Nestled in the Oxford area of North Canterbury, our holiday park is surrounded by native bush, bordered by the Ashley Gorge River, and backed by the beautiful Mount Thomas Forest — a perfect spot for families and nature lovers.
Meet The Owners
The Ashley-Rakahuri Gorge Holiday Park is owned by Jean-Pierre and Michelle , who took over the park in 2022 with a simple vision: to create a welcoming, relaxed and safe environment where families can enjoy time together and experience one of North Canterbury’s special places.
For Jean-Pierre and Michelle, the Holiday Park is much more than a business. They wanted to create a place where people could slow down, enjoy the outdoors, swim in the river, explore the walking tracks and make lasting family memories.
They are also passionate about showcasing the wider North Canterbury region to visitors passing through.
Ashley Gorge is often a destination people discover by chance, and Jean-Pierre and Michelle enjoy encouraging guests to stay a little longer, explore the local towns, walks, attractions and businesses, and discover what the area has to offer.
Since taking over the park, they have worked hard to improve the facilities while keeping the traditional Kiwi camping atmosphere that makes Ashley Gorge so special.
They are also actively involved in the care and management of the neighbouring Ashley Gorge Reserve, working closely with the Waimakariri District Council, the Ashley Gorge Advisory Group, local organisations, businesses and volunteers.
This partnership has helped support a number of community projects, including improvements to walking tracks, the wheelchair-accessible track and lookout, and the new Ashley Gorge Information Kiosk.
Jean-Pierre and Michelle are proud to be part of the Ashley Gorge community and enjoy personally welcoming visitors from throughout New Zealand and overseas.
Their aim remains simple: to provide a safe, friendly and memorable place to stay, while helping visitors discover and enjoy everything Ashley Gorge and North Canterbury have to offer.
The mountain valleys and ridgelines of Canterbury's foothill forests offer a unique opportunity to enjoy forest and alpine environments. Their location at the foot of the Southern Alps is within an hours drive from Christchurch. These areas are managed by the Department of Conservation for public use and enjoyment and for the preservation of their natural values. They are remnants of the native vegetation that once existed throughout the region. Birdlife to be seen and heard in the forest area include native species like fantail, bellbird, silvereye, tomtit, grey warbler, brown creeper, wood pigeon and rifleman. Introduced species include chaffinch, red poll, blackbird and thrush. Visit the district website www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz for information on the Waimakariri District
River Swimming / Water Fun
The Ashley River is a great swimming area for all, there are some very shallow spots for littlies and some great swimming holes and diving spots for the older children
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Bring your tube and glide down the flowing clear water. Our water is tested regularly by Environment Canterbury.
Short Walks
At the top of the Birch Flat picnic area, a short track leads to a lookout over the Gorge. While you’re there, don’t miss the Giants Walk and its impressive Redwood trees. Oxford also offers several short kiwi walks, each around an hour. Across the bridge, head up the steps on the left for a 45‑minute easy loop through native bush on the other side of the river
Golf
Enjoy a round of Golf at the Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club with eighteen holes designed around the Waimakariri River terrace's natural contours overlooking the magnificent Waimakariri River and up to the Southern Alps. Open un-irrigated fairways with challenging layouts, and superb irrigated surrounds and greens
Horse Trekking
Explore local arts, crafts and museums that celebrate Oxford’s creative community and rich history. Browse Oxford Cottage Craft, enjoy the Sunday Farmers Market, visit the Oxford and Cust Museums, and check out unique local gems like Away With The Fairies and Darling We’ve Had That For Ages
Arts, Crafts and Museums
Explore local arts, crafts and museums that celebrate Oxford’s creative community and rich history. Browse Oxford Cottage Craft, enjoy the Sunday Farmers Market, visit the Oxford and Cust Museums, and check out unique local gems like Away With The Fairies and Darling We’ve Had That For Ages.
Gardens and Nurseries
We have an interesting selection of gardens and nurseries in the area with specialist areas like herbs, unusual herbs and perennials, lavender and lavender products, organics, potager.
Many have display gardens to view.
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The Colour Purple
Walking & Tramping Tracks
Discover local walking and tramping tracks — perfect for everything from easy bush strolls to more challenging hill adventures.
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Glentui Nature Trail
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Glentui Waterfall Track
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Richardson Track
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Blowhard Track
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Bypass Track
Mountain Biking
Enjoy nearby mountain‑biking tracks ranging from forest trails to classic back‑country rides.
Mountain Biking:
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Blowhard Track
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Wharfdale Track
see more about the Best mountain biking trails in oxford here
Kayaking
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Ashley River from middle bridge on Lees Valley Road to campground. (See camp office)
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Class III+ 4-120 cumecs, Class IV >120cumecs, Experienced kayakers.
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12.5 km length, time 2-5 hours, shuttle available from campground
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See the book "Whitewater River Running in NZ" by Graham Egarr
Check the flow at the Gorge on www.ecan.govt.nz
Rafting
Create your own rafting adventure on the Ashley River — just remember to plan ahead. Check the guidelines and river conditions on the Environment Canterbury website before you launch, then enjoy a safe and scenic ride through the Gorge.
Fishing
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Species: Chinook salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout.
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Fishing Methods: Above bridge - artificial flyfishing, spinning, Below bridge - all authorised methods
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Season Duration: Above bridge - 1 Oct - 30 April, Below bridge - All year.
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Limit Bags: Above bridge - 1 trout, max size less than 350mm, Below bridge - 2 trout
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Bait fishing for trout only 1 Oct - 30 April The Ashley River. Photo Copyright Jim Helsel
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A fishing licence is required and must be produced.
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See www.fishandgame.org.nz North Canterbury region - Ph 03 366 9191
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Trout Quest Canterbury Fishing Tours - Ph 03 312 4902
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Canterbury High Country Fishing Tours - Ph 03 312 3379
Hunting
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The Mt Thomas Recreation Hunting Area is an open hunting zone.
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A permit is required to hunt in this area. Permits available from the Christchurch Department of Conservation office - Ph 03 3713706 Jet Boating
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Waimakariri Gorge Jet - Ph 03 313 6490 Operate from Springfield, approx 20 mins from Ashley Gorge Holiday Park.
Village Shopping
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Explore Oxford’s village shops, cafés and local favourites — perfect for grabbing a bite, picking up supplies, or browsing unique gifts
Food & Beverage
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Delicious options from licenced restaurants, bars, café style takeaways and wineries to tempt the taste buds.
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Scenic Drives
Enjoy a range of scenic drives, including heritage trails across the Waimakariri District, historic routes through Oxford and surrounding townships, and the remote, picturesque Lees Valley.
Recommended Links
