Spotlight on Hurunui
From wild coastlines to mountain ranges, forest walks and wild rivers - Hurunui is packed with endless opportunities to get out and enjoy nature.
A cold winter’s day or evening is the perfect time to be tucked up by the cosy fire at the Hurunui Hotel, enjoying a Supreme coffee, a glass of good wine, and a delicious meal from owners, Adam and Bettina Martin’s extensive menu. The stone-grill is a must-try experience for meat lovers, with Adam’s tender house-smoked steak presented on a sizzling stone, which cooks to your liking in front of your eyes. From stunning main courses, to gourmet burgers, pizzas, pasta and desserts, and delicious bar snacks, there is something to suit every taste. Dietary requirements are also well catered for with gluten free and vegetarian options. Hurunui Hotel is the perfect weekend destination and remains a great place to stop if you are travelling down the highway.
The Historic Hurunui Hotel
Explore
The historic Balmoral Fire Lookout overlooking the Amuri Plains has been standing guard since 1940 and is the perfect spot for a picnic or training run. From what we’ve been told, the first 10 minutes are a bit of a killer but supposedly the rest of the walk is a doddle (seems hard to imagine!)
View from the top of the restored Balmoral Fire Lookout
Bettina, owner of the Hurunui Hotel walks up to the lookout regularly “Growing up in the middle of the mountains in Austria it is very important to me to be surrounded by hills and mountains,” she says. “I love walking our dog up to the historic lookout to enjoy the scenery - every time I’m up there it seems like the first time. It’s a must do when in the area.” The Lookout has been lovingly restored recently by the local Lions Club and has also been recognised with a joint 1st place win at the 2021 Canterbury Heritage Awards Public Realm Saved and Restored Category.
Frog Rock is without doubt the most recognised natural rock formation in the Weka Pass. It only takes about 10 minutes to get to the top - but have you done it? Most of us have driven past a thousand times and never given it a thought. As a kid growing up in Hawarden I don’t think we were allowed to do it and I’m still not certain you are? It’s a bit steep in places so wear sensible shoes. If you are afraid of heights don’t go anywhere near the edge. A safer bet is to book a trip with the Weka Pass Railway. www.wekapassrailway.co.nz
A view of Loch Katrine
Loch Katrine - day walks, overnight huts, fishing, tramping and mountain biking. The road to Loch Katrine is quite a trip in itself and definitely not for the faint hearted due to its remote location and difficult vehicle access (don’t even think about making this trip if you don’t have a sturdy four-wheel drive vehicle). 10 km’s on from Hawarden a gravel road begins which is narrow and winding, and follows the historic pack-trail to the Hurunui River and Harper Pass, where thousands of hopeful miners set out for the goldfields of the West Coast in 1865. After the seal ends the road edges past the Waitohi River and makes a circuitous climb up onto Jack’s Saddle (500m). There are some lovely picnic sites along the way at the Jollie Brook and Sisters Stream. Once you pass Lake Taylor the gravel road deteriorates and becomes a track suitable for 4X4 vehicles only. The road then continues on until you reach Loch Katrine, a small community full of fishing and hunting baches with a peculiar kiwi character of its own. There are plenty of walking and hiking tracks in the Lake Sumner area. Details of all these walks can be found on the Department of Conservation Web site.
One of the fabulous wooden animals on the The Forest Amble Walk
When did you last spend a weekend in Hanmer? It might be a little chilly at this time of year but it’s worth throwing in an extra jumper, hot water bottle and your walking shoes and making the effort. It’s known for its forest walks, mountain biking, hot pools and stunning views but there’s a lot more to discover in our closest Alpine village.
Great shopping, a diverse range of eateries, skiing, golfing or you can relax beside a cosy fire at a local bar. If you have kids in tow take them on The Forest Amble Walk - they will just love the large wooden art sculptures that pop up along the way. It’s about a 30 minute stroll from Jollies Pass.
Sitting alongside fabulous outdoor activities Hanmer offers a great selection of superb shops that are definitely worth paying a visit to. Whether you are looking to add a new piece of art to your collection, browse beautiful homewares, get your fashion fix or buy a new bikini there are some great specialty shops.
Wine Country...
Not all amazing wine is found in grandiose, stone-clad cellar doors. Why? Because not every winery pours all its energy into the razzle dazzle; in fact, our favourite wineries tend to put it into the wine itself. So hunt out the cellar doors that have taken special effort to curate a space and menu that reflects their region thoughtfully and authentically. It’s there that you will find great wine. Head to www.madenorthcanterbury.co.nz for more details on what can be found locally.
Ataahua
Beautiful, picturesque, a place of beauty – so appropriate to the Waipara Valley in North Canterbury, the vineyard and the delicious wines. Ataahua Wines are created with pleasure to be enjoyed in moderation with good food and great company. ataahuawine.co.nz
GreyStone
Greystone Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Certified organic Sauvignon that is wild fermented in aged barrels. This adds richness and complexity and helps soften the acidity. For those people who want a smoother, creamier style of Sauvignon. Perfect with salmon or seafood dishes especially Japanese flavours. www.greystonewines.co.nz
Terrace Edge
NZ Organic Winery of the Year 2018 & 2021, Champion Riesling – NZ, Organic Wine Awards 2021, Show Champion & Organic Wine of Show – Alpine Pacific Wine Challenge 2020 Tasting Room open Thurs – Sunday 11am-4.30pm www.terraceedge.co.nz
Black Estate
Restaurant and Cellar Door. Explore our wines and dine. We use organic & spray free produce growing in our region and cooked with respect by head chef Grant Soeberg. Opening Hours Restaurant: Thur–Mon 11.30-4pm Cellar door: Thur-Mon 10-4pm bookings@blackestate.co.nz 03 314 6085 www.blackestate.co.nz