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 Village
    
    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.
  - Getting Here & Getting Around
    
    Getting Here & Getting Around
    
    Hurunui is located just a short 45 minute drive north of Christchurch International Airport.
    
    A great way to ensure you see a good chunk of this amazing place is to head along the Alpine Pacific Touring Route – 450km of spectacular.
Events
- Events in Hurunui
  The Hurunui district has a rich calendar of events year round!
  - Browse Events
    
    Events in Hurunui
  - Plan or Promote an Event
    
    Plan or Promote an Event
Things To Do
- Things To Do
  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.
  - Adventure & Challenge
    
    Adventure & Challenge
    
    Stand atop Mt Grey enjoying panoramic views, fish in unique braided rivers or hit forest mountain bike trails. Hurunui’s outdoors are calling.
  - Escape & Reward
    
    Escape & Reward
    
    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.
  - Wine & Food
    
    The taste of the Hurunui
    
    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 Farmers market in Amberley.
  - Fun With Kids
    
    Fun with kids
    
    This stunning natural landscape provides the ideal backdrop for an incredible array of activities for every member of the family.
  - 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.
  - 150 Reasons to Visit
    
    150 Reasons to Visit
    
    We’ve created an epic list of 150 reasons to visit our incredible region.
    
    You offered up your favourite things and now we want to share the list with the rest of the country and the world!
  - All Things To Do
    
    All Things To Do
    
    Can't decide?
    
    You can see all of what Hurunui has to offer here. So many great activities, attractions and things to do!
Accommodation
- Accommodation
  Whether you want to indulge in luxury or make some new friends in a backpackers, it’s easy to find the perfect place to stay … what you will find hard is leaving.
  - Backpackers
    
    Backpackers
    
    Whether you're a solo traveler or exploring with friends, the Hurunui region offers a fantastic range of accommodation options for backpackers. The hostels are not only affordable but also provide a clean and enjoyable environment for your stay. You'll always find a hive of activity here.
  - Bed & Breakfast
    
    Bed & Breakfast
    
    Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, our wide range of Bed and Breakfast options in the Hurunui region will cater to your every need. From charming cottages nestled in the countryside to large stately manors, we have the perfect accommodation to make your stay truly memorable.
  - Holiday Homes
    
    Holiday Homes
    
    Holiday homes offer a fantastic opportunity for families and groups to enjoy a truly memorable vacation in the beautiful Hurunui region, particularly in Hanmer Springs. With their spacious layouts and comfortable amenities, these self cater homes provide the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
  - Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
    
    Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
    
    A range of holiday parks and campgrounds are scattered across the Hurunui. These make exceptional cost-effective places to stay. You'll find many have everything you need onhand - bathrooms, kitchens, laundry's...even play equipment for the kids!
  - Hotels
    
    Hotels
    
    Hotel accommodation is a popular option for Hurunui holidaymakers - particularly those visiting 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 and particularly popular for short term stays.
  - 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
    
    Hurunui's self contained accommodation includes a range of apartments, PurePods and full serviced homes. Find your 'home away from home'.

St James Conservation Area

Horseback riding, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, tramping.

You are here: St James Conservation Area

St James Conservation Area

For breath-taking mountains, isolated high country glacial fed rivers and lakes, St James Conservation Area can’t be missed.

It’s home to New Zealand’s largest farm – Molesworth Station and Lake Tennyson. Camp by the lake for free and enjoy fishing, kayaking and stunning walks.

Arguably the best way to explore the 78,000 hectares of mountain ranges, beech forests, open river flats and tussock tops is by horseback. Pukatea Horse Trekking has something for all abilities – a guided tour, freedom trekking or stage-coach ride. Learn the vast history of St James and Molesworth while you ride.

Pukatea Horse Trekking is the first company in New Zealand to offer freedom trekking.

St James is popular with recreational hunters. Deer, pigs and chamois, Canadian geese, hares and rabbits are in abundance. Permits are required, and no spotlighting and hunting in the fenced-off Ada homestead area. It’s also a great spot for trout fishing – you will need a licence.

September 6, 2021

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