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  • 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.

      • Waipara Valley

        Waipara Valley

        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. 

        Temporary Closure at: Glenmark Reserve (Glenmark Domain) is closed to freedom camping until further notice.

      • 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
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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. 

Temporary Closure at: Glenmark Reserve (Glenmark Domain) is closed to freedom camping until further notice.

You are here: Home Accommodation Freedom Camping

The Hurunui Freedom Camping Bylaw 2018, as enacted on 1 September 2018, remains in force.

Click Here to see an interactive map of Freedom Camping locations.

Things you should know:
Camping is only permitted on local authority controlled land – no camping on private property
(without the land owners permission).
Stay a maximum of 2 nights at any location (in a 30 day period).
Dispose of waste appropriately.
No fires.
No washing or drying dishes or clothes in public facilities.

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Helpful Links

Contact Us

42 Amuri Avenue
Hanmer Springs
New Zealand

Email: info@visithurunui.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 315 0000
Free phone : 0800 442 663 (NZ only)