Hurunui – Hidden Gems Closer Than You Think

Next time you’re planning a holiday escape, why not enjoy the hidden gems that can be found close to home? You’ll be surprised just how far away somewhere so close can feel.

Sometimes we’re so focused on planning our next big adventure we can lose sight of the amazing experiences that can be enjoyed right on our doorstep. With Canterbury basking in summer sunshine, it’s the perfect time to check out some of the hidden gems Hurunui offers within an hour of Ōtautahi Christchurch. From the good old-fashioned Kiwi service you’ll get at iconic Kiwi cafés and pubs, to the finest locally grown produce and wine, to breathtaking walks, the Hurunui truly does offer something for everyone.

Historic Leithfield

Just 30 minutes north of Ōtautahi Christchurch you’ll find Leithfield, one of the oldest townships in Canterbury.

John Leith built the first hotel here in 1855, providing an overnight stopover for travellers. Today, The Old Leithfield Hotel is the centre of the village and a great place to meet locals, share stories and enjoy something to eat and drink.

Just down the road, Pukeko Junction offers incredible in-house and take-home food and possibly the best caramel slice in Aotearoa New Zealand, while the Better Half Kitchen & Bar serves up mouth-watering pizzas, St Louis pork ribs and a brisket and pork belly burger that will have you looking for an excuse to come back.

Once you’ve had your fill (literally) you can walk for miles down Leithfield Beach and on a clear day, enjoy views stretching from Ōtautahi Christchurch to the Kaikōura Ranges . You’ll feel like you are at the end of the world – the ocean and coastline are so vast it seems endless. And you’ll likely have the place to yourself – apart from the odd surfer, fisherman or walker.

For those looking to explore on foot the Kowai River Walk is around 2-3 hours and takes you down Kowai River to the coastal lagoon and beach spit – an awesome opportunity for bird watchers.

For the kids, there’s Leithfield Beach’s Fairyland , a magical walk with painted rocks along the way that will keep the whole family entertained.

Amberley – Absolutely!

A little further up the road and you’ll hit the Hurunui’s biggest town, Amberley . It’s named after Amberley in Derbyshire and has earned a reputation for great shopping, country hospitality and freshly brewed craft beer.

Look for the bright red door of Little Vintage Espresso and that’s when you know you’re in for a treat – coffee and muffins there are a must. Or head to the iconic Nor’Wester and enjoy the friendly service and scrumptious food on their sun-drenched verandah. If you are after something quick, but absolutely delicious, don’t go past Paris Bakery or Amberley Pies .

Fancy some shopping? There are many great shops to choose from for premium clothing, handcrafted New Zealand ceramics and jewellery. Ruby Six and Out of the Bleu are popular retail destinations, complementing the 26-year-old ‘institution’ of Sally Mac’s Fashion . For a spot of second-hand shopping, check out Me, Now You Clothing and Mollie’s Place .

Beer lovers may like to stop at the Brew Moon Brewing Company and get a fix, with 16 taps pouring beer and cider brewed on-site. Brew Moon is rustic and welcoming, and serves up delicious wood-fired pizza, burgers and small plates, as well as a range of local wines. Or call into the stunningly refurbished iconic Amberley Hotel which has been serving the town for decades.

The unique climate of this area means it is an incredible place to produce not only grapes but a huge range of other foods including some of New Zealand’s best lamb, beef, venison, seafood, organic fruit and vegetables, olive oils, breads, cheese and honey. Every Saturday morning, you can see, taste and buy Hurunui produce at the farmers’ market.

For those who want to head off the beaten track, Mount Grey (Maukatere) is a great place to get some fresh air. It has two picnic areas and a variety of walks – some with 360-degree panoramic views of the region. You can also explore the Tiromoana Bush Walkway , providing breathtaking views of the native bush, wetlands and forests, together with spectacular coastal cliffs, Pegasus Bay and Banks Peninsula in the distance.

Waipara Wine Country

Your next stop is Waipara – an entire valley filled with world-class gems absolutely worth exploring.

Waipara Valley is part of the North Canterbury Wine Region , which is now one of the country’s leading producers of award-winning wines. The area boasts more than 50 vineyards (most of them family-owned) with more than a dozen cellar doors waiting for you, and winery restaurants offering sensational fare served with equally sensational views.

With some of the country’s most diversified land formations, the clay, limestone and loess soils of the Waipara Valley lends itself to highly diverse wine styles. Concentrated and expressive wines are grown here – particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – and the region produces incredible aromatic wines such as Riesling and Pinot Gris.

One of the best ways to explore the wineries is to jump on a bike and pedal the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail. This 14.5-kilometre trail is an easy ride that weaves through some of North Canterbury’s most popular vineyards and historic farms. You can stop and enjoy tastings at cellar doors, book in for lunch at one of the winery restaurants or just simply pedal away and enjoy the expansive views.

If you want to stretch your legs, don’t miss exploring the unique Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park . The park was formerly the Amberley Lime Works but has been transformed into a unique attraction featuring enormous steel sculptures and a diverse range of sculptor Raymond Herber’s work, all set amongst native plantings. Bring along some snacks, take in the inspiration and look out over the beautiful Waipara Valley.

Upcoming Events

The Hurunui hums in summer. Come along to one of the upcoming events below to see the best of Hurunui on show:

Amberley Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday. An authentic farmers’ market with a superb range of locally grown, fresh, seasonal, quality produce and artisan products.

Amberley Beach Surfcasting Competition , Sunday 29 January. Amberley District Lions will be hosting this competition for its 29th year! Fish all day from early morning and be in to win some great prizes.

The Vine Run at Pegasus Bay Winery , Sunday 29 January. Run or walk amongst the picturesque hills, valleys and vineyards of Pegasus Bay to support the New Zealand Brain Research Institute.

The North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival , Sunday 5 March. Join thousands of laid-back food and wine lovers under the oaks at Glenmark Domain to celebrate the harvest in style.

The incredible Weka Pass Railway runs for two Sundays very month. Experience a historic rural railway using both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass.

For more events throughout the year head to visithurunui.co.nz