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.
  - 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.
  - Family Fun
    
    Family Fun
    
    This stunning natural landscape provides the ideal backdrop for an incredible array of activities for every member of the family.
  - Adventure
    
    Adventure
    
    Stand atop Mt Grey enjoying panoramic views, fish in unique braided rivers or hit forest mountain bike trails. Hurunui’s outdoors are calling.
  - Shopping
    
    Shopping
    
    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.
  - Relax
    
    Relax
    
    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.
  - Art & Culture
    
    Art & Culture
    
    Art lovers will find a treasure trove of attractions in the Hurunui with gorgeous galleries and shops dotted about the region.
  - 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.
Places To Go
- 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.
  - Hanmer Springs Village
    
    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.
Plan Your Trip
- Plan Your Trip
  Hurunui is part of North Canterbury & is located just a short 45 minute drive north of Christchurch International Airport.
  - Seasons
    
    Seasons
  - 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.
  - Itineraries
    
    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.
  - 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.
  - Getting Married
    
    Getting Married
Events
- - Event Calendar
    
    Events in Hurunui
  - Plan or Promote an Event
    
    Plan or Promote an Event

Molesworth Access via Acheron Road

Hanmer Springs

During summer, the Acheron Road is open 7am - 7pm from Labour weekend Saturday to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever is the later date), The road may be closed without warning due to weather conditions or fire danger.

Please check below for updates.

Awatere Valley Road logging trucks

There are logging trucks using Awatere Valley Road on the way to the Molesworth Station/ Acheron Road.

Drive with caution.

First published on 2 October 2024. Last reviewed on 13 January 2025.

Wilding conifer control operation for Molesworth Recreation Reserve

Wilding conifer control continues in Molesworth using a combination of aerial and ground methods.

Ground control work will be happening in the true right of the Saxton, upstream of Saxton Hut. Ground work will commence in October 2024 and will continue until December 2024.

Aerial Basal Bark Application (ABBA) using helicopters will commence in September 2024 and continue until March 2025. A map showing where helicopters may be operating can be seen on the attached map (JPG, 544K).

The work will be weather dependent, with crews coming and going as weather windows allow.

First published on 13 September 2024. Last reviewed on 17 December 2024.

How to find Molesworth Access via Acheron Road

Information correct as at: 19 March 2025

Back to Listings