Hunter: Forest, Activities and Remembrance
Accommodation in Hunter
Hunter in the Waimate District brings together a tangible connection with nature and places of remembrance. At its heart is Gunns Bush Camp, set in a 140-hectare forest area. There are also activities at the camp, a full-day walking track a short walk away, and a memorial to the Second World War. For trip planning, this means you can consider the forest, group activities and history as distinct highlights.
Forest and stream by the camp
Gunns Bush Camp is located at 36 Gunns Bush Road in Hunter. Native bush and a stream are easily accessible from the camp. Gunns Bush Camp is set in a 140-hectare forest area.
Activities on site and a full day of walking
Activities offered at the camp include a bush walk, disc golf, tug-of-war and table tennis; a water slide is also available. The range gives groups several specific options for spending time together at the camp.
Another way to spend your time is on the Mt Studholme walkway. It starts and ends within a short walk of Gunns Bush Camp. The walk takes a full day and offers 360-degree views from the top. That makes it a full day of walking rather than just a brief activity. Check the route access information before setting out.
Memorial sites in Hunter
A memorial to the Second World War stands opposite the local community hall. A memorial stone beneath a nearby tree is dedicated to Lance Corporal Eric John Sole. The two memorial sites have different emphases: the monument refers to the war, while the stone honours a named individual. Alongside the forest and activities, these specific places of remembrance are also part of Hunter’s character.
Hunter Hall is located on Pakihi Road in Hunter. A 2019 community directory lists the hall’s capacity as 100 people. This provides another specific point of reference when planning a group trip; the figure describes capacity, not current booking availability.
Planning a group stay in Hunter
Gunns Bush Camp is intended for school groups, groups seeking outdoor experiences, church groups, clubs, businesses looking for team-building activities, and family groups seeking an exclusive retreat-style getaway. This focus on groups can help you decide whether the kind of trip you want suits your plans. If you’re looking for hotels in Hunter, you can plan around your priorities: should the trip focus mainly on time in the forest and shared activities, or would you like to set aside a full day for the walk to the 360-degree views? The memorial sites add a historical dimension to these nature and activity options.
Explore more destinations
Explore more destinations: Kaiapoi, Peel Forest, Glenavy, Maungati, Springfield, West Eyreton, Arthur's Pass.
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