Selwyn New Zealand

Selwyn

General Information Māori Translation Geography History Attractions

General Information

The diversity of Selwyn District will enhance the visitor. Rolleston is the main town of the district and is called the satellite town of Christchurch, because of its closeness to Christchurch.

History

Selwyn District takes it name from the Selwyn River which in turn takes it name from New Zealand’s first Anglican bishop, George Selwyn. Who before arriving in New Zealand had learnt the Maori language well enough to preach his first sermon in New Zealand in Maoria. He established excellent relationships with the Maori population and in 1843 and 1844 travelled the length of New Zealand by horse, foot, and boat, leaving behind locations that now, bear his name.

Maori Translation

The given Māori name for The Selwyn River is ‘Waikerikeri’.

Attractions

Selwyn has something for everyone. Its beautiful high country is a playground for adventurers and sightseers. Whether you seek full-on outdoor action or a quiet mountain retreat it’s all there amid the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps. Selwyn District has more ski-fields than any other district in New Zealand. Only an hour’s drive from Christchurch, these slopes offer winter fun for all age groups. Selwyn District is home to a thriving arts and crafts industry for the interested tourist to investigate and enjoy. The diverse range and locations make for an interesting day excursion.

Geography

Selwyn District is located in Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand. It is 649,000 hectares in area and is bounded north and south by the mountain-fed Waimakariri River and Rakaia rivers. The district extends 150 kilometres west from the edge of Christchurch City to the snow-capped crests of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass National Park. The climate of the Selwyn District is drier and sunnier than most parts of New Zealand. Summers are generally getting hotter and drier and winters are becoming milder with fewer frosts and less rain.

Selwyn General Information Māori Translation Geography History Attractions
General Information The diversity of Selwyn District will enhance the visitor. Rolleston is the main town of the district and is called the satellite town of Christchurch, because of its closeness to Christchurch. History Selwyn District takes it name from the Selwyn River which in turn takes it name from New Zealand’s first Anglican bishop, George Selwyn. Who before arriving in New Zealand had learnt the Maori language well enough to preach his first sermon in New Zealand in Maoria. He established excellent relationships with the Maori population and in 1843 and 1844 travelled the length of New Zealand by horse, foot, and boat, leaving behind locations that now, bear his name. Maori Translation The given Māori name for The Selwyn River is ‘Waikerikeri’.		Attractions Selwyn has something for everyone. Its beautiful high country is a playground for adventurers and sightseers. Whether you seek full-on outdoor action or a quiet mountain retreat it’s all there amid the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps. Selwyn District has more ski-fields than any other district in New Zealand. Only an hour’s drive from Christchurch, these slopes offer winter fun for all age groups. Selwyn District is home to a thriving arts and crafts industry for the interested tourist to investigate and enjoy. The diverse range and locations make for an interesting day excursion. Geography Selwyn District is located in Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand. It is 649,000 hectares in area and is bounded north and south by the mountain-fed Waimakariri River and Rakaia rivers. The district extends 150 kilometres west from the edge of Christchurch City to the snow-capped crests of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass National Park. The climate of the Selwyn District is drier and sunnier than most parts of New Zealand. Summers are generally getting hotter and drier and winters are becoming milder with fewer frosts and less rain.