10 minute read
TRIP 12 A JOURNEY ALONG THE ALPINE PACIFIC TOURING ROUTE
Christchurch to Amberley inc. Kaikōura & Hanmer Springs
Christchurch to Amberley via SH1 - 44min, 46.5km
Advertisement
Amberley to Hanmer Springs via SH7 - 1hr 2min, 86.8km
SIDE TRIP Hanmer Springs to Maruia Springs via SH7 and Lewis Pass - 1hr, 77.9km
Hanmer Springs to Kaikōura via Inland Road & Inland Kaikōura Rd - 1hr 52min, 130km
Kaikōura to Amberley via SH1 - 1hr 50min, 134km
© AA Traveller 2021
Leave behind Canterbury’s Big Smoke (see p.112) and head north on SH 1; this is the Alpine Pacific Touring Route. It takes you across the Canterbury Plains, a mesmerising mosaic of paddocks, to your first stop – Amberley. When you’ve taken a pause in this cheerful little town it’s onwards to Hanmer Springs along SH 7. Those with a designated driver may like to savour a silky wine at one of the Waipara Valley wineries.
You’ll carry on through the Weka Pass, Waikari and Culverden, and before you know it, Hanmer Springs. Enjoy the chance to unwind at this famous alpine village in its thermal hot pools.
Then travel from Hanmer to Kaikōura via the Inland Kaikōura Road for a truly memorable time on the coast.
WAIPARA VALLEY
Cradled in the palm of Teviotdale Hills, riesling and pinot noir excel in Waipara Valley soil, nurtured from grape to glass across several vineyards. From exquisite wine to passionate viticulteurs, the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail is a 14.5km walking and cycling track that explores Waipara Valley’s most inviting wineries.
Greystone Cellar Door
© WineFolio
HIGHLIGHTS
LEWIS PASS The northernmost of three passes crossing the Southern Alps, Lewis Pass is beautiful; in parts you drive through extensive beech forest protected within a national reserve. As well as taking you to the West Coast, a main route to Nelson branches off this road at Springs Junction.
FROG ROCK In the middle of Weka Pass, halfway between Christchurch and Hanmer Springs, a giant frog-shaped rock eyes passing travellers.
MOLESWORTH STATION Located behind the inland Kaikōura mountains, drive across isolated high country, scree-scarred mountains, wide river valleys and tussock slopes by 4WD. Open late December to late March.
AMBERLEY BEACH Accessible from SH1, Amberley Beach is a shingle beach great for surfing.
Amberley Beach sunrise
© DWB
KAIKŌURA WILDLIFE From dusky dolphins and sperm whales to fur seals and albatrosses, admire some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife in their natural habitat from both the water, on boats, and from above, in a helicopter.
Fur seal, Kaikōura
© Adobe Stock
KAIAPOI Just 30 minutes north of Christchurch, this pretty river town boasts two beautiful rivers passing through it, allowing for jet boat rides, river walks, bike rides, bridge crossings and fishing. Jump aboard the Kaiapoi River Queen paddle steamer to cruise the river in vintage style, or catch a ride on New Zealand’s only air boat with Alpine Jet Thrills.
WOODEND BEACH Part of the Tūhaitara Coastal Park and popular with families over summer when the beach is patrolled, the long stretch of sand calls for beach walks and bathing.
WAIKUKU BEACH Starts at the Ashley/Rakahuri Estuary and spans along the coast offering wide, open beaches. Great for swimming, surfing. Stay at the beachside holiday park and enjoy a starlit beach walk.
WEKA PASS RAILWAY Ride more than 12km of scenic line through this unique limestone setting on board a vintage steam train.
LAKE PEGASUS Trace the lake’s edges by foot or by bike and dine lakeside at The Good Home.
MT LYFORD From Kaikōura you’re just 60km from this uncrowded ski field. Open mid-June to September.
UNIQUELY CHRISTCHURCH - ACTIVITIES
BREAD & CIRCUS: Formally the World Buskers Festival. This three week event is jam-packed with enrapturing street performances. To be held 15 January 2022.
