Vintage steam and diesel-electric excursion trains trekking between Waipara and Waikari, offer a fun day exploring while riding. If you look closely as you travel you may spot some seashells and fossils in the rock faces or the infamous ‘Frog Rock’.

Kaikoura offers a whole town to check out the local sea life. From visiting the local seals at the beach, while enjoying some fish and chips, booking a kayak trip to see some dolphins or a boat ride to watch some whales- there are options for every budget. Infamous for the beautiful sea creatures you won’t be disappointed, and the seafood is highly recommended too.

Held every Saturday morning 9am -12.30am, the market is just 10 minutes up the road in Amberley located on the main highway. The market offers a wide range of locally grown seasonal produce and artisan products. Pop in for a coffee and something delicious for morning tea, and come away with some goodies to take home from your holiday.

Approximately an hour drive north of the camp Hanmer is best known for their hot pools, bungy jumping, jet boat rides and cycle trails. But it’s not just a spot for the thrill seekers…. they also have beautiful walking trails, forests, an animal park and maze. Many activities for young and old, just far enough to return here to camp at the end of a busy day.

The Amberley A & P Show is a one-day event featuring a range of classes and competitions. These include categories for horses and ponies, sheep, dog trials, and more. There are also divisions for home crafts, cookery, art, and photography to name a few. Additionally, the show hosts competitions for locally grown and vinted wine, as well as the Taste Hurunui Hoof to Hotplate contest for lamb and beef.

Amateur gardeners from Amberley through to the Waipara Gorge showcase their gardens for this event and share their knowledge over the weekend through tours and workshops. From the intimate and whimsical, to the grand and formal, we can show you sweeping views, lush over spilling herbaceous borders, naturalist planting, dry gardens, grand avenues, cosy seating areas, cool shade gardens… there is something to inspire every gardener.

For Mum and her friends, she may like to head to some of our famous local wineries for a taste of what our regions brewing. Be warned though she might end up spending the day away!

And we mustn’t forget Dad or the retirees that like the odd game of golf in their downtime. Often you can just pop in for a game at the Amberley Golf Course, or if you would like to book ahead, visit their website for more details.

Known as the coolest Little Festival in town, this field of entertainment and tastings are held every year at the Glenmark Domain ahead of the local wine harvest and attended by over 4000 like-minded wine and food fans.