Finding Alexx Explores Hurunui

Discover Hurunui with Finding Alexx

As part of her Top of the South adventure, Finding Alexx explored the beautiful Hurunui region, uncovering its hidden gems, outdoor adventures, and local flavours. From the alpine village of Hanmer Springs to the scenic Waipara wine region and rugged coastline, she’s put together her go-to guide for all things Hurunui. Whether you’re after adrenaline-fuelled activities, relaxing thermal pools, or foodie and wine experiences, here’s her insider guide to make the most of your visit.

To read the full blog post on the Top of the South itinerary, head here: Finding Alex – Top of the South Island Itinerary & Road Trip

Minimum stay in Hanmer Springs: 1-2 days

About Hanmer Springs

This locally-loved alpine village still flies a bit under the radar with international tourists, but if you’re a keen outdoor adventurer it’s a fantastic base for hiking, biking, skiing and thrill activities without the Queenstown price tag.

The thermal pools are the perfect come down after the adrenaline rush too, with New Zealand’s biggest hydroslide and a wide range of relaxation zones amongst lush forest landscapes.

School holidays are packed with visitors from Christchurch and beyond, visit outside of these times if you can, or book your accommodation well in advance to avoid missing out.

Things to do in Hanmer Springs

Soak your worries away at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, a huge complex with aquatherapy pools, sulphur pools, a lazy river, hydroslides and private hot pools if you’re after total seclusion

Treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment at the Spa next door, you deserve it
Tick off some iconic Aotearoa thrills without blowing your budget. Hanmer Springs offers easy access to jetboating, bungy jumping, quad biking and white water rafting at lower prices than you’ll find in the classic tourist hubs.
Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and explore the backcountry on two wheels. I did part of the St James Cycle Trail to the natural hot pools at Cow Stream (sandflies galore but absolutely beautiful, intermediate with one steep advanced section) but there are lots of trails for various skill levels around the Hanmer Forest.
If you’re travelling with kids, the Hanmer Forest Sculpture Walk is a must. There are three options ranging from 30 minutes to 1h 30m through the forest with a bunch of wooden sculptures along the way.
Grab a steaming hot pie from PJ’s Pies, they have different specials each day but I rate the pork belly, chicken cranberry and Angus steak with blue cheese
For a fancier dining experience I looove No. 31, I’ve been twice for a three-course-meal and every single dish has been flawless
Make the most of being surrounded by forests and mountains with this top-rated stargazing tour

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs

Budget

Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park is my top pick for campervans (9.2/10 on booking.com from 400+ reviews)
Hanmer Backpackers (8.7/10 on booking.com from 270+ reviews)
Kakapo Lodge (8.7/10 on booking.com from 1360+ reviews)

Mid-range

Hanmer Springs Gateway Lodge (9.4/10 on booking.com from 70+ reviews)
Harrogate Gardens Motel (9.1/10 on booking.com from 190+ reviews)
Settlers Boutique Motel (9.4/10 on booking.com from 670+ reviews)

Luxury

Amuri Estate, a stunning luxury lodge with unparalleled panoramic views and meticulously manicured gardens. Amazing for astrophotography too, away from any light pollution! (9.5/10 on booking.com from 200+ reviews)
Village Lake Luxury Apartments (9.3/10 on booking.com from 430+ reviews)
The St James Premium Accommodation (9.1/10 on booking.com from 610+ reviews)

Waipara wine region and surrounds

Driving time from Hanmer Springs: 1h-1h 30m (70-125km) depending on where you’re heading to. Minimum stay: 1-2 days if you’re a foodie, day trip if not

It’s a crime that so many travellers drive the farmland-flanked highway between Kaikōura and Christchurch without even realising what they’re passing by.

This unassuming stretch of the Hurunui district encompasses a fair few worthy stops: the Waipara wine region, the casual country towns of Cheviot and Amberley, and a rugged coastline with black sand beaches, legendary surf spots and the chance to truly get off the beaten track.

It punches well above its weight in terms of special stays too, with secluded glass pods, geodesic domes and rustic cabins if you’re looking for more than just a place to sleep.

The suggestions I’ve mentioned below are dotted along the 70-ish kms (45 minute drive) from Amberley to Cheviot, just keep in mind that many of the glamping spots are tucked deep into the rolling hills and only accessible by unpaved farm roads, so getting there will probably take longer than Google Maps says.

Things to do in Waipara and surrounds

Eat everythinggggg! I have too many recs for one bullet point so let me break them down for you.

For a casual brunch I adore Little Vintage and Nor’Wester in Amberley and Number Eight Cafe in Cheviot

Black Estate is in my top three restaurants in the country, divine for a long lunch
Pegasus Bay Winery has a brilliantly-stocked mini deli with local products like cured meats, cheeses, spreads, crackers, fresh bread, pastries and loads more. You can DIY your dream picnic and then grab a bottle of wine and find a spot in the gardens to indulge, or take your treats back to your accommodation for a cosy night in.
There are lots of other wineries with cellar doors worth a visit, I love George’s Road Wines (book in advance), Torlesse, Terrace Edge (tastings include table olives, say no more), Greystone Wines and Waipara Springs
If you’d rather DIY your dinner, there are a bunch of artisan grocers dotted around the area that sell meat from local farms, small-batch condiments, craft beverages and other ingredients ready to be turned into a culinary masterpiece. Markham Street Trader in Amberley is my favourite one, they have an small selection of eclectic homewares too.
Race down one of New Zealand’s unique braided rivers on a thrilling jetboat tour with Energy Jet. If you’re short on time they have a 30 minute blast with some wild spins, or for a more immersive experience they’ve got a two hour Riverside BBQ where you’ll disembark the boat at a remote river beach and enjoy some local delicacies fresh off the grill before jetting back to reality.
Wander through an open-air gallery at Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park, you can take your own picnic
Take the 21km Gore Bay Tourist Drive to reach New Zealand’s smallest village, there are only 10 permanent residents in Gore Bay! It gets busy in summer with seasonal holidayers, but the rest of the year you’ve got a pretty high chance of having the beach all to yourself
Stop off at the Cathedral Cliffs lookout along the way, where you can see the dramatic formation of eroded rock pillars with a toupée of trees against an ocean backdrop. Out of this world.

Where to stay in the Waipara wine region & surrounds