Day 1
Rangiora to Oxford
Distance 33km - Driving Time 30 mins
Around the country town of Oxford, there are farm stays and horse riding opportunities. Oxford Forest is a popular spot for walks and picnics. The Ryde Falls Walk is an easy excursion, while a trip up Mount Oxford is a challenging one day expedition.
Day 2
Oxford to Mount Hutt
Distance 70km - Driving Time 1 hour
Flicking a fly rod is a relaxing way to absorb the beauty of the Southern Alps. You'll want to get close to the Southern Alps on this journey, but the type of interaction depends on the time of the year.
In winter and spring, Mount Hutt ski field has some of the most reliable skiing and snowboarding conditions in New Zealand. The town of Methven fairly fizzes with après ski activities. Once snow levels have receded, the hiking season begins. Make it your mission to complete the Mount Somers Walkway - a ten hour return trip that takes you to historic coal mines, impressive volcanic formations, tussock lands, a deep river canyon and rugged bush country. You can also climb to the top of Mount Somers for lofty views of the mountains and plains.
Day 3
Mount Hutt to Geraldine
Distance 80km - Driving Time 1 hour
On the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers, salmon are the key targets. The average catch is 6 to 8 kilograms, but 15 kilograms isn't out of the question. Rainbow and brown trout also live in these rivers. A totally different kind of river entertainment can be found in Rakaia Gorge, where you can catch a jetboat to see waterfalls, hair-raising rapids and amazing alpine scenery. The Rangitata River's special talent is white water rafting, with Rangitata Rafts - incredibly exciting, but also suitable for first timers. Rafting trips begin where Edoras was created for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
Geraldine offers clear mountain views, beautiful walks, a vibrant boutique shopping village and is conveniently located within two hours’ drive of eight ski fields.