Rangiora Eco Holiday Park

Rangiora’s a good place to base yourself if you fancy a ramble or a bike ride – the town’s got easy access to several trails both short and longer, and some enticing picnic spots. Hillier hikes at Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area are half an hour away, or you could make your way to Woodend with a 20-minute drive for strolls on its sandy beach. If you’re in town on a Sunday it’s worth taking a peek at the meet schedule to see if there’s any action at the racecourse right next door to the site. Animals of a less competitive nature can be seen at the Wee Dram Farm Park, five minutes away – a popular pick for the tiddlers. For urban ambling, it’s about a half-hour drive to Christchurch; get your bearings on the city’s tram or with an aerial view from the Christchurch Gondola before taking in the botanic gardens, art galleries and museums; the moving Quake City exhibit is well worth a visit. A little further again (40 minutes from the park) is Lyttelton Harbour, jumping off point for boat trips to Quail Island and jetski tours along this scenic stretch of coastline.