shed, and a large Potager vegetable garden that supplies produce year-round, alongside 300 hazelnut trees, a beehive, and resident chickens. Visitors can wander through the garden rooms and formal wedding spaces, admiring knot gardens, topiary, and sculptures by renowned New Zealand artists. In summer, Broadoak hosts private events at its authentic Ole English Pub, the Bike ‘n Bovine, and offers a cosy two-bedroom cottage for tranquil stays.
THE RUSTY ACRE
The Rusty Acre, located in Mandeville, is home to sculptor Allan O’Loughlin and his partner, Andrea. Established in 1993 from a bare paddock, this two-acre garden has transformed into an outdoor gallery showcasing over 70 stunning steel sculptures. Visitors can admire whimsical pieces, including a fairy climbing a tree and a man cycling on a penny farthing. Winding walkways lead through garden rooms, past ponds, and along vegetable and herb gardens. Don’t miss Andrea’s charming home décor gift shop, filled with unique treasures and beautifully restyled furniture. Nearby, Allan is often found creating in his workshop.
ALPINE JET THRILLS
Alpine Jet Thrills offers “…more than just a ride”; it provides an unforgettable experience. It is your chance to explore the braided shallows of the Waimakariri River from a traditional JetBoat or New Zealand’s only American-style AirBoat for a 20-minute Blast. Friendly, professional drivers deliver an exhilarating and personal Kiwi experience. The Waimakariri is likely the most jet-boated recreational river in the world and is where much of the development for Bill Hamilton’s ‘invention’ began in the late 1950s and ’60s. Experience the thrill for yourself!