Springfield there are plenty of things to do. Today Springfield offers visitors proximity to Porters Pass ski field, a chance to explore the high country of the Canterbury plains on horseback or quad bike. There are stunning walks among the extraordinary karst landscape of Castle Hill and time spent finding out what the Selwyn district has to offer visitors. Springfield is a junction settlement on the Canterbury plains. The railway to the West Coast (Tranzalpine) turns here to begin the glorious journey through the Waimakariri Gorge. The Springfield Hotel was originally a coaching stop for journeys to the west coast.
What to do, highlights in Springfield
- Explore Castle Hill, Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area striking karst landscape
- Torlesse Tussocklands Reserve find rarest daisy in the world
- Horse riding through rural countryside
- Dirt bike and Quad bike adventures
- Porters Ski Field winter sports
- Alpine airboat down the Selwyn River
- Springfield a pre-booked Tranzalpine stop
- Waimakariri River exploration and fishing
ALPINE AIRBOATS
Float above stoney river beds, shallow water skimming across the braided Canterbury river system. This tour is part of the ‘Home of Jet Boating’.
Rubicon Valley Horse Treks are one of New Zealand’s premier trekking companies offering beginners to experienced riders small groups of less than four memorable riding moments. Rubicon Valley Horse Treks is definitely a must do for lovers of the outdoors.
Kowai Bush Walk
Original dense lowland beech forest with loop tracks exploring native bush.
The reserve is essentially a set of meandering loop tracks set in dense beech forest. Once a thriving community built around farming and the Midland railway, Kowai Bush Reserve is steeped in history as one of the earliest European settlements in the country.
Facilities: There is a map and toilet at the entrance.
NOTE: This is a private scenic reserve that is open to the public. Due to its sheltered beech forest, this walk is passable in most weather conditions. Kowai Bush was originally part of the pastoral Mount Torlesse station, and is situated in the low lying part of the low lying country at the foot of that range.
Where to take the best selfie in Springfield
- The colossal doughnut confection linking the town to the fictional town of the Simpsons TV series
An arsonist set the original confection and burned the 20th Century Fox movie studio gift to a crisp. Today there is a very sturdy concrete version. There are metal steps behind the doughnut to give access to the doughnut centre for selfie moments.
What to do with the kids in Springfield
- Horse riding exploration
- Down and dirty quad bike rides
- Porter Ski field in winter
- Discover the 100 year old Faulkner Family Farm and the Riverside Bushwalk (contact Springfield Adventure Park & Event Centre) location 651 Rubion Rd, Springfield
Water from the Kowai River, just beyond Springfield, was tapped in the 1870s to feed one of Canterbury’s early systems of stock water races.
Who turned up and named Springfield?
- There is some debate between an American Civil War battlefield or natural springs behind one of the early hotels. The post office was known as Springfield in 1870. Pre-European Maori name was Tawera.
Springfield weather
Judgment on Springfield
Get out and about, off road with adventure tourism whether on the back of a horse or jet boating, it’s amazing
Take a break in Kaiapoi? Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about what to do nearby Springfield check out Things To Do In Canterbury § Places to Visit, Activities, & Sightseeing.
Want to go camping in Springfield check out 9 Hurunui campsites & budget accommodation ideas.
Travel pack information
-
Kiwi Guardians adventure map - Ashley Rakahuri River Gorge PDF
-
Visitors Guide to Heritage of Hororata and Beyond brochure PDF
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
