Luxury holidays in Craigieburn Valley

Where Arthur’s Pass wends towards Canterbury you’ll find Craigieburn Valley — a rural idyll where the Southern Alps stand sentry and sheep are your grazing neighbours. It’s easy to get caught up in the peace evoked by the Valley’s timeless scenery, but don’t let the serenity fool you: kayaking on Lake Pearson, horseback treks and mountain biking beckon, with rugged hikes or a spot of fly fishing as your more laidback options.

When to go

From December until April, the mercury rises in Craigieburn Valley and there’s less rain to contend with. If you’re hoping to ski, mid-July through September is most likely to offer optimum conditions.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Christchurch Airport is your closest international option, around a 90-minute drive from Craigieburn Valley.

  • Trains

    The TranzAlpine service, between Christchurch and Greymouth, runs daily during warmer months and on weekends in autumn and winter, calling at Arthur’s Pass along the way — around 20 minutes by car from the valley.

  • Automobiles

    Bringing your own set of wheels will come in useful in this remote slice of rural Canterbury.