11 minute read
ROAD TRIP - Christchurch to Amberley inc. Kaikōura & Hanmer Springs
Christchurch to Amberley via SH 1 44min, 46.5km
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Amberley to Hanmer Springs via SH 7 1hr 2min, 86.8km
Hanmer Springs to Kaikōura via Inland Road & Inland Kaikōura Rd 1hr 52min, 130km
Kaikōura to Amberley via SH 1 1hr 50min, 134km
SIDE TRIP - Hanmer Springs to Maruia Springs via SH 7 and Lewis Pass 1hr, 77.9km
Leave behind Canterbury’s Big Smoke and head north on SH1; 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.
Inflatable canoe adventure tour, Hanmer Springs
© Hanmer Springs Tourism
HIGHLIGHTS
LEWIS PASS This pass is the northernmost of three passes crossing the Southern Alps; 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.
IRONRIDGE QUARRY SCULPTURES Enjoy a serene stroll amongst these amazing kinetic sculptures, set up in a disused quarry, certainly not to be missed!
MOLESWORTH STATION Located behind the inland Kaikōura mountains, drive across isolated high country, screescarred mountains, wide river valleys and tussock slopes by 4WD. Open late December to late March.
WEKA PASS RAILWAY Ride more than 12km of scenic line through this unique limestone setting on board a vintage steam train.
Weka Pass Railway
© Adobe Stock
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.
Watching seals in Kaikōura
© Kaikōura Tourism
WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT Drive 30 minutes north of Christchurch and you’ll find KAIAPOI. Don your togs and hit Aqualand inflatable waterpark for thrills and spills. For more action, you can be blasted around down river evergladesstyle on board New Zealand’s only airboat. Long, languid days can be spent paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing along the river. Jump aboard the Kaiapoi River Queen paddle steamer to cruise in vintage style. Further afield keep busy in OXFORD with horse trekking, canyoning and a stargazing trip to the Area School Observatory. Pay a visit to RANGIORA, the largest town in this district. Let the kids loose at Matawai Park or feed the ducks and swans at Northbrook Wetlands. Check out LAKE PEGASUSand trace the lake’s edges by foot or by bike or dine lakeside at The Good Home. WOODEND BEACH is popular with families over the summer and worth a visit. WAIKUKU BEACH starts at the Ashley/Rakahuri Estuary and spans along the coast offering wide, open beaches, a great surfing and swimming spot. Stay at the beachside holiday park and enjoy a starlit beach walk.
AMBERLEY BEACH is accessible from SH 1. This expansive shingle beach is ideal for surfing.
MT LYFORD From Kaikōura you’re just 60km from this uncrowded ski field.
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.
AMBERLEY & SURROUNDS
The quiet rural town of Amberley lends itself to leisurely walks at nearby Amberley Beach and 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 beach
© DWB
CITY FAMILY FUN
The Margaret Mahy playground in the Christchurch CBD is the gold standard in playgrounds and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. It’s also worth checking out the giant swing (aka #chchswing) across the road for older kids. Grab yourself an intensely yummy, sweet treat from Rollickin Gelato to keep your batteries charged. All aboard the Gondola to enjoy 360-degree views from 500m above sea level. You’ll see the 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.playground in the Christchurch CBD is the gold standard in playgrounds and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. It’s also worth checking out the giant swing (aka #chchswing) across the road for older kids. Grab yourself an intensely yummy, sweet treat from Rollickin Gelato to keep your batteries charged. All aboard the Gondola to enjoy 360-degree views from 500m above sea level. You’ll see the 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.
Awaken your nostalgia by visiting the New Zealand Museum of Toys and Collectibles with its is everchanging and increasing range.
Adventurous families will love both the Adrenalin Forest for tree climbing, rope bridges and flying foxes, and the Christchurch Adventure Park with awesome bike trails. Animal lovers will relish the otter feeding times at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Or for something really wild visit the lions, giraffes and meerkats at Orana Wildlife Park. Wrap up warm to visit the penguins and huskies in the International Antarctic Centre.
Out on the east coast is New Brighton, a retro seaside town with beachside hot salt-water pools and a wet/dry playground, both a draw for families come rain or shine.
For an island escape, the historically rich Quail Island is the largest of three small islands in Lyttelton Harbour. The Antarctic explorers, Scott and Shackleton, trained their sled dogs and ponies there. Pack a picnic, hop on a ferry and spend the day swimming and walking.
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.
UNIQUELY CHRISTCHURCH
BREAD & CIRCUS Formally the World Buskers Festival. This three-week event is jam-packed with enrapturing street performances. To be held 14 January 2023.
RIVERSIDE MARKET An unmissable sevenday-a-week indoor farmers’ market fronting the banks of the Ōtakaro Avon River. Foodies will love the food choice.
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.
Punting along the Avon River, Christchurch
© Jillian Miller Photography
HURUNUI HIGHLIGHTS
> Frog Rock
> Fairy Door Walk
> Tiromoana Bush Walkway
> Quadricycles
> Dog Stream Walkway
> Motunau Beach
> Gore Bay
> Mt Lyford Village
> St Anne’s Lagoon
> Culverden Tearooms
> Jollie Brook
Village Cruisers quadricycle, Hanmer Springs
© Hanmer Springs Tourism
HANMER SPRINGS
> Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
> Rafting
> Mt. Isobel
> Mountain Biking
> Golfing
> Hanmer llamas
Hanmer Springs Bridge
© Grant Jiang
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.
Kids in the forest
© Hurunui Tourism
A WALK THROUGH CANTERBURY’S LANDSCAPE WILL IMPRESS.
TOP WALKS
MT FYFFE SUMMIT TRACK, KAIKŌURA For a full-day adventure with breathtaking views, walk this track to the summit. The steep track starts crossing farmland on a three hour walk to the Mt Fyffe Hut. It’s another hour to reach the summit.
CONICAL HILL, HANMER SPRINGS This 30-minute one-way walk is a must-do in Hanmer Springs. The Heritage Forest is protected under a Crown covenant to preserve its character, the forest contains a striking mix of native and exotic plant life and the oldest part of the forest contains plants more than 100 years old.
MANUKA BAY TRACK, CHEVIOT This track is best for intermediate walkers and takes you along the coastline, providing sea views, lush forest and a number of landscape features. Closed for lambing 15 August though to 15 October.
MT GREY/MAUKATERE, AMBERLEY This two to three-hour walk is located in the Mt Grey/Maukatere Conservation Area that comprises approximately 1700ha of remnant native forest and tussock grasslands.
RAPAKI TRACK, CHRISTCHURCH Some of the best views from the Port Hills are provided on this 3.5km track, taking you through greenery and grasslands, making this one of Christchurch’s best walks.
Walking in the Port Hills, Christchurch
© Christchurch Gondola
KAIKŌURA TO AMBERLEY
With the lure of crashing waves and a horizon it’s hard to shift your gaze from, this route offers one of the most captivating drives in New Zealand.
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 isa must for wine aficionados, and you can’t leave without loading up on honey, olives and oil.
KAIKŌURA GEMS
KAIKŌURA MUSEUM This award-winning museum is housed in the ‘craypot’ building and delights with its unique exhibits, not limited to padded 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.
Exploring the Kaikōura Peninsula
© Paul Boocock
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.
Kaikōura Peninsula
© Sara Orme
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 Hot Springs, outdoor natural mineral pools
© West Coast Tourism
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, chemicalfree, geothermal natural mineral waters.
Maruia Hot Springs, outdoor natural mineral pools
© West Coast Tourism
