Winchester marks the southern end of the Inland Scenic Route 72, a delightful road trip that traces the eastern edge of the Southern Alps.
Winchester is a small rural settlement at the junction of State Highway 1 and the Inland Scenic Route 72 in South Canterbury. Although local accommodation is limited, this area is famed for rainbow and brown trout fishing; it also has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the country. If you decide to stay in or near Winchester, local attractions include Maori rock art, Temuka’s pottery industry and white water rafting on the Rangitata River. There are good walks and picnic spots nearby at Peel Forest and Kakahu Forest.
Functional facts: Approx. population 265, basic shops, service station.