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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
  - 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.
Events

St James Cycle Trail

Tophouse Road

The St James Cycle Trail is one of a network of special cycle trails throughout the country.

Trail Summary

Length - 64km, Grade - Advanced, Total Climb - 710m, Time - 6-9 hours/1-2days, Fitness level - Good, Skill level - intermediate.

The 64km cycle trail starts and finishes at the Maling Pass and St James Homestead entrances which are 25km apart along Tophouse Road.

The trail offers challenging, mixed riding through stunning scenery of mountain peaks, crystal clear waters, high country lakes, alpine meadows, subalpine beech forest, and expansive grassy flats.

In spring the alpine meadows are in full bloom while summers offers long evenings and the chance to see the famous St James wild horses.

Bike Hire and Transport

Bike hire is available at the Hanmer Adventure Centre. There are also two options for transport into the St James Station, the Hanmer Adventure Centre or Hanmer Springs TZ Shuttle 027 466 7305. Both companies have extensive knowledge of the St James and I’m sure you will gain some inside knowledge on the cycle way.

For more detailed information on the sections of the St James Cycle Trail click the following link - https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/waimakariri/st-james-cycle-trail-brochure.pdf

Don’t forget the Outdoor Safety Code and plan your trip well. For more information visit the Mountain Safety Council website. https://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/resources/outdoor-safety-code/

If you are short on time but would still like a taste of the St James, why not try the Homestead Run, this is a short 15km loop of the last part of the St James Cycle Way.

How to find St James Cycle Trail

Get Directions

Information correct as at: 21 November 2024

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