Ice Skating: Kiwi Style

Think ice skating and most likely you’ll visualise an indoor, darkened, chilly, warehoused sized rink. Many cities have one.

In lots of places in the world however ice skating is an outdoor activity, on real lakes and ponds; even here in New Zealand it turns out. But before you head to Naseby, the curling capital of New Zealand, consider the small town of Staveley, around 100km from Christchurch.

Known mostly for an abundance of ski areas, Canterbury has been home to several local ice skating secrets for decades. Lake Ida, founded soon after the second World War, was one of the best known and in its heighday bus loads of people would visit from Christchurch. Sadly however the club appears to have dissolved and skating hasn't happened for several years.

Staveley Skating Rink

Fortunately however in the small community of Staveley, the ice skating (and curling) tradition is very much alive. It’s a unique experience.

Location plays a key part of this, as it's just a few hundred metres away from the terminus of the beautiful Sharplin Falls and Mount Somers Tracks. The rink is on private land, yet bordered by beech forest, and a swing bridge over a small river has to be crossed to reach it. Very exciting for the kids!

But it’s the low key, do it yourself style that really sets the place apart. Staffed by volunteers there’s clearly a passion and community focus for the rink. It’s run by the Staveley Hall Society and all profits go to community projects.

Despite their humble beginnings, and probably shoe string budgets, expect more than just a frozen pond. Over the years they’ve developed some reasonabe facilities - flush (heated) toilets, lights that give the place an awesome atmosphere at night, and the piece de resistance, a shelter that has the most awesome fireplace. Skate, warm up, skate, warm up and cook some marshmallows (sold there) or BYO sausages! Roasting sticks are provided.

So what’s the skating like?

Variable is probably the best word. There are two skating ponds, and each differed slightly the day we were there, but neither had a perfect surface. No Zamboni in sight here, but who needs it? It’s the experience that’s more important, and you can be guaranteed more fun than you can shake a stick at, especially if you go at night.

Never skated before? No problem, it seems most people that go can’t, so you’ll be in good company. But if you do need some support, it’s at hand. Over the years people have converted all manner of objects, so If you get there early you’ll get one of the converted school/wheel/beach chairs (or bikes) which you can stand behind and push. Easy!

So, is it worth a trip? Absolutely, in fact it’s a quintessential Canterbury experience. Take the kids, a picnic, and maybe some mulled wine. Stay locally or make a day of it. You’ll love it.

Fast Facts:

Opening Dates:
Call the “ice line”. It doesn’t open every year, but when it does think “July”.

Hours:

Wednesday: 7pm - 9.30pm
Saturday: 1pm - 5.00pm, 7pm - 10.00pm
Sunday: 1pm - 5.00pm
School holidays: 1 – 5pm

How far?
About 100 km from Christchurch, a little south of Methven.
Allow 1.5 hours to drive there. (Google map)

Maybe stay the night!
Ross Cottage, part of Tussock and Beach Ecotours, $120 /night for 2.

Entry Cost:
$5 per person at the rink (cash only)

Skate Hire:
Yes. There are 85 pairs available for hire at the Staveley Store. They cost $10 per session and they DO run out on busy days, so get in quick. EFTPOS available.

Coffee?
Yes, excellent underground at the Staveley Store!

Numbers to call: