Chill, loosen up and relish amid the Mighty Mountains, Rangitata River and the Canterbury Plains of the Luscious Peel Forest. The native forest and extensive bird life are Peel Forest's primary highlights which attract numerous visitors all round the year.
Peel Forest is in New Zealand's South Island, located all along the foothills of the Southern Alps, next to the Rangitata River in the Geraldine District of Mid-Canterbury. It lies approximately at a distance of 150 Kms South from Christchurch, whereas, it is 55 Kms North from Timaru.
Peel Forest is a convenient base that lets you enjoy several fun activities ranging from Adventurous Rafting Trip to a Tranquil Stroll to savor the beautiful flora and fauna of the regions.
Established in 1909, New Zealand's Department of Conservation protects the wonderful Flora and Fauna of the region. Peel Forest is a residue of the old podocarp forest which stretched over a huge area in mid-Canterbury. Earlier, merely 94 hectare was set aside as a reserve. However, today, the area of the forest spreads over 773 Hectares.
Peel Forest Park has a strong association with Maori history. Mount Peel, also known as Tarahaoa in Maori, is of great spiritual significance to Ngai Tahu. Ngai Tahu is one of the main Maori tribe belonging to the southern region of New Zealand.
According to a specific legend, when Chief Tarahaoa and his wife Hua-te-kerekere were migrating to north from South Otago, they were washed up onto a dry land at Shag Point. Unfortunately, they lead the rest of their life wandering and living in the place where they could always witness the sun going down. It is believed that they beseeched their lord to turn them into mountains after their death. God granted their wish and turned them into inseparable Tarahaoa and Hua-te-kerekere.
Charles Torlesse, first discovered the foothills in 1849.
Plant life: Kahikatea (White Pine), Totara & Matai (Black Pine), Southern Kowhai (Sophora Microphylla)
Bird Life: Wood Pigeon / Kereru, The Rifleman / Titipounamu, Bellbird / Korimako, Fantail / Piwakawaka, Grey Warbler / Riroriro, Silvereye / Tauhou, Tomtit / Miromiro, Kaka, Kakariki, Gull / Karoro and Oystercatcher / Torea.
| Address: | Level 4 | Postal Address: | Private Bag 4715 |
| Torrens House | Christchurch 8140 | ||
| 195 Hereford Street | Fax: +64 3 365 1388 | ||
| Christchurch 8011 | |||
| Tel: +64 3 341 9102 |
