DISTRICT
North Canterbury
HURUNUI DISTRICT
KĒKERENGŪ
Kaikōura HURUNUI RIVER Fishing Trout, whitebait and seasonal, sea-run salmon flush the river’s waters. If the fishing is superb, then the scenery is second to none. Quite simply, a haven for anglers.
Hanmer Springs
NORTH CANTERBURY WINE REGION Spanning
Conical Hill Walkway The town’s most popular short walk, this gentle, 30-minute track zigzags its way 550m skyward to the summit, where a small shelter and lookout soak up the vistas.
CHEVIOT
Kaikōura
Hanmer Springs scores of wooden nature carvings along a flat, buggy-friendly path.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa Laze about in open-air
CHEVIOT
nearly 200km, this extensive wine region includes Waipara Valley, a fast-growing sub-region just 20 minutes south of Hurunui town. The cool, dry climate implores visitors to try impressive Riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay.
Mountain Biking The Hanmer Trails are a network of biking trails on the village doorstep. Dog Stream Reserve is ideal for families and beginners, but veteran riders are also well catered for. Hire a bike and pop into the i-SITE for trail recommendations for your skill level.
thermal pools before heading to the spa for massages and seriously indulgent body and face therapies. When excitement beckons, fling yourself down SuperBowl waterslides and winding hydroslides, glide the lazy river or splash about in the fresh water pool. Designed with family fun in mind, there are play options galore here.
LEWIS PASS The
River Safaris Paddle down the
Rainbow Station Cross private
Waiau River in an inflatable canoe.
land by 4WD (or check about mountain biking at the visitor centre first), venturing between Arnaud and Hanmer Springs. Open late December to late March. All other times require permission from station owners.
WAIPARA
lebyya qualified instructor, enjoy a AmberLed
northern-most of three passes crossing the Southern Alps, Lewis Pass is staggeringly beautiful. Expect an often steep and windy drive through extensive beech forest protected within a national reserve.
full-day, fully guided trip with a picnic lunch and jet-boat ride back to base.
Horse Riding With convenient
WAIKUKU
central Hanmer pick up, join Hanmer Horse Trekking for one to two-hour treks at a gentle, undaunting pace, meandering around picturesque Hanmer Basin.
Hanmer Springs Ski Area Forty
PEGASUS & is on the Lewis Pass. Soak
TOP TIP: Maruia Hot Springs up Southern Alp views as well as the pure geothermal natural waters. Enjoy daily wellness classes, massage and gourmet lunches.
minutes from Hanmer village, open July to mid-September. A shuttle runs from at 8.15am and 9.15am, returning at 4pm and 5pm, or drive there by 4WD or 2WD with chains. There's a heated Day Lodge, toboggans and Robinson Lodge accommodates 64.
WOODEND
Art in the Forest All sorts of
OXFORD
ABOVE: Greystone Cellar Door © WineFolio RIGHT: Hanmer Springs Bridge © Grant Jiang
62
KĒKERENGŪ
chiselled animals lurk in Hanmer Heritage Forest. Embark on the 30-minute 'Forest Amble' to find
WAIPARA
Amberley
WAIKUKU
Molesworth Station Take a 4WD road trip. Located behind the inland Kaikōura mountains, drive across isolated high country, scree-scarred mountains, wide river valleys and tussock slopes. Open late December to late March, access outside this period requires permission.
S& EGASU PWhite-water Rafting Navigate
Waiau River by raft, forging a nailbiting path through several gorges and small to medium rapids. Guides will help negotiate ‘The Narrows’, a short gorge that froths with Grade 3-4+ rapids (but you can walk and re-board to skip this section).
Chisholm Park A lovely, central spot with a beautiful pond and bordering boardwalk suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Feed the ducks and make use of the playground.
Hanmer Spring Animal Park Meet an amusing bunch of farm animals, pet the sheep, goats and alpacas, feed wallabies, cuddle giant Flemish rabbits and picnic on the extensive deck.
Quadricycles Hire a four-wheel quadricycle from Hanmer Rockets in Hanmer Adventure Centre or Village Cruisers at Alpine Crazy Putt. Enjoy a romp around town on these fun contraptions designed for two to six peddlers.
Weka Pass Historic Reserve Embark on a 40-minute walk (one way) to a large overhang shelter and concave rock formation featuring Māori rock art. The track is steep but rewarding.
A-Maze-N-Golf Enjoy the gold rush-themed 18-hole mini-golf course and then solve the mystery of the Lost Temple maze, a puzzling escapade with a handful of surprises along the way.
Hanmer Llamas Stroll hand-in-
(or hand in reign) with your WOODENDhand new best friend, a laid-back llama.
XFORD
One day trips take in Hanmer's best scenic spots while fully catered three of four-day journeys offer a complete removal from the world. PAGE 7 - REGIONAL MAP
