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Coastal & River Walks

The coastal areas of the Hurunui district are well renowned for dramatic rugged coastlines and unique landscape features including The Cathedrals. The river walks are equally impressive. Depending on the track discover plenty of birdlife, waterfalls and native bush.

• Amberley Beach Walkway
• Kowai River Walk
• Gore Bay Reserve & The Cathedrals
• Nature Trail
• Waterfall Trail - Hanmer Springs
• Spur Track
• Chatterton River Track

Amberley Beach Walkway

Duration of walk: 20 minutes
Start location: Begins left hand side along Golf Links Road, Amberley Beach.

Key Highlights:

• Wheelchair and pushchair friendly
• Close to the beach
• Suitable for all ages

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Kowai River Walk - Leithfield

Duration of walk: 2-3 hours return if including Leithfield Beach carpark
Start location: Beside the Kowai River Bridge, Leithfield (35kms from Christchurch)

Key Highlights:

• Plenty of bird life
• Attractive and locally made walk
• Coastal lagoon and beach spit

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Gore Bay Reserve & The Cathedrals

Duration of walk: 1 hour
Start location: Track starts and ends by the Gore Bay batches and is well signposted

Key Highlights:

• Eroded siltstone pillars, The Cathedrals
• Gore Bay / ocean
• Home to fantails

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Nature Trail - Hanmer Springs

Duration of walk: 20 minutes return – easy walk
Start location: Near carpark, McIntyre Road

Key Highlights:

• Follows both sides of Mt Isobel Stream
• One of the few short walks in Hanmer Springs with native plants

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Waterfall Trail - Hanmer Springs

Duration of walk: 2 ½ hours return – moderate tramp
Start location: Car park at the end of McIntyre Road

Key Highlights:

• Mountain beech forest
• Spectacular 41 metre high Dog Stream Waterfall
• Mosses, ferns, lichens and native orchids

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Spur Track - Hanmer Springs

Duration of walk:  3 hours return (including Waterfall Track)
Start location: Begin 15 minutes before the Dog Stream Waterfall

Key Highlights:

• Alternative route back from the Dog Stream Waterfall
• Views of Hanmer Basin
• Sub alpine plants and plantation forest

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Chatterton River Track - Hanmer Springs

Duration of walk: 2 ½ hours return (to Jacks Pass) – moderate tramp
Start location: end of Chatterton Road

Key Highlights:

• Follows Chatterton River to an old stock route
• Suitable for mountain bikes
• Views of the Hanmer Basin near the top

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