Amuri Walkway

Winding through the golden foothills of North Canterbury, the Amuri Walkway is a tranquil day walk that showcases the region's high-country beauty. Following the Waiau River and passing through working sheep stations, this gentle trail offers big-sky views, birdlife, and a genuine sense of rural New Zealand. It's a perfect leg-stretcher for travellers between Hanmer Springs and Kaikōura, combining easy walking with a dose of local farming history.

Highlights & What to See

• Waiau River views: The walkway tracks alongside the braided Waiau River, with shimmering gravel beds and native bush lining the banks. Keep an eye out for paradise shelducks and black-backed gulls.
• Historic homesteads: Pass the remains of early sheep stations and a 19th-century homestead site, offering a glimpse into the lives of pioneer runholders.
• Mountain backdrops: The walk opens onto expansive views of the Amuri Range and the distant Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, especially stunning in late afternoon light.
• Wildflower displays: In spring and early summer, the trail edges burst with lupins, broom, and native tussocks – a photographer's delight.
• Birdwatching: Listen for the bell-like call of the bellbird and watch for harrier hawks circling overhead. The riverbanks are also home to the rare black-fronted tern.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 2–3 hours for the full loop (about 8 km), which is an easy, mostly flat walk. It's ideal for a morning or late-afternoon outing. If you're short on time, you can walk just the first section to the river lookout and back in about an hour. Combine it with a soak in the Hanmer Springs thermal pools for a perfect day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hanmer Springs: The famous thermal pools and spa town are just a 15-minute drive away. Unwind after your walk in the hot springs or try mountain biking on the nearby trails.
• Waiau Ferry Bridge: A historic one-lane bridge over the Waiau River, popular for bungy jumping and as a scenic picnic spot.
• Kaikōura: Head east for whale watching, dolphin encounters, and the spectacular Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway – about 90 minutes' drive.
• Molesworth Station: New Zealand's largest farm, accessible via a 4WD tour or as part of the Molesworth Heritage Trail (seasonal). A rugged high-country experience.

Please check official sources for current details.