Discover
- Discover
  With endless coastlines, winding forest trails and charming historic villages, Hurunui is an explorer’s paradise with plenty to surprise and delight all who visit.
  - Hidden Gems
    
    Hidden Gems
    
    You are never far away from a hidden gem in Hurunui. Forage for truffles, scour the forests or comb the endless coastlines. There are infinite delights just waiting to be found.
  - The Outdoors
    
    The Outdoors
    
    Stand atop Mt Grey enjoying panoramic views, fish in unique braided rivers or hit forest mountain bike trails. Hurunui’s outdoors are calling.
  - Relaxation
    
    Relaxation
    
    With fresh alpine air, forests and mountains, Hurunui is a natural relaxant. And for those wanting to really unwind there are spa treatments, wineries and indulgence on tap.
  - Adventure
    
    Adventure
    
    Feel the rush of a jetboat ride, plummet towards the Waiau River on a bungy cord or dust off your cobwebs on quad bike. Adventure awaits!
  - The Taste
    
    The Taste
    
    Delight in one of New Zealand’s award-winning wine regions, linger in a winery restaurants and don’t miss the chance to taste the local fare at the weekend markets in Amberley.
Explore
- Explore
  Fossick under the forest canopy, comb the coastline for special treasures or experience the high country’s magnificence, it is time to dust off your cobwebs and get exploring.
  - Touring Routes
    
    Touring Routes
    
    Road trips make memories and Hurunui is a motorist’s dream. You’ll whip past limestone outcrops, over patchwork plains, always heading towards rolling green hills on the horizon.
  - Hanmer Springs
    
    Hanmer Springs
    
    With fresh alpine air, mountains and forests, it feels good just being in Hanmer Springs. Everything you need is right here, including famous thermal springs.
  - North Canterbury Wine Region
    
    North Canterbury Wine Region
    
    A place of pioneers and innovators, the Waipara Valley’s an award-winning wine region. You’ll love the vineyard tastings and the winery restaurants… they’re exceptional.
  - Hurunui Heartland
    
    Hurunui Heartland
    
    Hurunui is filled with heart. Historic homesteads, country pubs and rolling green hills that will have you feeling a world away from your everyday life.
Things To Do
- Things To Do
  Amplify your adrenalin on a jetboat or bungy cord, soothe your stress with spa treatments or strolls in the forest. Just get here and start making memories.
  - Action & Adventure
    
    Action & Adventure
    
    Hurunui is known as one of New Zealand's adventure tourism hubs. With bungy jumping, jetboating, quad biking, four wheel driving and horse riding among the activities on offer, adrenalin junkies will definitely get their fix.
  - Art & Galleries
    
    Art & Galleries
    
    Art lovers will find a treasure trove of attractions in the Hurunui with gorgeous galleries and shops dotted about the region.
  - Events
    
    Events
    
    If you're organising an event in the Hurunui District, and would like to promote it on our site,you can do so by clicking on the link below. Please fill in the form, click submit and one of our team will get back to you soon.
    Submit Event
  - Family Fun
    
    Family Fun
    
    The Hurunui is a family friendly destination... the perfect place to hang out and simply have fun.
    Whether its making friends at the Hanmer Springs Animal Park, having a mini golf tournament with your family or relaxing at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools you would be hard pressed not to enjoy yourself.
  - Golf
    
    Golf
    
    Laid back country courses are aplenty in Hurunui. You’ll find fairways with mountain backdrops and seaside courses, so pack the clubs and get set to tee off!
  - Hunting & Fishing
    
    Hunting & Fishing
    
    With canada goose, wild boar, deer and chamois, Hurunui is a popular hunting ground. It’s equally awesome for anglers with country lakes, coastlines and rivers ripe for fishing.
  - Parks & Gardens
    
    Parks & Gardens
    
    With its rolling hills and stunning green landscapes, it will come as no surprise that the Hurunui is also home to some excellent parks and gardens.
    Many make an excellent day trip from Christchurch and are well worth making the drive.
  - Spas & Relaxation
    
    Spas & Relaxation
    
    The Hurunui is lucky to have a wide range of day spa operators located across the district.
    There's an extensive menu of body treatments available, suitable for all budgets - from a traditional massage to increasingly popular treatments like aromatherapry, reflexology and Thai massage - the list is almost endless.
  - Shopping & Services
    
    Shopping & Services
    
    Those after a unique shopping experience won't be let down by what's on offer in the Hurunui.
    You'll find fashion boutiques featuring stunning pieces to add to your wardrobe, gorgeous homeware shops, galleries and some incredible outlets you won't find anywhere else.
  - Ski & Snowboard
    
    Ski & Snowboard
    
    Winter sees the Hurunui come alive as one of the playgrounds for snowbunnies in the South Island.
    The region has two excellent ski-fields at Hanmer Springs and Mt Lyford.
  - Tours
    
    Tours
    
    The Hurunui is perfect for self drive but you can also join a tour to see behind the scenes.
  - Walking & Biking
    
    Walking & Biking
    
    Trails for all ages and all abilities. Tackle mountain tracks with panoramic views from the top or stroll or ride through winding forest trails with delights around many a corner.
Wine & Food
- Wine & Food
  Taste the award-winning North Canterbury Wine Region and Hurunui’s fresh local fare. The region is rich in locally-grown food and wine that is ripe with authenticity and full of flavour.
  - Cafes & Restaurants
    
    Cafes & Restaurants
    
    The Hurunui has an incredible range of restaurants - from fine dining to family friendly and everything in between. You'll find award-winning modern cuisine to gorgeous homemade dishes that make the most of the incredible ingredients this region produces.
  - Farmers & Produce Market
    