RIVERSIDE MARKET: An unmissable seven-day-a-week indoor farmers’ market fronting the banks of the Ōtakaro Avon River. Foodies will be enthralled by the food choice and buzz.
Riversife Market, Christchurch
@ Christchurvhnz.com
PUNTING: Take in the serene Avon River/Ōtakaro. Your skilled punter will be dressed in traditional Edwardian attire.
THE ARTS CENTRE TE MATATIKI TOI ORA: Explore 23 heritage buildings bustling with shops, eateries, art spaces, boutique retailers and a plush cinema.
HAGLEY PARK: In the heart of Christchurch, walk, run or bike through this green oasis.
Kaikōura hums with visitors keen to encounter the local wildlife and revel in the town’s perennially cheerful ambience.
KAIKŌURA MUSEUM This award-winning museum is housed in the ‘craypot’ building and delights with its unique exhibits, not limited top added jail cells, restored cabins from sunken ships, footage of 1978 UFO sightings, and if tall tales are to be believed, a resident ghost.
KAIKŌURA PENINSULA WALKWAY Tracks around the peninsula range from five minutes to three hours, passing seals, detailed information panels and contemporary Māori sculptures depicting Māori legend and folklore.
OHAU POINT LOOKOUT Located just off the main road, observe a large seal colony from a safe place. A walkway overlooks the rocks where lively pups frolic in the pools.
MT FYFFE TREK An eight-hour return trek up this relatively under-discovered mountain trail presents unparalleled views across the stunning Kaikōura Ranges.
KAIKŌURA CRAYFISH Nin’s Bin is the iconic roadside shack serving a raved-about catch while Kaikōura Seafood Barbecue boasts generous servings at wallet-friendly prices.
FAMILY TIME
In Christchurch, head through the road tunnel that runs beneath the PORT HILLS and over to the historic seaport town of LYTTELTON. This eclectic little spot has been charming its visitors since 1850. Enjoy the bohemian art, nifty cafés and buzzing bars and restaurants or jump aboard a harbour cruise.
Pack your togs and a picnic and catch the ferry to QUAIL ISLAND, Christchurch’s very own island escape.
Ride the CHRISTCHURCH GONDOLA, and enjoy 360-degree views from 500m above sea level. You’ll seethe spectacular cityscape of Christchurch. While up here,tick off one of the walking tracks and experience the unique Time Tunnel ride, then grab a bite at Red Rock Café.
Ride the waves to DIAMOND HARBOUR and explore Stoddart Cottage – the birthplace of one of New Zealand’s foremost 19th century artists, Margaret Stoddart.
After horse treks and farm visits in AMBERLEY, pop into Little Vintage Espresso for monster muffins and five-star, parent-pleasing coffee.
WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT in North Canterbury and nestled on the doorstep of Christchurch, the Waimakiri District is a region of vast natural beauty and diversity. Long, languid days can be spent jet boating down the braided Waimakariri River or canyoning in Glentui; sailing Lake Pegasus or sun bathing on a long golden beach. Mt Thomas and Mt Oxford conservation areas are just the start for stunning walks and cycling trails are extensive. Many pathways weave through pretty townships such as Oxford, Kaiapoi, Cust and more.
Cycling in Waimakariri
@ Visit Waimakariri
Family time in HANMER SPRINGS is always fortuitous. Descend on Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa for open-air thermal lagoons, a spa, lazy river, waterslides and hydroslides. Navigate Waiau River by white-water raft or inflatable canoe; mountain bike the Hanmer Trails, right on the village doorstep and hunt for animal sculptures in Hanmer Heritage Forest.
KAIKŌURA TO AMBERLEY
Starting in Kaikōura, an impressive spot for marine life and particularly rewarding for whale watching, your journey will first trace the South Pacific shoreline, passing seal colonies and crayfish vendors. Then, sweeping inland, you’ll swap sea views for the Hundalee Hills, before dropping into the town of Cheviot. Highlights such as Gore Bay and Cathedral Cliffs are both nearby. The latter are famed for their Gothic cathedral aesthetics.
