Fairlie, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Tim Parkinson

Fairlie

Fairlie is known as the "Gateway to the Mackenzie Country";. It's an attractive rural service town that doubles as a ski town in winter.

The pretty Farmingg town of Fairlie marks the beginning of the Mackenzie Country. Just west of here, Burke Pass takes you into the high altitude, tussock-covered expanses that characterise the region.

The Mackenzie Country is named after Jock Mackenzie, the legendary Scottish sheep rustler who once roamed the hills. You'll find a memorial to him in Fairlie's town centre.

While you're in town visit the Fairlie Heritage Museum, which has one of the biggest vintage wagon and carriage collections in the country. You may like to follow this up with a carriage ride around Fairlie Township. At lunch time, the locals recommend you try a salmon and bacon pie at the award-winning Lieber Bakehouse.

In winter (June - September), Fairlie is a base for skiing at Mt Dobson (affectionately known as 'Dobo') and Roundhill.

During warmer months, the recently created Lake Opuha is popular for boating and fishing; you can also take a Llama trek around the lake. Hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, trout fishing and farm tours are other popular activities.

The Raincliff Historic Reserve is the place to see Maori rock art, and famoussly scenic Lake Tekapo is just 25 minutes' drive away.

Content courtesy of Tourism NZ

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8.90 200 Reviews

Aorangi Motel

Fairlie

0800668351

Offering free Wi-Fi, the Aorangi Motel is set in a quiet area just 3 minutes' walk from Fairlie's shops, restaurants and bars. All accommodation features a 32-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels.Fairlie Aorangi Motel is just 200 metres from the Geraldine-Fairlie Highway. It is a 5-... (more)

Burkes Pass Accommodation

Burkes Pass

036856026

Set within the Burkes Pass gateway to Mackenzie Country, Burkes Pass Accommodation is centrally located for skiing at Mt Dobson and Roundhill and day trips to Mt Cook. Guests enjoy free WiFi and views of the surrounding Rollesby Range and Mt Burgess. Burkes Pass Accommodation is 21kms d... (more)

7.80 41 Reviews

Fairlie TOP 10 Holiday Park

10 Allandale Rd,

0800521033

Located 300m from the town centre, the supermarket and restaurants. Park is set in mature surroundings with 1ha of separate recreation space including playground. Free internet kiosks and free wireless internet. Booking service for Air Safaris with 10% discount to TOP 10 Club members, Real... (more)

Mackenzie Motel

Fairlie

0800685001

30 minutes from Tekapo, each of our ensuite studio units are simple, clean and tidy spaces for you to rest. All units have a north facing deck at the rear situated in a quiet location 100 metres off Fairlie's Main Street . By keeping things simple, we keep our costs down and pass those sav... (more)

8.50 112 Reviews

Mt Dobson Motel

Kimbell

0800546235

Conveniently located next to a historical pub and restaurant, Mt Dobson Motel offers self-catering accommodation with 100MB free WiFi per day. The motel is set in a garden with outdoor seating and BBQ facilities.Each modern studio and suite comes with a private patio. It also includes a fu... (more)

7.80 111 Reviews

Pinewood Motels

Fairlie

0800858599

Pinewood Motels offers self-contained accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a 32-inch flat-screen TV with 5 satellite channels. Facilities include a children's playground, BBQ area and guest laundry.Only a 25-minute drive from Lake Tekapo, Pinewood Motel Fairlie is 35 minutes’ drive from the M... (more)

Top Motel Fairlie

Fairlie

0800521033

There is plenty to occupy the with acres of space away from your accommodation giving you the chance of some time for yourself. 2 min walk to town centre BBQ area Playground For decades TOP 10 have been delivering amazing holiday experiences to our customers nationwide. Top Motels co... (more)

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The Great Laugh

Geraldine Primary School, Geraldine, South Canterbury

Sat 21 Mar 2020 7:00PM / Comedy

The Great Laugh 2020 It is set to be the funniest night to hit Geraldine for all of 2020! 3 internationally recognized Kiwi Comedians, 1 absolutely hilarious local MC, 1 locally hidden comedian, all together for one ... more
RnR Rock n Hop Weekend

Timaru Town and Country Club, Timaru, South Canterbury

Fri 20 Mar 2020 6:30PM / Classic Rock

Rock n Hop brings two fantastic events to the TT&CC thanks to the Timaru Rock n Roll Section. Friday night is Candi and the Rockets, tickets $35.00 per person, starting at 7pm and playing till 11.30pm. Saturday night is ... more