Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
St Stephen's Church
Sitting in a pretty glade right next to the general store, this gorgeous little Anglican church
(1885) has a warm wooden interior and some interesting stained glass. Look for St Francis
of Assisi surrounded by NZ flora and fauna (get the kids to play spot-the-tuatara).
CHURCH
Peel Forest Horse Trekking
( 03-696 3703;
www.peelforesthorsetrekking.co.nz
;
1hr/2hr/half-day/full day $55/110/220/380)
Ride through
lush forest on short stints or multiday treks ($982 to $1623, minimum four people). Ac-
commodation packages are available in conjunction with Peel Forest Lodge.
HORSE RIDING
Rangitata Rafts
( 0800 251 251;
www.rafts.co.nz
; Rangitata Gorge Rd; Sep-May)
Head out for an exhilarating
three-hour trip through Grade V rapids in the Rangitata Gorge ($208, minimum age 15),
or start further down the Rangitata River for a gentler two-hour journey through Grade II
rapids ($165, minimum age six).
RAFTING
Hidden Valleys
( 03-696 3560;
www.hiddenvalleys.co.nz
;
Sep-May)
They may be based in Peel Forest but this
crew doesn't limit itself to rafting the Rangitata. Multiday expeditions head to the Wai-
makariri, Waiau, Landsborough, Grey and Waiatoto Rivers, peaking with a five-day trip
down the Clarence (near Kaikoura). Short, child-friendly trips on the Rangitata River are
also available (adult/child $200/180).
RAFTING
Sleeping & Eating
DOC Camping Ground
( 03-696 3567;
www.peelforest.co.nz
;
sites per adult/child $18/8.50, cabins $50-80)
Beside the Rangitata
River, about 3km beyond the Peel Forest Store, this excellent campground is equipped
with basic two- to four-berth cabins (bring your own sleeping bag), hot showers and a kit-
chen. Check in at the store.
CAMPSITE
$
Peel Forest Lodge
LODGE
$$$
