The Allure of Waimate

Glorious days spent lakeside, picnics in the park with family, cocktails in the sun with friends, exploring the great outdoors … however you like to spend your time, the Waimate District has something to offer everyone.

Centrally located in South Canterbury, between Christchurch and Dunedin, the Waimate District is the perfect spot for your next escape. With stunning landscapes from pristine rivers and lakes, native bush and rolling hills to an expansive rugged coastline, the district is an ideal destination to spend those long summer days.

If you class yourself as a foodie or a shopaholic, the Waimate District is worth a visit. There is a great selection of scrumptious eateries where you will find everything from a light snack, hearty pub-style fare to a fine dining experience. And for some retail therapy the fabulous selection of destination shops offers everything from second-hand treasures, stylish boutique clothing, outdoor equipment to quality homewares and handmade jewellery. On your travels be sure to head along to the weekly Community Market held every Saturday morning in Seddon Square, where you will find a great selection of stalls.

Many talented artists reside in the Waimate District, with their artworks seen in many forms, from the colourful collection of murals that decorate buildings around Waimate township to the grandeur of the amazing silo art towering over Waimate’s Queen Street – which is sure to impress! Explore our oldest art gallery – home to an incredible collection of ancient Māori rock art found in the limestone outcrops at Maungati. The images are over 200 years old and the collection includes drawings of Te Manuni – the great bird, along with fish and moa.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history that can be seen through stunning Edwardian streetscapes, beautiful historic buildings – each with their own story to tell – plus many monuments honouring those from the past. Visit the Waimate Museum & Archives for a great insight into the district’s past. This vibrant museum boasts 11 historic buildings on-site including the 1879 courthouse, and is home to thousands of fascinating collections including fossils and moa bones.

For a unique experience, visit the famous EnkleDooVery Korna Wallaby Park , where you can hand-feed, pat and photograph over 40 friendly wallabies. There are loads of amazing parks and reserves around the district which make for the perfect place to relax and unwind with a picnic and a good book. As Kiwis we have always had a long-standing love of the water. A great place to enjoy some water fun is the Waimate Lakes area, which is popular for fishing, boating, swimming and camping.

Renowned for having outstanding camping spots in remarkable locations (without the crowds), the district is a popular destination for those seeking a quintessential Kiwi camping experience. There are plenty of camping options available with everything from a peaceful lakeside possie or native bush retreat to a modern self-contained unit. Waimate has been recognised as a New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) Motorhome Friendly Town and has an NZMCA park conveniently located within walking distance to the centre of town. The district also has a range of motels, hotels, glamping, bed and breakfast and backpacker options.

Get outdoors and enjoy the multitude of activities on offer. There is an abundance of world-class fishing and hunting spots and two amazing golf courses to choose from. The district has earned a reputation for its impressive selection of picturesque walking and biking tracks. Explore native bush tracks and listen to the birdsong, walk to a tranquil bush waterfall or take the kids on a gentle riverside stroll. The network of tracks around Waimate township is a fantastic opportunity for families to get out and explore the town by bike or foot. The well-maintained tracks are suitable for ebikes, so if this is your preferred method to explore the district, there are plenty of ebike-friendly tracks.

Hike to the iconic White Horse Lookout and be rewarded with incredible panoramic vistas of the mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Or for the more adventurous, get your adrenalin pumping on the mountain bike tracks at the White Horse. These popular tracks cater for a wide range of riding abilities from intermediate through to expert, so are perfect for all keen bikers.

If there’s one thing the Waimate District knows how to do, it knows how to throw a good party! The event calendar is crammed full of events throughout the year, with over 150 to choose from. The diverse range of events covers all interests and categories. One event that draws people from near and far is the highly anticipated annual Veterinary Centre White Horse Big Easy . Held in April, this multi-sport event has five separate categories to choose from where you can run, walk or bike, in a team or as an individual.

The event appeals to all abilities, so whether you are a family, Sunday stroller or after a podium finish, you are guaranteed a great day out. There is a strong community focus on this event, with all money raised donated to chosen charities within the Waimate District. Come race day, the town is bustling with over 600 competitors entered! This event is definitely one to put on your calendar!

With so much on offer, this vibrant South Island destination is well worth a visit.

Visit waimate.org.nz for more inspiration for your next visit.