| |
Canterbury New Zealand
Canterbury is a region on the Eastern Central
South Island. It s bounded by the Southern Alps on
the West and The Pacific Ocean on the East. The
largest city is Christchurch. To the West, North and South of
Christchurch stretches the Canterbury Plains, a flat
alluvial plain cut by many braided rivers that is
home to intensive agriculture from sheep and cattle
farming to cropping including many vineyards and
orchards.
The vineyards of Canterbury are
concentrated mainly on the plains south-west of
Christchurch with a token presence on Banks
Peninsula. The temperatures are significantly cooler
than Marlborough, with a high risk of spring and
autumn frosts. However, the region's saving grace is
the low rainfall, with particularly long dry autumns,
allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and maintain good
levels of acidity. Late-ripening grapes do not fare
so well, while current plantings prove the potential
for pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling along with
pinot gris.
There are many wine tasting tours available.
To the West of
Christchurch and an
hours drive away are the Southern Alps a mountainous
region extending the length of the South Island.
There are many places to walk, fish, hunt and enjoy
the many beautiful places. There are many small towns
where you can stay and meet local people.
As you drive about
the district there are many roadside craft, produce
stalls and markets in most towns, though most often
on the weekends.
Waipara:
This
relatively new viticultural area lying 45k to the
north of Christchurch was first planted in vines in
the early 1980’s. The low rainfall and long,
hot, dry days (sheltered from the Pacific’s cool
easterly breezes) aid the ripening of the principal
grapes grown - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling,
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The soil,
predominantly of limestone origin, is excellent for
these varieties.
4 WHEEL DRIVE TRACKS
Canterbury, and especially
the West
Coast have many
accessible 4WD tracks for the off road enthusiast.
Some are suited for the more inexperienced driver,
and some are just gut wrenching. These tracks
can be negotiated with standard all terrain tyres,
and with no noticeable vehicle damage except perhaps
some minor brush marks from gorse and scrub.
Not withstanding the above, each track depends on the
conditions of the day, the drivers ability, his/her
vehicles ability and many other factors such as the
weather.
If you have any doubt as to either yours or your
vehicles ability then you are advised to seek advice,
travel as part of an experienced group, enroll in a
suitable off-road driving course. |
|
|
|
