Oxford is a charming farming town located at the inland edge of the Canterbury Plains.
Oxford has it all: boutique shopping, great cafes, pristine walks in the conservation areas and a great country vibe. It also boasts one of the darkest and most accessible dark sky experiences(opens in new window) in New Zealand, allowing for excellent naked eye views of the Milky Way. Originally settled as a logging town, Oxford has an interesting history. The side wall of a butchers shop depicts the era with a beautiful painted mural. Once Oxford was served by the railway and had two stations, East Oxford and West Oxford. In 1959, the line closed but some remnants of the old railway can still be seen along Oxford Road on the way to Rangiora. With two conservation parks on the doorstep, boutique shopping, unique eateries and an authentic farmers market, Oxford is a town with much to offer. Take your time; wander, relax and refresh yourself.