Activities
Activities
Lake Sumner Forest Park / Hurunui Lakes
The lakes were formed by rapidly withdrawing glaciers, leaving deep depresiions in the valley floor.
Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between the Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
To access Lake Sumner, take State Highway 7, turn off at Waikari to Hawarden, then follow Lake Sumner Road. Visitors, driving into the area are greeted by Lake Sheppard, slightly tucked away on the right, and by the easy accessible Lake Taylor. A rugged track leads to Loch Katrine. Lake Mason is totally hidden. Loch Katrine has been a secret holiday spot for the North Cantabrians. The road beyond Lake Taylor is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.
The access-way from Loch Katrine to Lake Sumner is controlled by a locked gate. From November to June access through can be pre-arranged with the Department of Conservation’s Waimakariri Area Office; phone +64 3 313 0820. Please note that a maximum of ten vehicles are permitted beyond the gate at any time; booking is on a first come basis. See also DOC’s website: http//:www.doc.govt.nz/by-region/canterbury
Lake Sumner, remote high country lakes, beech-clad mountains, wide rivers and hot springs complete this picturesque landscape, a tramper’s mecca and a save haven for endangered species.
lake sumner
Walkways (see separate page Walkways))
Art
The Hurunui area hosts many artists: sculptors, painters, woodworkers, metalworkers and a designer jeweller. The development of an Arts Trail is presently under discussion. Yearly, talented artists and sculptors present their exciting works in the “Art in a Garden” exhibition at Flaxmere.
Events (yearly)
Hawarden A&P Show – 3rd Saturday in March
Waikari Fun Run – Anzac Day 25 April
Art in a Garden – at Flaxmere, 3.1/2 days from the last Thursday afternoon in October
Outdoor Sports
Canoeing/kayaking/rafting:
The Hurunui River is well known amongst white water enthusiasts for its quality, being unspoilt by dams or power stations. Just a bit downstream of the South Branch, there is an ideal spot for launching canoes or rafts. As in any mountain river, water flow can change suddenly. The South Branch of the Hurunui responds quickly to a downpour, whereas the North Branch is controlled through Lake Sumner. The spectacular and wild Maori Gulley is a main feature along the river. www.whitewater.org.nz/hurunui_river.htm
Fishing:
The Hurunui River as well as the Lakes offers an abundance of opportunities for the keen fisherman. Licences are essential. http://www.fishandgame.org.nz Licences can also be obtained at Waikari Auto Services , 10 Weka Pass Road, Waikari, Gary Miller 03- 3144253
Hunting:
The back country is a paradise for hunters. Lots of tales are told! www.fishandgame.org.nz
Tramping: A good number of huts along tracks are available. DOC huts do not have honesty boxes any more. Payments must be prearranged at DOC’s Infocentres. Precaution and monitoring of waterflow is important. Good maps are available from Department of Survey and Land Information or from DOC Info-Centres.
Cycling:
A fast growing sport in the Hurunui area. There are a lot of back roads with little traffic for easy biking. It is a day trip from Lake Taylor to Loch Katrine, and for the fitter cyclists, to Lake Sumner. Great fun!
Golf:
There is a well presented golf course in Hawarden with keen golfing members. Green fee players are welcome. Green fee is $ 15.
Lawn Bowling:
There are bowling facilities in Hawarden and Waikari.
Tennis:
Sealed tennis courts in Hawarden and Waikari.
Squash:
It is possible to play squash by arrangement in the Hawarden Park Pavillion. Contact Hawarden Waikari Squash Club, Richard Murchison 3-3146088
Shooting:
Target shooting in the Hawarden Hall.
Museum/ Waipara County Historical Society
The Waipara County Historical Society was formed in 1970 with the aim of preserving historical records and artifacts relating to the former county of Waipara- the area between the Hurunui and Waipara rivers, and from the Main Divide to the Pacific Ocean. The Museum, the former Methodist Church, is situated at High Street, Hawarden and contains a collection of both local and general interest, much of it displayed in colonial room settings, as well as many early photographs, maps, ledgers, farm and family history.
The museum is open by appointment by contacting either: Mr Bob McIlraith, High Street, Hawarden, Tel 03-3144188 or Mrs Pat Manning, 79 O’Carrolls Road, Hawarden, Tel 03-3144160