CHRISTCHURCH POP UP ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Lees Valley: A half-day slip into Canterbury’s hillside solitude
A 5-hour, half-day tour from Christchurch that follows a narrow, twisting gravel road into an isolated farming community on the edge of the Southern Alps — this guide tells you what to expect.
Lees Valley: A half-day slip into Canterbury’s hillside solitude.
Splendid isolation awaits in Lees Valley, a hidden farming community on the flanks of the Southern Alps reached only by a narrow, twisting gravel road that clings to the hillside; getting there is as much the point as arriving in the picnic clearing at the valley’s heart.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
On the edge of the Southern Alps
Lees Valley sits right on the margins of the Southern Alps, an isolated farming community where sweeping foothill scenery and farmland meet steep, ridge-clinging roads.
19 kilometres of unsealed, cliffside road
The tour follows an unsealed Lees Valley Road for some 19 kilometres of twisting, tenuous hillside driving before dropping to the valley floor for another stretch — a driving sequence of ever-changing views and frequent photo stops.
River bridges, deep green pools and ‘kiwi roadblocks’
A memorable swooping descent takes you to the narrow Ashley/Rakahura River bridge and deep green pools; along the way farmers often move stock on the road, creating the classic local scene known as a ‘kiwi roadblock.’
What the day feels like
A half-day of road, views and a rural picnic
The flow of the tour alternates long, scenic driving across the Canterbury Plains and narrow, twisting gravel climbs and descents into the Lees Valley, with regular stops to stretch, photograph and take in river and hillside views before finishing at a secluded picnic area in the heart of the community.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a half-day tour lasting approximately 5 hours; it is the operator’s longest half-day offering and unexpected delays on the route are possible.
Pickup is offered from some of the main hotels within Christchurch or alternatively from the Canterbury Museum.
Bring clothing suitable for variable weather and a camera if you want your own images — photography tuition is available if required; snacks and beverages are provided as part of the tour.
The operator provides late-model, air-conditioned transport and an expert guide; scenic stops and snacks/beverages are included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
About 5 hours; it’s the operator’s longest half-day tour.
Where do we meet the tour?
Pickup is available from some main hotels in Christchurch or from the Canterbury Museum.
What kind of roads will we travel on?
The route includes stretches of narrow, twisting unsealed gravel road that cling to the hillside, including a 19-kilometre unsealed section into Lees Valley.
Are refreshments provided?
Yes — snacks, beverages and drinks are included in the tour.
Will we encounter farm activity on the road?
Yes — farmers often move stock between paddocks and this can cause delays or ‘kiwi roadblocks’ along the route.
Is photography supported on the tour?
Photography tuition is offered if required, and the itinerary includes multiple scenic stops for photos.