Hanmer Springs and Beyond: The Ultimate Hurunui Region Guide

As a Canterbury local, I've been visiting Hanmer Springs for years. I used to manage recreational activities on nearby St James and Molesworth stations, making it a welcome and relaxing stop after a few days in the hills. These days, I visit with my wife and kids at least twice a year, and it's one of our favourite places to take overseas friends and family when they visit us.

Most people know Hurunui for Hanmer Springs, with its thermal pools, alpine scenery and outdoor adventures. But there's much more to discover in the region, from vineyard lunches and charming country towns to rugged coastlines, stunning beaches and quiet high country escapes.

Whether you're planning a weekend away or adding a few nights to a South Island road trip, here's how to explore the region, from its best-known alpine destination to its wine trails, small towns and coastal hideaways.

Explore Hurunui

Use the links below to jump straight to the experiences that interest you most.

• Hanmer Springs: Hot Pools and Alpine Adventures
• The Waipara Wine Trail: Vineyards, Food and Country Roads
• Small Towns and Coastal Escapes
• Explore Hurunui Along the Alpine Pacific Touring Route
• Where to Stay in Hurunui
• Planning Your Hurunui Road Trip

Hanmer Springs: Hot Pools and Alpine Adventures

Surrounded by rivers, mountains and forests, Hanmer Springs is the natural starting point for exploring Hurunui. Around 90 minutes from Christchurch, it's an easy escape for a weekend of relaxation, outdoor adventures and fresh mountain air.

Soak at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is one of the region's best-known attractions, with naturally heated pools, hydroslides, a lazy river and spa treatments at Elemental. It's an easy choice for families and a relaxing way to finish a day exploring the surrounding mountains and forests.

Explore the village

Hanmer Springs has plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to enjoy between activities. Grab a coffee, pick up an ice cream or settle in for a relaxed lunch before heading out to explore.

Get your heart racing

If you're after something more adventurous, Hanmer Springs has plenty of options. Take a thrilling jet boat ride along the Waiau River, try an off-road quad bike tour or white-water rafting or bungy jump from the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge.

Looking for something a little calmer for the kids? Amazing Maze and Mini Golf - Hanmer Springs is a fun option for a more relaxed outing.

Explore Hanmer's walking trails and waterfalls

One of the best things about Hanmer Springs is how easily you can swap the village for the forest or hills. There are walks to suit a range of fitness levels, from short family-friendly strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic mountain views.

Conical Hill Walk: Climb through the forest to sweeping views across Hanmer Basin and the surrounding mountains. The track is relatively short, although the climb is steep in places.

Mount Isobel Track: For a more challenging outing, this track climbs to 1,324 metres through forest and subalpine terrain. The summit rewards walkers with expansive views, but the route is exposed in places, so check the forecast before setting out.

Dog Stream Waterfall: Follow a forest track through native bush and ferns to reach this picturesque waterfall.

Woodland Walk: This easy loop through Hanmer Forest Park passes woodland, ponds and a stream, making it a good option for a relaxed family outing.

Sculpture Walk: Our family also enjoys the Sculpture Walk - Hanmer Springs, where hand-carved sculptures give kids something to look out for along the way.

Explore on two wheels

Cycling is another great way to experience Hurunui's varied landscapes. There are shorter rides around Hanmer Springs for a relaxed outing, as well as more demanding routes for experienced riders.

For a bigger adventure, the St James Cycle Trail is a multi-day ride through spectacular high-country landscapes, with open valleys, river crossings and wide-ranging mountain views. It's a great option if you'd like to venture beyond the village and experience some of the region's more remote scenery.

The Waipara Wine Trail: Vineyards, Food and Country Roads

Leaving the mountains behind, the Waipara Valley offers a different side of Hurunui. Rolling hills, vineyards and quiet country roads set the scene for leisurely afternoons spent sampling North Canterbury wines and enjoying long lunches.

Explore the cellar doors

The Waipara Valley has a varied collection of wineries, each offering its own take on the region's wines, food and rural setting.

Black Estate Wines is known for its organic wines and dining, while Greystone Wines offers tastings and food in a vineyard setting. Pegasus Bay Winery is another well-established stop for wine lovers, with its distinctive wines and landscaped grounds.

It's worth checking opening hours and booking requirements before you go, particularly if you're planning a tasting or lunch at a popular winery.

Make time for a long lunch

One of the best ways to enjoy Waipara is to slow down and make an occasion of it. When my wife's family is over from London, it’s become tradition that our last family day out is to Waipara Springs Winery & Restaurant for wine, live music in the sun and a tasty meal using local produce.

