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 Walkway

Access off Lewis Pass

Multi Day Tramp

This track passes through pastoral land, beech forest and sub-alpine regions, and is a great introduction to multi-night tramping.

The St James Walkway is commonly done over 5 days / 4 nights. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced trampers.

For family groups the descent into Cannibal Gorge is a shorter walk along a well formed, boardwalked track.

Ensure you stay on the formed track on the section from Magdalen Hut to Boyle village as this crosses private property.

Visit the DOC website for hut information and information on what to pack.

Getting there

The track is about one hour from Hanmer Springs.

Both ends of the track are on SH7 (Lewis Pass Road) - one end is near the top of Lewis Pass, and the other end is at Boyle Village.

Public transport

There are shuttle services providing transport around the St James Conservation Area. Please contact directly to make a booking.

Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre (03) 315 7233 or 021 225 2292 info@hanmeradventure.co.nz
Hanmer Springs TA Shuttle 027 466 7305

Car parking

Car parking is available at both entrances, but the Boyle area is more secure. Vandals have been known to target the area so:

Don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
Consider using more public parking sites – Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre offers secure parking and a drop off service. Book in advance, phone +64 3 315 7082.
Report any suspicious activity to the police.

If you have your own transport you should begin the walk from the top end of the Lewis Pass and finish at the car park near Boyle settlement. You can use the bus service to travel back up to the Lewis Pass end or the Boyle River Education Centre "shuttle and park" service.

Thank you to the Department of Conversation for track information.

How to find St James Walkway

Get Directions

Information correct as at: 22 November 2024

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