Things to Do in Hurunui, Hanmer and Waipara Valley - Explore Hurunui | The Pools

Holidays
- Holidays
  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.
  - 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.
  - 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 & Music
    
    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
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
    
    Welcome to Hanmer Springs
    
    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
Events
- - Browse Events
    
    Browse Events
  - Eventful Hurunui
    
    Eventful Hurunui
  - Plan or Promote an Event
    
    Plan or Promote an Event
  - Canterbury & West Coast Regional Events Fund
    
    Canterbury & West Coast Regional Events Fund
  - Alpine Winter Festival
    
    Alpine Winter Festival
Things To Do
- Things To Do
  Amplify your adrenalin on a jetboat or bungy cord, soothe your stress with spa treatments or strolls in the forest. Just get here and start making memories.
  - Action & Adventure
    
    Action & Adventure
    
    Hurunui is known as one of New Zealand's adventure tourism hubs. With bungy jumping, jetboating, quad biking, four wheel driving and horse riding among the activities on offer, adrenalin junkies will definitely get their fix.
  - Art & Galleries
    
    Art & Galleries
    
    Art lovers will find a treasure trove of attractions in the Hurunui with gorgeous galleries and shops dotted about the region.
  - Family Fun
    
    Family Fun
    
    The Hurunui is a family friendly destination... the perfect place to hang out and simply have fun.
  - Golf
    
    Golf
    
    There are golf courses a plenty in the Hurunui District. You’ll find fairways with mountain backdrops and incredible scenery as well as seaside courses, so pack the clubs and get set to tee off!
  - Hunting & Fishing
    
    Hunting & Fishing
    
    With canada goose, wild boar, deer and chamois, Hurunui is a popular hunting ground. It’s equally awesome for anglers with country lakes, coastlines and rivers ripe for fishing.
  - Parks & Gardens
    
    Parks & Gardens
    
    With its rolling hills and stunning green landscapes, it will come as no surprise that the Hurunui is also home to some excellent parks and gardens.
    Many make an excellent day trip from Christchurch and are well worth making the drive.
  - Spas & Relaxation
    
    Spas & Relaxation
    
    The Hurunui is lucky to have a wide range of day spa operators located across the district.
    There's an extensive menu of body treatments available, suitable for all budgets - from a traditional massage to increasingly popular treatments like aromatherapry, reflexology and Thai massage - the list is almost endless.
  - Ski & Snowboard
    
    Ski & Snowboard
    
    Winter sees the Hurunui come alive as one of the playgrounds for snowbunnies in the South Island.
    The region has two excellent ski-fields at Hanmer Springs and Mt Lyford.
  - 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.
Accommodation
- Accommodation
  Whether you want to make some new friends in a backpackers or indulge in luxury, it’s easy to find the perfect place to stay … what you will find hard is leaving.
  - Backpackers
    
    Backpackers
    
    The Hurunui has a number of hostels to choose from - cost effective, clean and fun places to stay. You'll always find a hive of activity here.
  - Bed & Breakfast
    
    Bed & Breakfast
    
    From cosy homes with cute bedrooms to large stately manors, we have a lot of 'Bed and Breakfast' accommodation. A great way to experience the legendary Hurunui hospitality.
  - Holiday Homes
    
    Holiday Homes
    
    Holiday homes are one of the most popular accommodation choices in the Hurunui - particularly in Hanmer Springs.
    A great option for families and groups who want to self cater.
  - Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
    
    Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
    
    A range of campgrounds are scattered across the Hurunui - they make exceptional, welcoming and cost-effective places to stay. You'll find many have everything you need onhand - bathrooms, kitchens, laundrys...even play equipment for the kids!
  - Hotels
    
    Hotels
    
    Hotel accommodation is a popular option for Hurunui holidaymakers - particularly those in 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, they are very popular option for short term stays in particular.
  - 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
    
    Self contained accommodation includes apartments, Pure Pods and full serviced homes. Consider them your 'home away from home'.
  - 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.
150 Reasons to Visit

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Experience some of the best New Zealand has to offer, right here in the Hurunui. A hub for adventure, relaxation, and indulgence. The district offers an incredible array of activities for every member of your family.

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