If you'd prefer to leave the driving to someone else, consider a guided wine tour. It's a relaxed way to visit several cellar doors, learn more about the region and enjoy the wines without worrying about who's behind the wheel.

Visit, walk or cycle the vineyard trail

The Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail offers another way to experience the area's rural scenery. Walking or cycling through the countryside lets you take in the vineyards, rolling hills and quiet roads at a slower pace.

You can combine a ride or walk with a winery visit, turning a tasting into part of a longer day out rather than simply another stop along the road.

Discover the countryside beyond the vineyards

There's more to the Waipara area than wine. The Weka Pass Railway runs heritage trains through a distinctive limestone landscape, offering a different perspective on the region's countryside.

Tiromoana Bush Walk

For more time outdoors, consider the Tiromoana Bush Walk, Mount Grey Track, or Mt Cass Walkway.

Check current access arrangements and track conditions before visiting, as these can vary.

Small Towns and Coastal Escapes: Discover Another Side of Hurunui

Some of Hurunui's most memorable experiences come from taking the scenic route and exploring beyond its best-known attractions. Scattered throughout the region, small country towns, quiet beaches and high-country landscapes offer plenty of reasons to slow down and stay a little longer.

Stop in Amberley

Amberley is a handy stop on the way into Hurunui, particularly if you're travelling from Christchurch. The town has cafés, shops and local food options, with easy access to the Waipara Valley wine region.

It's a good place to grab supplies or take a break before continuing north.

Take a break in Waiau

The small township of Waiau sits among attractive mountain scenery and makes a peaceful stop on an inland road trip. Nearby rivers offer opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, while the surrounding countryside provides a taste of rural North Canterbury.

If you're heading towards Hanmer Springs or exploring the inland routes, Waiau is worth considering as a detour rather than simply passing through.

Browse Cheviot

Cheviot is a welcoming country town with local shops and places to eat. It's a useful stop when exploring the northern part of Hurunui, particularly if you're travelling between the inland countryside and the coast.

Nearby Mt Beautiful is also worth considering if you'd like to add a winery visit to your journey.

Head for the coast at Gore Bay and Motunau

Gore Bay Beach

Hurunui's coastline offers a welcome change of scenery, with beaches, dramatic cliffs and quiet places to spend a summer's day.
Gore Bay is a laid-back coastal spot popular for swimming and surfing.

Nearby Cathedral Cliffs are known for their striking pale cliffs and photographic scenery, while Motunau Beach offers a quieter coastal setting and a more off-the-beaten-track feel.

These coastal stops are particularly appealing in the warmer months, although conditions can change quickly. Facilities are limited in some areas, so bring what you need and check local conditions before setting off.

Escape to the mountains at Mt Lyford

For a quieter alpine experience, head towards Mt Lyford. The area offers mountain scenery and a peaceful alternative to the busier village of Hanmer Springs.

Visit Mt Lyford Ski Area in winter when conditions allow, or explore the surrounding landscape during the warmer months.

Explore Hurunui Along the Alpine Pacific Touring Route

The Alpine Pacific Touring Route connects Christchurch, the Waipara Valley, Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura, bringing together vineyards, alpine scenery and coastal landscapes in one scenic journey.

Where to Stay in Hurunui

Hanmer Springs Forest Camp

Where you stay depends on which parts of Hurunui you'd most like to explore.

Hanmer Springs is the most convenient base for the thermal pools, restaurants, walking tracks and adventure activities. It's particularly well suited to a weekend away, with plenty to do without needing to drive far.

For a slower-paced escape focused on food and wine, consider staying around the Waipara Valley. You'll be close to the vineyards and country roads, making it easier to enjoy a long lunch or visit several cellar doors.

If you'd prefer somewhere quieter, look towards Cheviot, Gore Bay or Mt Lyford. These areas offer a different experience of Hurunui, from coastal scenery to alpine surroundings.

Travelling by campervan? There are holiday parks and camping options throughout the region. Check facilities, seasonal opening dates and booking requirements before you arrive.

Find a Paid Campground or Holiday Park in Hurunui

Ready to Explore Hurunui?

From the hot pools and alpine trails of Hanmer Springs to the vineyards of Waipara and the coastline around Gore Bay, Hurunui offers far more than a single weekend destination.

Start with the experiences that interest you most, then take the time to explore further. Follow the country roads, discover the smaller towns and leave room for a few unexpected detours.

You might arrive for Hanmer Springs, but there's plenty more waiting beyond the village.

Where to next? For more inspiration, check out our Kaikōura Destination Travel Guide or follow our Ultimate West Coast Road Trip Guide for another South Island adventure.