Oxford

Oxford is a small rural town, nestled under the foothills, 55km from Christchurch on Route 72. The native foothills offer scenic and bush walks. Nearby Ashley Gorge, 8km from Oxford, is a popular picnic spot with good river swimming, fishing and camping. The Waimakariri River offers salmon and trout fishing and the gorge spectacular scenery.

The Maori name for the area is "Tawera" meaning "hot blow" undoubtedly prompted by the well-known Canterbury Nor' Wester. This small, tranquil township, now the centre of a prosperous farming community, began with the establishment of the first sawmill in 1854. By the 1870's eleven mills were located between the Eyre River and Coopers Creek, the bush in the area being known as Harewood Forest. In 1898 timber production was halved when one fire from Coopers Creek and another form the Mt Oxford area fanned by a raging nor' wester swept towards Oxford township destroying mills, houses, bridges and farms.

The last mill closed in 1912. In the early 1870's, the completion of the railway from Rangiora and to Sheffield, followed in the 1880's by the opening of the Bennetts-Eyreton line, assisted farm settlement which superseded the declining production of timer. In the main street an information board gives details of walks and other attractions. Further information from Waimakariri District Council Service Centre nearby.

Attractions: Fishing, golf, museum, craft shop, picnic spots, jet boating, horse riding and trekking, bush walks.

Oxford and surrounding area Drive off the motorway toward Oxford and the foothills on South Eyre Road and you will get many glimpses of rural New Zealand. Not just sheep and cattle but apple orchards, olive groves, deer, emu and ostrich farms. Travel on to the Waimakariri Gorge where you will see the spectacular river. You can fly fish for trout or salmon in season or take a thrilling jetboat trip up the river.

After leaving the Gorge, you can head to Mt Oxford in the foothills where you will find some beautiful and easy walks; The Ryde Falls, Wharfdale Track, Mt Oxford Summit to Lees Valley. Mountain biking is permitted on some of these tracks.

After working up an appetite head to the small rural town of Oxford and enjoy excellent dining at the cottage restaurant. The craft shop has many products by local artists. The Oxford museum is open on Sundays or by appointment and has exhibits on Oxford's history. Visit the information kiosk to find out more about what you can do in the area.

Travel towards the foothills again to Ashley Gorge where swimming and fishing are highly recommended in the peaceful setting. Further along the road is Glentui where there are many beautiful walks in native bush. Meander along the tracks, over streams, hear the native bellbirds and enjoy the black beech forest. The beech trees are covered with a black sooty fungus and honeydew hangs from fine silvery threads on the trees. The honeydew supports bees and birdlife. Travel home through Cust and visit the Melness Wines Café or Springbank Vineyard and Café for fine food and locally grown vintage wines.