• 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.
      • 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
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Family Fun

This stunning natural landscape provides the ideal backdrop for an incredible array of activities for every member of the family.

You are here: Home Things To Do Family Fun

Create a Lifetime of Memories

The Hurunui is a family friendly destination...  the perfect place to hang out and simply have fun. 

Whether its making friends at the Hanmer Springs Animal Park, having a mini golf tournament with your family or relaxing at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools you would be hard pressed not to enjoy yourself.

School Holiday Ideas

We've got you covered!

School holiday fun in Hanmer Springs

Are you looking for a place where you can take the kids for unlimited fun these holidays… and that you can enjoy too?

Hanmer Springs has got you covered. Located just 90 minutes north of Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is just a short (and very scenic) road trip away.

With so much to do in Hanmer Springs, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite activities - perfect to excite, relax and entertain!

School Holiday Ideas

Memory Making Made easy

A list of a few of our favourite kid approved activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Easy Rider

A non-technical mountain bike track. This iconic easy grade loop has provided the first step to a life-long enjoyment of mountain biking for so many, both young and old.

Key Information:

Grade - Easy
Distance - 6km
Estimated Time - 1 hour

Read More About Easy Rider

Forest Amble Sculpture Walk

The Forest Amble Sculpture Walk in Hanmer Springs is the perfect short walk for kids, with a range of large wooden art sculptures to find along the way. The Hanmer Heritage Forest is beautiful as it is, but you’ll have no trouble enticing the kids on this walk with a big friendly giant, an Orangutan, a Tuatara, a falcon, and a dog (to name a few) to spy along the way.

Read More About Forest Amble Sculpture Walk

Night Sky Tours

Located in Hanmer Springs, experience the breathtaking beauty of the night sky as you gaze up at the dazzling stars and constellations with the team at Manuka Skies. Their Tailored family tour caters specifically for families (up to 2 adults and 3 children - 5 to 16yrs) and inlcudes snacks!
The Manuka Skies shuttle will even pick you up and drop you off to your accommodation within the village

Read More About Manuka Skies

Outdoor Puzzle Hunt with Activity Hanmer

Step back in time to a world of mystical trolls and mythical beasts, separated from mankind via a series of magic portals, each guarded by a trusted goblin Gate Keeper.
Rumour has it that one of the portals in Hanmer has broken, after the Gate Keeper fell into a deep sleep. Mystical creatures have escaped and are roaming the streets, wreaking havoc and getting up to no good.
8 years +
4 puzzles

Read More About Magic Portal Puzzle Hunt

Weka Pass Railway

North Canterbury's Premier Heritage Railway Experience!
The Weka Pass Railway operates using steam and diesel locomotives on a 12.8km scenic ride through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass.
Check out their website for timetables

Read More About Weka Pass Railway

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Adventure

Parks & Gardens

Hurunui's Hidden Gems

Exploring Hydroslides

The best place in NZ for aquatic rides, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is a must do for a family holiday!
The first place in NZ to have a Superbowl ride, the only complex to have the Conical Thrill ride – NZ’s biggest waterslide, and now the complex is the first place in New Zealand to have leading-edge technology inside their brand new slides, featuring LED lights, projection images and strip lighting.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa Hydroslides

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Helpful Links

Contact Us

42 Amuri Avenue
Hanmer Springs
New Zealand

Email: info@visithurunui.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 315 0000
Free phone : 0800 442 663 (NZ only)