Frances’s guidebook
Scenic places
A short drive into the Hakatere (Ashburton Lakes) Area and you feel asif you are deep in Lord of the Rings country. Lake Clearwater gives fabulous views of the High Country and mountain peaks and has walking and picnic options.
Hakatere Conservation Area
89 Hakatere Heron RdA short drive into the Hakatere (Ashburton Lakes) Area and you feel asif you are deep in Lord of the Rings country. Lake Clearwater gives fabulous views of the High Country and mountain peaks and has walking and picnic options.
Sightseeing
A beautiful remnant of the Podocarp Forest which once covered the whole of the South Island. Cafe and store and lots of short walk options, or if you're feeling intrepid pack a water bottle and some warm clothes and take the 2.5-3.5hour hike to the top of Little Mount Peel. Follow the Deer Spur Track rather than the South Ridge if you are a first time visitor.
23 locals recommend
Peel Forest
A beautiful remnant of the Podocarp Forest which once covered the whole of the South Island. Cafe and store and lots of short walk options, or if you're feeling intrepid pack a water bottle and some warm clothes and take the 2.5-3.5hour hike to the top of Little Mount Peel. Follow the Deer Spur Track rather than the South Ridge if you are a first time visitor.
Food and shopping
Geraldine
Cafe Verde
45c Talbot StDelicious food and coffee in a delightful garden setting.
The Tin Shed
809 Rangitata-Orari Bridge Hwy