Wineries
The Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand's premiere wine-growing regions and home top dozens of vineyards producing wines that have won international awards, check out the Waipara Valley Food and Vineyard Trail and visit some tasting rooms! Visit one of the vineyard restaurants - Black Estate, Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs, Waipara Hills.
Farmers Produce Market
The Waipara Valley is home to a range of authentic food producers and farmers providing anything from meat to truffles, homemade bread, lavender, seafood, olive oils, cheese and honey. It is worth a visit between 9 am - 12 pm Saturdays outside the Hurunui District Council Buildings.
Walks in Waipara Valley
This is really scenic countryside! You will find Mount Cass and Tiromoana Bush worth exploring.
Iron Ridge Sculpture Park
For something a little different, take a look at Iron Ridge Quarry (open every Saturday) you will find a lifetime (to date) of steel sculptures created with passion and flair by Raymond Herber; these have been described as 'impressive steel sculptures set against a stunning backdrop of limestone cliffs'
Weka Pass Railway
Check out Frog Rock and Seal Rock in this Vintage Steam Train which now runs 12km between Waipara and Waikari. The train operates the first and third Sunday of every month and most public holidays.
Alpine Springs Helicopters
Ph: 03 315 7165 or 027 223 4022
Alpine Springs Helicopters provides a range of services including
- Scenic flights
- Heli hiking, heli-hunting and heli-fishing
- Transfers and drop off – pick up services
St James Journeys
Ph: 03 315 5086 or 027 315 6106
Take a trip with the knowledgeable team into the heart of the St James Valley, where you can tramp, mountain bike, kayak, fish or just enjoy the breath-taking views. St James Conservation Area covers 78,000 hectares of native Beech/Tawhai forests, alpine tussock lands, rivers, lakes and mountains.
St James Journeys can cater for any kind of trip you’d like and offer customized packages to suit your requirements.
Hanmer Tours and Shuttle
Ph: 315 7418
Hanmer Tours & Shuttle connects Hanmer Springs with Christchurch twice a day. They also provide a range of tours and sightseeing options such as; a half-day tour to Maruia Springs, trips to Marble Point Winery and the Historic Hurunui Hotel. These options can include food and beverage options at your own expense.
For more information and timetables please view their website or pick up a brochure from our Reception.
The Molesworth Station
Molesworth Station Road is a popular and very scenic drive during the summer months.
The open-access period is from Labour Weekend (fourth weekend in October) to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever is the later date).
For further information see; http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/nelson-marlborough/molesworth-brochure.pdf