Woodend is a service town, surrounded by lush farmland and a great variety of lifestyle blocks.

Named after an early settler, Thomas Woodend, the town is just 26km north of Christchurch and offers accommodation and meals to passing travellers on S.H.1.

The town lies between the broad, braided shingle beds of the Ashley and Waimakariri rivers and is very close to the waters of Pegasus Bay. Woodend Beach offers many recreational opportunities such as swimming, surfing, walking, horse riding and fishing. Woodend’s sheltered holiday park and playground is a favourite location for summer holidays.

Pegasus Bay has other windswept wilderness locations to attract outdoor lovers. Further south from Woodend Beach is the long, languid Brooklands Lagoon, the dramatic Waimakariri River mouth and the Pegasus Bay Walkway. To the north are Waikuku Beach, the Ashley River mouth and its associated lagoon. These areas ensure that birdwatchers, coastal walkers and fishing gurus are in their element, whatever the season.

Arts and crafts are a feature of the Woodend area. On Main North Road you can visit an interesting store next to the Old Fire Station, that displays gifts and craft items from 170 suppliers. These include wooden toys, wood ware, silver, jewellery, jade, wrought iron, pottery and art prints.

At another interesting retail outlet on the same road you can ‘Taste pure happiness’ in the form of naturally made schnapps, liqueurs, infused olive oils, vinaigrettes, vinegars and much more. Try a Rigid Richard or Slippery Nipple while you’re there, just part of a heady range of lively libations.

While cruising through the Woodend area, keep your eyes peeled for roadside stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, all of the finest quality. Also note the well kept gardens, leafy lanes and parks. Cantabrians love gardening and laying out colourful flower beds. No wonder Christchurch is called the ‘Garden City.’ Just more evidence of what an undiscovered fresh air playground the Waimakariri District is.