Darfield

Lift off in Darfield. The main town between Christchurch and the West Coast, Darfield is a hot spot for hot air ballooning and other adventure sports rife in NZ. It is often called 'The township under the Nor' West Arch' in reference to the characteristic weather phenomenon - a flat arch of cloud layered above clear sky and mountains to the west of the township.

Darfield has a fortunate position. It's as though the town sits in constant admiration of Mt Hutt and the Torlesse Ranges of the Southern Alps; a simply stunning view. Darfield serves the Malvern district's arable and peaceful farming area.

Location: 25 minutes west of Christchurch on State Highway 73. Close by: Ski fields, forests, lakes and the beautiful Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers