I love Christchurch – from Hagley Park, our riverside cafes and the Cultural Precinct, to the cobbled boulevards and laneways of boutique shops (and the Twisted Hop). And best of all – within 45 minutes of the city centre – in any direction – you can explore the rim of an ancient volcano, the buzz of Lyttelton market or the beauty of the foothills to the Southern Alps. And there’s never a traffic jam, not even a polite queue, between your 5pm self and the surrounding attractions.
These are my top five choices of ‘quick trips’ close to town – for you to discover, or debate. The point being – there’s so much out there. And it’s all so CLOSE.
Please add to the list and post your own!
- Motukarara and “The Rail Trail”
At 7:30am Saturday morning I pulled out of our drive in St Albans; at 8:15 I was a world away, surrounded by hills and low cloud that made the landscape even more beautiful. Arriving at the Blue Duck Café (Motukarara’s landmark) I took my bike out of the boot, because the ride between here and Little River can be described in many wonderful ways – firstly, “flat!” Pedalling toward Little River I was on my own for 24km because not only is it a “well worth the trip” Saturday morning excursion, it’s also a “well kept secret.” Just like local Taurikura Lodge – I pedal past the marked turnoff, wondering whether dinner tonight is Canterbury lamb or Akaroa salmon.
Through Kaituna Valley and running parallel to the local “Rail Trail,” the road was quiet enough to get lost in thought, and it soon got warm enough to think there was no better place to be on a Saturday morning. The quiet buzz of Little River, with its gallery, shop and café, was a welcome sight and perfect turnaround point – 18km short of hitting the “hilltop” which separates this part of Banks Peninsula from views to Akaroa.
Back to Motukarara, I decided to make the most of this part of my weekend and swapped cycling cleats for trainers, and parked the car this time at the start of the “Rail Trail.” Clearly signposted, I was able to choose my distance, and once again, found myself huffing and puffing…but in a peaceful way, thanks to my spectacular surrounds.
Motukarara and Banks Peninsula – a welcome, wonderful escape at the end of the week, and considering what a scenic 45-minute drive got me here, I’ll do it again (and again).
Check out more great ideas for exploring Banks Peninsula:
http://www.christchurchnz.com/explore/itineraries/self-drive-itineraries/banks-peninsula’s-best.aspx
http://www.christchurchnz.com/what-to-see-and-do/listings/banks-peninsula-track.aspx
http://www.christchurchnz.com/explore/itineraries/self-drive-itineraries/boutique-bites.aspx
Driving directions:
From the city centre, head south on Colombo Street, and at Dyers Pass roundabout, go straight up Dyers Pass Road. The Sign of the Takahe will be on your left, and you’ll keep going up, up and around, as the road winds with sweeping views of the city, and soon (15 minutes’ drive from city) you’ll be at the Sign of the Kiwi. You have two options – to the right along Summit Road, stark and spectacular, or over and down, into Governors Bay. This is my favourite, since from Governors Bay the harbourside road undulates in and out of bays until you’re at the bottom of Gebbies Pass. When you see the turnoff to Living Springs you don’t have far to go. Veer right when the sign says “Motukarara/Akaroa” and go over the pass – your point of arrival is marked by the “Blue Duck Café” sign. Motukarara itself is 1km back up the road (to your right) however this café is synonymous with a trip to the small town.
