Darfield

Check out the small town feels of Darfield before visiting the big city of Christchurch. The town serves as a gateway for both Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass National Park, where you’ll be embraced by dramatic features of Mother Nature. This park offers some of the best landscapes for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. The western block of the park offers dense rainforests, while the center has snow-covered mountains and glaciers. Head to the east, and you’ll discover riverbeds and beech forests. There are plenty of scenic walks inside the park, including Temple Basin, Bridal Veil Track, and Historic Village Walk—all trails that showcase the best Arthur’s Pass has to offer. So if you’re looking for a quaint place to rest in before indulging in South Island’s outdoors, visit Darfield.