Local Time: 8:21 PM
Amberley is a bustling rural town and great place to explore the cafes, crafts and coastline.
Leithfield is a small country village with a long European history, it was founded in 1857 and is one of the oldest townships in North Canterbury.
Amberley & Leithfield cover the southern part of the Hurunui district, only a 45 minute drive from Christchurch.
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Named after Amerbley in Derbyshire, Amberley was originally established as a result of the arrival of the railway in 1876. The township has continued to grow and has become an important farming service centre for the Hurunui district.
Amberley offers a range of country bed and breakfast, farmstay and motel accommodation options making it the perfect country retreat. Enjoy the 18-hole golf course, beach walks and a network of scenic walkways at nearby Mt Grey and Lake Janet.
Located in front of the Hurunui District Council offices is a statue dedicated to Charles Upham who was awarded the Victora Cross and Bar. Charles Upham is one of only three to have won the Victoria Cross twice.
South of Amberley is Leithfield, founded by John Leith as an important coach stop and to provide services to the surrounding farming and milling area. In 1863 Leithfield boasted one of the first flour mills in North Canterbury and the only one to be powered by wind.
Worth a visit is the Old Leithfield, a great country pub, which is also the starting point for the Kowai Walkway. The track takes you to the coastal settlement of Leithfield Beach.