Hurunui District: Trails, Thermal Pools and Rock Art
Accommodation in Hurunui District
The Hurunui District brings together experiences with very different characters: a trail to early Māori rock art, forest and meadow trails, mineral-rich geothermal pools and a market with regional produce. A coastal stop or a drive along a named route may also be part of your travel plans. Which places you focus on depends on whether you prefer walking, cycling, seeing distinctive landscapes or discovering local products.
Rock art and trails with distinct character
Weka Pass Historic Reserve was officially established in 1969. A 40-minute trail leads to a large limestone overhang with examples of early Māori rock art. Access to the rock art begins at the Waikari Village Walkway; trailheads are at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or in Waikari. Bear the seasonal lambing closure in mind when planning: the Waikari Village Walkway is closed from 1 August to 1 October.
A different kind of trail awaits at the entrance to Hanmer Forest Park on the Woodlands Walk. This short, family-friendly loop passes through forest and meadows, as well as stands of Douglas firs, poplars and redwood trees. The difference between the walking options is clear: at Weka Pass, a 40-minute trail leads to the rock art, while the Woodlands Walk is described as a short loop.
The Waipara Vineyard Trail is for walkers and cyclists. It is short, easy and well formed, with views of vineyards and the Waipara Valley. This makes it possible to distinguish a trail with views of wine country from the forest and meadow sections of the Woodlands Walk. If you want to plan a cycling trip, the Waipara Vineyard Trail is the option explicitly described as suitable for cyclists.
Thermal pools, animal encounters and coast
The Sulphur Pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa are mineral-rich geothermal pools without chlorine. This is a distinctive feature for travelers interested in the properties of the water. Around Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs Animal Park offers a different kind of experience: visitors can hand-feed a wide variety of friendly and interesting animals there.
Gore Bay also offers a different perspective on the district. The Gore Bay Tourist Drive is a 21-kilometre route in the Hurunui District. Gore Bay is considered one of New Zealand’s safest surfing beaches; however, beach conditions can vary and should be assessed locally. This presents a designated route and a beach associated with surfing as different ideas to consider when choosing what to include in your trip.
For a culinary stop, visitors can browse, sample and buy regional produce at Amberley Farmers Market. The market adds an opportunity to discover local products to the nature and trail experiences.
Using experiences to guide your accommodation choice
If you’re looking for a hotel, choosing the experiences you want to enjoy can be a useful starting point. Would you mainly like to see the rock art at Weka Pass, take a short loop, explore the Waipara Vineyard Trail on foot or by bike, or spend time at the Sulphur Pools? A visit to a market or feeding animals could also be a deciding factor in your plans. The trails can be distinguished by the features actually mentioned: the stated duration and rock art at Weka Pass, the short family-friendly loop in Hanmer Forest Park, or the Waipara Vineyard Trail’s explicit suitability for walkers and cyclists.
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Discover more destinations: Hanmer Springs, Amberley, Hawarden, Lyford, Gore Bay, Cheviot, Leithfield.
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