Oxford

Oxford combines things to do in town with nearby nature experiences: you can include a museum and a year-round Sunday market in your travel plans, explore trails in the Oxford Forest Conservation Area or take an interest in stargazing. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are also leisure activities. If you’re travelling with family, this mix offers a range of topics to decide on together—from a visit on a set day of the week to a tour arranged on request.

Museum and market in your weekly schedule

The Oxford Museum is located at 70 Main Street. It is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. These hours give you a specific window for your museum visit: plan it for one of the three days listed and take the opening hours into account when planning your day. Sunday is also relevant for the Oxford Farmers Market, which takes place year-round every Sunday at 42 Main Street. The two attractions have different addresses; the market is a recurring event, while the museum is open three days a week.

Nature trails and stargazing

The Oxford Forest Conservation Area is near Oxford. The area has hiking and mountain biking trails and is recognised as a Dark Sky Park; it is also suitable for stargazing. This brings two different interests into focus: getting active on the trails and looking up at the night sky. If you enjoy combining a stay with outdoor activities, you can make these opportunities a focus in their own right, without conflating them with the attractions in town.

Oxford Observatory can also arrange private tours for all age groups on request. This differs from an event held at a set time each week: a tour is arranged on request. For families interested in the sky, it’s a way to add a visit of their own to the trip. If you’d like to include this activity, factor an enquiry into your plans for your stay.

Activities and the character of your trip

Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are among the leisure activities in Oxford. The trails in the nearby Oxford Forest Conservation Area add to the hiking and mountain biking options mentioned there. Horseback riding is another leisure activity to consider in Oxford. This lets you decide whether you’d prefer to include trails on foot, mountain biking or another active pursuit in your trip.

Oxford is also on the Inland Scenic Route. If you’re planning a trip along this route, you can include Oxford among your destinations. Your personal travel plans may determine whether a holiday rental in Oxford is right for you: Sunday is both market day and one of the museum’s opening days; nature trails, stargazing or a private tour on request may appeal to different interests. So first consider which of these experiences matter to your trip, then choose Oxford as a place to stay accordingly.

More destinations

More destinations for your travel plans: Tai Tapu, Diamond Harbour, Waipara, Hororata, Little River, Ferniehurst, Waimate District and Burnham.

For the overview of the wider region: Canterbury.