Discover Hurunui District

Hurunui District offers a range of options for a trip: Weka Pass Historic Reserve, with early Māori rock art; trails through forests and vineyards; geothermal pools; and regional produce. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay. The following places offer different options, from a historic walk to a visit to the market.

Weka Pass: Rock Art and Seasonal Access

Weka Pass Historic Reserve was officially established in 1969. A 40-minute trail there leads to a large limestone overhang featuring examples of early Māori rock art. The trail connects a specific viewpoint with a distinctive historic site.

Access to the Māori rock art starts at the Waikari Village Walkway. You can join the walkway at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or from Waikari. Due to the seasonal lambing period, the walkway is closed from 1 August to 1 October. Take this period into account when planning a visit.

Forest Trails, Thermal Pools and Animals

The Woodlands Walk at the entrance to Hanmer Forest Park is a short, family-friendly loop. It passes through forest and meadows, as well as stands of Douglas firs, poplars and redwoods. The trail description therefore includes both open areas and a variety of tree species.

The Sulphur Pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa are mineral-rich geothermal pools without chlorine. Nearby, at Hanmer Springs Animal Park, visitors can hand-feed a wide variety of friendly and interesting animals. Alongside a walking trail, geothermal pools and animal feeding offer different experiences to choose from.

Vineyards, Cycling and Gore Bay

The Waipara Vineyard Trail is short, easy and well maintained. It’s suitable for walkers and cyclists, and offers views of vineyards and the Waipara Valley. It’s an option for anyone who’d like to explore a route on foot or by bike.

The Gore Bay Tourist Drive is a 21-kilometre route in Hurunui District. Gore Bay is considered one of New Zealand’s safest surfing beaches. Conditions at the beach can vary; assess them on site.

Regional Produce and Canterbury

At Amberley Farmers Market, visitors can view, sample and buy regional produce. If you’d like to discover local products, the market offers these options right at the stalls.

For a broader regional perspective, take a look at Canterbury. The region stretches in the east from the Pacific coast to the Southern Alps in the west. Its scenic highlights include the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains and the Pacific coast; Canterbury also offers opportunities for outdoor adventures on rivers and in the mountains.

In the wider Canterbury travel region, Waipara Valley is known for exceptional regional food and award-winning wine. The North Canterbury Wine Region includes more than 90 vineyards, most of which are independently run. This information complements the impressions of the vineyards along the Waipara Vineyard Trail with a broader regional perspective.

Discover more destinations: Hanmer Springs, Amberley, Hawarden, Lyford, Gore Bay, Cheviot, Leithfield, Waimakariri District

For the broader travel overview: Canterbury.