    Farmers & Produce Market
    
    The Hurunui produces some of New Zealand's best wine, beef, venison, seafood, organic fruit and vegetables, olive oils, breads, cheese and honey. The Amberley Farmers Market is a great place to see, taste and buy all that the region has to offer. Held every Saturday (9am – 12.30pm).
  - Pubs & Breweries
    
    Pubs & Breweries
    
    You won't be short of a pub or tavern anywhere in the Hurunui - even the region's smallest towns have their 'local'.
    The Hurunui is well known for its wine but what may surprise you is the high quality of beer brewed locally too.
  - North Canterbury Cellar Doors
    
    North Canterbury Cellar Doors
    
    Anytime is a great time to visit the dozens of wineries across the North Canterbury Wine region but summer is perfect. The days are longer, the weather warmer and you’ll be able to linger and enjoy alfresco tasting and dining amid stunning scenery.
  - Takeaways & Fast Food
    
    Takeaways & Fast Food
    
    There are plenty of places where you can grab some takeaways across the Hurunui. New Zealand is famous for its fish and chips and there are plenty of fresh, quality options if you want to indulge in them. You'll also find a range of places offering ethnic takeaways.
  - Wineries & Wine Tours
    
    Wineries & Wine Tours
    
    Nestled in the east of New Zealand’s South Island is a boutique wine region that is proving you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best. North Canterbury is located on the back doorstep of Christchurch, just a 40-minute drive from the city.
Accommodation
- Accommodation
  Whether you want to make some new friends in a backpackers or indulge in luxury, it’s easy to find the perfect place to stay … what you will find hard is leaving.
  - Backpackers
    
    Backpackers
    
    The Hurunui has a number of hostels to choose from - cost effective, clean and fun places to stay. You'll always find a hive of activity here.
  - Bed & Breakfast
    
    Bed & Breakfast
    
    From cosy homes with cute bedrooms to large stately manors, we have a lot of 'Bed and Breakfast' accommodation. A great way to experience the legendary Hurunui hospitality.
  - Holiday Homes
    
    Holiday Homes
    
    Holiday homes are one of the most popular accommodation choices in the Hurunui - particularly in Hanmer Springs.
    A great option for families and groups who want to self cater.
  - Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
    
    Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
    
    A range of campgrounds are scattered across the Hurunui - they make exceptional, welcoming and cost-effective places to stay. You'll find many have everything you need onhand - bathrooms, kitchens, laundrys...even play equipment for the kids!
  - Hotels
    
    Hotels
    
    Hotel accommodation is a popular option for Hurunui holidaymakers - particularly those in Hanmer Springs.
    You'll find all the comforts of a home away from home and some luxuries too.
  - Motels
    
    Motels
    
    The Hurunui has a large range of motels across the district. Ideal for everyone - from couples to families or groups, they are very popular option for short term stays in particular.
  - Farmstays
    
    Farmstays
    
    Experience an authentic part of New Zealand life and stay on a farm! You'll be warmly welcomed and learn a lot.
  - Freedom Camping
    
    Freedom Camping
    
    Freedom camping (staying overnight out of campgrounds) is only permitted in some parts of the Hurunui. Please read the Hurunui District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw for further details.
  - Self Contained
    
    Self Contained
    
    Self contained accommodation includes apartments, Pure Pods and full serviced homes. Consider them your 'home away from home'.
  - Wedding Venues
    
    Wedding Venues
    
    Who doesn't want a stunning backdrop for their wedding day? The Hurunui has many to offer...dramatic alpine vistas, rows of grapes in award winning vineyards, rolling green hills, crisp rivers and lush green forests. With a range of venues and activities for your guests to enjoy, your wedding will be an unforgettable event.
Plan Your Trip

Visit Hurunui

A region like no other

Welcome to the Hurunui

A place where rugged coastlines and breathtaking clifftops meet lush forests and alpine retreats. The Hurunui district will thrill and surprise you … offering everything you expect in a South Island holiday, and more.

Hidden Gems

The best kept secrets

The Outdoors

Take in the Views

Relaxation

Time to unwind

The Taste

Tantalising food and wine

Events

What's on?

Hurunui Garden Festival

Explore beautiful private gardens

Visit gorgeous private gardens from Amberley to Gore Bay, Hawarden to Hanmer Springs, many within just one hour’s drive of Christchurch and the airport. While you’re enjoying our gardens and warm country hospitality, we hope you’ll sample our wineries, cafes, and the natural attractions that make Hurunui District such a great place to visit.

Learn more

North Canterbury's exclusive shopping event

Hanmer Springs Fete

Hanmer Springs Fete is set to become North Canterbury's finest shopping event.

2020 marks our second year and we welcome you to join us in the heart of North Canterbury to enjoy the stunning historic Queen Mary Hospital grounds as you shop with over 100 high quality stalls from across New Zealand.

Tickets available now! Mark your calendar: 30th October 2020

Find Out More

Our Blog

Greystone Wines named Sustainable Winery of the Year Award at The NZ Organic Wine Awards

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Celebrating 25 years with Waipara Hills Vineyard Manager

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Upcoming Events

Spring Arts School September 25 | Hanmer Springs School, 8 Cheltenham Street @ 09:00a.m.

Spring Arts School Read More

French Polishing with Mike Fullen September 26 | 22 Bath Street, Hanmer Springs @ 08:00a.m.

French Polishing with Mike Fullen Read More

Introduction to Theatre Sports with Kerry Lane September 26 | 22 Bath Street, Hanmer Springs @ 08:00a.m.

Introduction to Theatre Sports with Kerry Lane Read More

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