Arrive in Amberley with a bounty of treats from Waipara Valley. The vineyard trail is a must for wine aficionados, and you can’t leave without loading up on honey, olives and oil.
AMBERLEY & SURROUNDS
The quiet rural town of Amberley lends itself to leisurely walks at nearby Amberley Beachand languid café stops.Lock lips with regional wines at one of the vineyards or something more robust at the local brewery. An historic cob cottage is within easy reach and the 15-minute drive to the Old School Collective in Waikuku is well worth it for a bevy of bespoke stores, brunch options and artists’ studios.
Amberley countryside
@ Adobe Stock
HANMER SPRINGS
Defined by towering pine trees and the blue-green hues of Waiau River, the thermal retreats are world-class and there are countless ways to cover the terrain. Try mountain biking, river canoeing and horse riding – or the power of your own two feet. The surrounding mountains make idyllic walking trails in summer and powder rich ski slopes during winter. Kids love to discover the animal sculptures and fairy doors peppering Hanmer Heritage Forest and those who are brave enough can bounce, bob and bump along the Waiau River as part of an exhilarating two-and-a-half hour, grade two white-water rafting adventure.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
© Chris McLennan
HANMER SPRINGS MUST-DO'S
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Rafting
Conical Hill
Mountain biking
Golfing
Hanmer Springs dining
Round up your friends and whanau and hire a curious looking, four-wheel quadricycle from HANMER ROCKETS in Hanmer Adventure Centre or VILLAGE CRUISERS at Alpine Crazy Putt. Enjoy a ROMP AROUND TOWN on one of these ridiculously fun bicycle contraptions. Designed for two to six peddlers, cheery coloured awnings allow for year-round SKEDADDLES.
Hanmer Springs Forest
© Hanmer Springs Tourism
SIDE TRIP MARUIA SPRINGS
Once you’ve had your fill of relaxation, you might feel like stretching your legs. Right on the doorstep are several walking trails that suit all fitness levels. Wander along the Maruia River Trail where you can decide the distance you venture. Spend time by the bubbling river and make a tower out of stones on the riverbed. If you feel like pushing yourself, take on The Circuit Trail, one to two hours of idyllic forest walking with views of snowy mountain tops and the river. For a bigger challenge, the steep Waterfall Trek reveals the pipeline and mountain water story of Maruia Hot Springs with a rushing waterfall at the peak of the track.
Maruia Falls
© Getty Images
MARUIA HOT SPRINGS Stop at these all-natural hot springs on your way to Westport or Nelson. Nestled in the Lewis Pass National Park, soak up the surrounding beauty while submerging yourself in 100% pure, chemical-free, geothermal natural mineral waters.
Maruia Hot Springs, outdoor natural mineral pools
© West Coast Tourism
TOP WALKS
BRIDLE PATH TRACK, CHRISTCHURCH Built in 1850, as the original foot route across the Port Hills for Canterbury’s first European settlers travelling between Lyttelton and Christchurch .2.4km, 1hr 30min
Bridle PathTrack, Christchurch
© christchurchnz
KAIKŌURA PENINSULA WALKWAY Straddling the peninsula’s clifftops with astounding views, along the way you’ll find interpretation panels which tell the stories of the area’s history. Learn about the significance of this area for both Māori and colonial settlers at Fyffe House and keep your eyes peeled for little blue penguins. 11.7km, 3hr
MT ISOBEL TRACK, HANMER This is a full-day walk to the summit of Mt Isobel, at 1342m. The trail follows a woodland trail with European and Japanese larches, enters subalpine scrub and traipses open grassland. The summit views are first-class. 4.2km, 1hr
ST JAMES WALKWAY This track is located in the Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve and passes through pastoral land,beech forest and subalpine regions. The perfect introduction to multi-night tramping. 66km one way,5 days
HARTS CREEK TRACK This walkway to a bird hide, whereyou can easily view birdlife, isa great walk for children andfamilies. 1.5km, 40min
