Accessibility
Event: Fossil and Concretion tour with Dr Kate Pedley Geologist, University of Canterbury.
General information
Contact name
Karen Forrester
Contact number
033144584
Travel instructions
From Christchurch travel north along state highway one to Amberley township. Continue north on state highway one until you get to George’s road. Turn left on to George’s road which is opposite Waipara Hills Winery. Karetu Downs is approximately 21.3 kilometres from the beginning of Georges road. From Georges road travel straight ahead onto Ram Paddock road. Travel along Ram Paddock road past the vineyards where you enter the beautiful Waipara Gorge. Iron Ridge Sculpture Park is on the left as you wind along Ram Paddock road. We are approximately 9.9 kilometres from Iron Ridge Sculpture park. Look for Karetu Downs signage on the left-hand side of the road. Follow the signs directing you to our parking area. If heading to Saddlewood, Newstead and Flaxmere gardens turn left at our driveway across the Karetu Downs bridge and on to MacDonald Downs road. Turn right onto Broxton road then continue straight at the cross roads to Dalmany road and turn right on to Allandale road. Saddlewood is 342 Allandale road.
Entry instructions
On arrival drive up the driveway and signs will direct you to the free car park at the woolshed. To enter the Karetu garden show your ticket to the person sitting at the entrance to the garden. Keep the ticket on you to collect the lunch box (if ordered) and for the tour.
After entry instructions
Fossil Tour: Dr Pedley will ask everyone to assemble onto the main lawn out in front of the house at 12:30pm where she will give a brief introduction and speak about the fossils before setting off. She will ask everyone on the tour to drive their cars out to the end of our driveway and park on the roadside where you will regroup. The tour begins just up from the Karetu bridge through the farm gate opposite our driveway. The tour starts at 12:30 so it is advisable to be here in plenty of time to have a walk around the garden, lunch and visit the gift shop. Or you can go on the tour first and then come back and enjoy the garden and have lunch. It is totally up to you.
Hazards
Uneven terrain. Good walking shoes/trainers are recommended.
Toilet location
Toilets are available at the Karetu Downs giftshop near the entrance to the garden.
Accessible parking
Free parking in the woolshed car park. Parking signs will direct you to the parking area.