Site and Directions

Site Address

Waipara Adventure Centre (formerly known as the Boy's Brigade Waipara Riverside Park)
137 Darnley Road, Amberley, New Zealand
Approximately 45-60 minutes north of Christchurch in the Hurunui wine region.

Directions

From Christchurch:

Take State Highway 1 North. 
Approximately 10 minutes past Amberley you will see the Mud House winery on your right (a large stone building). Turn LEFT just before the winery onto Georges Road, cross the railway line, and turn right onto Darnley Road. 
Continue for 1 km to the site; the entrance will be on your left (if this is closed, the lower gate is further down and on the left, and should be used in preference).

From the North

Front entrance to Waipara Adventure Centre
Front entrance to Waipara Adventure Centre

Take the alternate state highway route from Picton to Christchurch, via Murchison and the Lewis Pass. 
Shortly after the Waipara township you will see the large Mud House winery on your left. Turn RIGHT just after the winery onto Georges Road, cross the railway line, and turn right onto Darnley Road. 
Continue for 1 km to the site; the entrance will be on your left (if this is closed, there is a lower gate further down and on the left near the watering hole).

When you arrive please check in at the Gate - it is essential that we have an accurate record of who is on site.

Site Map

A number of changes have been made to site for CF 2023, and the Site Map can be viewed here (PDF).

CF 2022 had a revised site map due to smaller numbers. This can be viewed here (PDF).

An older site map version from CF AS53 (2019) as drawn by Mistress katherine kerr can be viewed here (11MB JPG).

The Waipara Adventure Centre also has a general site map available.

Facilities

This is a large site with excellent indoor and outdoor facilities. The main camp buildings have sleeping accommodation and facilities for 100. There is a large hall, dining room and two carpeted lounges. The grounds are attractive with a recreation area, tent and marquee sites, and caravan points, as well as numerous water taps and BBQ pads. There is a formed swimming hole in the Waipara Riverbed adjacent to the site. 

All buildings have electric lighting and electrically heated hot water. Toilets are available in the Great Hall/Quarters block, the Royal Ward, at the Tui Centre, in the Birchhill Lodge, and near the Mangy Mongol. 

Canterbury Faire has a large marquee on the main field to provide a shady/dry gathering area in addition to the Great Hall and to house the Market, Court and other activities. 

Please note that the quietest area is that behind the Tui Lodge (furthest area from the marquee and main tourney/war fields). Less-quiet campers should choose sites nearer the marquee and Mangy Mongol.

Find more information about the site and facilities on the Waipara Adventure Centre website

Storage

Southron Gaard has a large storage facility at the CF site, with space available for private rental so you can store large, heavy or awkward stuff between events. See the guidelines here or contact the Baronial Constable for more information.

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