about
Springfield
Springfield is 60km west of Christchurch and is the closest township to a choice of five skifields and mountain bike areas . Offering a wonderful selection of comfortable accommodation places, cafes, a hotel, service centre and information buro, an array of activities including skiing , horse trekking, jetboating, farmshows, 4wd safaris , mountain biking , bouldering/rock climbing , water activities, hiking, with magnificent views of the Mt Torlesse Range and foothills of the Southern Alps.
Once a coal town with two mines open during the 1870’s, Springfield boasted 7 shops and a Bank of New Zealand. The railway arrived in Springfield in 1880 and the Midland Railway Line’s access to the coast didn’t break through until the opening of the Otira Tunnel in the 1920’s.After the opening of the Otira Tunnel saw an increase in rail traffic and rail staff based in Springfield for many years. During this time the introduction of the KB steam engines was evident with six engines being specifically built for this section of track between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass. They were the strongest engines built in the steam era. Today the Midland Line is World famous as the Tranz Alpine Journey and stops in at the Springfield Railway Station daily to welcome people on board before following the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge and on to Greymouth. The Waimakariri River has been used over the years for recreation including the early trials of Sir William Hamilton’s jetboat in the early 1950’s and is still widely used today with both commercial and private jet boating heading up the spectacular Waimak Gorge. Fishing is also popular along with the kayaking leg of the infamous Coast to Coast Event. These competitors jump in their kayaks at Mt White Bridge and ride the river for around 4 hours before disembarking at the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge, near Sheffield.
Once a coal town with two mines open during the 1870’s, Springfield boasted 7 shops and a Bank of New Zealand. The railway arrived in Springfield in 1880 and the Midland Railway Line’s access to the coast didn’t break through until the opening of the Otira Tunnel in the 1920’s.After the opening of the Otira Tunnel saw an increase in rail traffic and rail staff based in Springfield for many years. During this time the introduction of the KB steam engines was evident with six engines being specifically built for this section of track between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass. They were the strongest engines built in the steam era. Today the Midland Line is World famous as the Tranz Alpine Journey and stops in at the Springfield Railway Station daily to welcome people on board before following the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge and on to Greymouth. The Waimakariri River has been used over the years for recreation including the early trials of Sir William Hamilton’s jetboat in the early 1950’s and is still widely used today with both commercial and private jet boating heading up the spectacular Waimak Gorge. Fishing is also popular along with the kayaking leg of the infamous Coast to Coast Event. These competitors jump in their kayaks at Mt White Bridge and ride the river for around 4 hours before disembarking at the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge, near Sheffield.
ALPINE JET THRILLS & ADVENTURE CENTRE
Alpine Jet Thrills - Located in Springfield offers braided river canyon rides . The Adventure Centre also has a range of activities and facilities
Ski over 5 Local Fields
Come and experience access to 5 local fields - the closest Porters only 30 min drive
TRANSALPINE
Often regarded to be one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Boarding the available in Springfield
experience Springfield
We Look Forward to Meeting you!
Springfield
