Off the Beaten Track to... Springfield

Tranz Alpine train at Springfield, Canterbury, New Zealand

For two years, the small township of Springfield in the Selwyn District of New Zealand was on the map for the enormous plastic pink doughnut situated on its boundaries to celebrate The Simpsons' Movie in 2007 (This was set in the fictional cartoon town of Springfield). While the doughnut is no more (fried by arsonists), there are still countless reasons to stop in Springfield – including a truly taste-tantalising pie stop!

Springfield Highlights

Springfield is a superb springboard for local highlights including:

Skiing – The closest town to not one, but six skifields. The ski season runs until late October weather and snow permitting.
Rock climbing and bouldering – World class terrain in the Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park for those keen to dangle from a precipice or two.
Walking and hiking – Both the Craigieburn Forest Park and Arthur's Pass National Park are within easy reach for fantastic day walks and overnight hiking opportunities.
Mountain biking and horseriding – Trails and rides for every level and age.
Jetboating – Local jetboat operators can whizz you along local rivers on breathtaking rides in New Zealand designed jetboats designed to travel and manouvre at high speeds in low water.
Movie magic – Springfield is just a few hours drive from locations used as the land of Narnia in the film, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Farm show – Visit a working farm to see the sheepdogs at work, have a go at shearing the sheep and feed the friendly farm animals – a real winner with the kids!
Tranz Alpine Train Journey – Board the train at the historic Springfield railway station before following the rails along the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge to Greymouth.
Golf – Three magnificent golf courses are all within an hour's drive of Springfield.