Waikari between historic railways and limestone landscapes

Historic excursion trains, bright limestone scenery and early Māori rock art give Waikari its distinctive character. The town is both the terminus of a popular vintage steam railway and a starting point for trails through a landscape that can also be explored on foot. There is also a winery in Waikari offering a guided tour and tasting. This gives you a choice of travel interests: railways, landscape and culture, or wine.

Explore the limestone landscape aboard the Weka Pass Railway

The Weka Pass Railway runs between Waipara and Waikari. Its 12.8 km scenic route passes through the distinctive limestone landscape of Weka Pass. Excursion trains are hauled by historic steam locomotives and diesel-electric locomotives. Waikari is the terminus of the popular Weka Pass Vintage Steam Railway, making rail travel one of the town’s most distinctive experiences.

The station’s location is also easy to pinpoint: Waikari Station is on the south side of the village, on State Highway 7, the Weka Pass Road. A gently sloping, 25-metre-long path connects the station to the road. If you are considering a holiday rental in Waikari, the railway may be a reason to consider the town as a destination.

Walks and viewpoints

The Waikari Village Walkway starts opposite Weka Pass Railway Station. The Weka Pass Walkway offers views of the mountain ranges and hinterland. Which perspective you prefer depends on whether you want to experience the limestone landscape from the train or on a walk.

Another option is the Plane Table Walk. It includes a 15-minute climb and is accessible via a stile along the Village Walkway. This refers to the ascent; it does not describe the duration of the entire walk. The Weka Pass Walkway and the Plane Table Walk therefore offer different options if you want to divide your time between taking in the views and walking a trail with an uphill section.

Māori rock art at Weka Pass Historic Reserve

At Weka Pass Historic Reserve, a 40-minute walk leads to a large overhanging limestone shelter containing examples of early Māori rock art. Māori used the shelter as a temporary overnight camp. The rock art and overhang give the visit a cultural and historical focus, distinct from the railway and the landscape views.

Access to the Māori rock art begins at the Waikari Village Walkway. You can join the track at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7, where parking is available, or from the township of Waikari. The track crosses private farmland. It is closed during lambing season, from 1 August to 1 October, and dogs are not allowed on the track. Take these restrictions into account when deciding whether this visit fits your travel plans.

Guided vineyard tour and tasting

Pyramid Valley offers a guided vineyard tour at its Waikari winery, followed by a guided tasting of all five wines in the Botanicals Collection. This adds a wine-related experience to the railway, walks and rock art. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Waikari, these different interests can help you choose the town to suit the kind of stay you want: you could focus on the train ride, the trails, the historic site or the winery.

More places to explore: Mount Peel, Culverden, Waiau, Hororata, Kaiapoi, Diamond Harbour, Temuka, Waipara.

For the broader travel overview: Canterbury.