Activities

Around 500 metres away, Cathedral Cliffs is an impressive series of rock pillars formed by the natural erosion of soft rock by rainwater. It’s a worthwhile stop on your way down to Gore Bay. Turn right at the driveway and look for the sign and parking area. You may also spot the friendly alpacas in the paddock opposite.

Just two minutes away, Gore Bay is a lovely spot for a beach walk, a day on the sand or a surf. Turn right at the driveway and walk or drive down the hill to the beach.

If you’ve brought your tennis racquets, the tennis courts are tucked away on a track off Farmer Street and Gore Bay Road.

Around 1 km away, Port Robinson offers a coastal adventure just beyond the cabin. From the end of Port Robinson Road, follow the track through native bush down towards the bay and scramble out towards Point Gibson when conditions allow.

We recommend visiting at low tide for beach access. The track can become very slippery after rain, so take care underfoot.

Around 2 km away, peaceful Mānuka Bay is a lovely place for a stroll along a more secluded stretch of coastline. You can walk or drive there from the cabin.

Turn left onto Cathedral Road and follow it for approximately 1.5 km. Look for the Mānuka Bay sign on your left.

About 30 minutes south by car, Nape Nape is a rugged, secluded beach reached by winding roads and a gravel stretch. Look out for limestone outcrops and seals basking in the sun.

Allow around 45 minutes return to explore this historic walk, with views over the estuary and opportunities to spot birdlife such as royal spoonbills. The route leads to the early settler graves at Jed Vale Cemetery.

Start at the north end of Gore Bay. From Buxton Camping Ground, walk north along the beach. As you pass the Jed River estuary, continue above the high-tide mark until you see a sign in the shrubs for Jed Vale Cemetery. Follow the path along the north side of the estuary and up the slope to the cemetery.

Allow approximately 1 hour 45 minutes return for this 3 km walk. The track winds through native bush along the coastline to a lookout above Mānuka Bay, with views stretching towards the Kaikōura ranges and the Hurunui River mouth.

You can walk or drive to Mānuka Bay from the cabin. Turn left onto Cathedral Road and follow it for approximately 1.5 km, looking for the sign on your left.

Track information from the Department of Conservation

Explore the lagoon and natural environment where the Hurunui River meets the sea. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the coastal scenery and observe the surrounding landscape.

Turn left at the cabin driveway onto Cathedral Road, then turn left onto Hurunui Mouth Road. Follow the signs to the Hurunui Mouth Reserve and camping ground, where you can access the river.

Wander among magnificent old oak, eucalyptus and conifer plantations at Cheviot Hills Reserve. It’s especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves turn golden, and spring, when daffodils bloom.

The signposted Ready Money Trail is an approximately 3 km circuit through the reserve. It climbs to a lookout overlooking the Cheviot Basin, with sweeping views of rolling hills and farmland.

Follow the road towards Cheviot and look for the reserve sign on your left shortly before reaching the township.

A lovely spot for a picnic on a sunny day or a little birdwatching. The lagoon is about 4 km north of Cheviot, just off State Highway 1.

Visit artist Alice Strange’s studio in Cheviot’s old post office at 1 Seddon Street. View her artwork, sketchbooks and works in progress, with artwork and cards available to purchase.

Opening hours are usually Saturdays, 10 am–4 pm, and some other days, depending on whether the hills, the sea or the bright lights of Christchurch are calling.

Visit Alice Strange’s website

Discover the social history of Cheviot and how the area evolved from a pastoral run into a thriving rural community. The museum is on Hall Street, next to the school.

Your compendium lists opening hours as Sundays and Tuesdays, 12 pm–3 pm, and Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 am–3 pm. Please check locally before visiting, as hours can change.

Browse a variety of locally handmade crafts at the market on Hall Street, in front of the school. Your compendium lists Fridays from 9 am–2 pm, and occasional Sundays, over summer.

Around an hour north of Te Whare Moana Escape, Kaikōura makes a memorable day trip, with its spectacular coastline and opportunities to experience marine wildlife.

Whale Watch Kaikōura

A signature Kaikōura experience. Book ahead to see what trips are available.
Visit Whale Watch Kaikōura

Kaikōura Kayaks

Get out on the water for a closer look at Kaikōura’s marine environment.
Visit Kaikōura Kayaks

Dolphin Encounter

Choose between swimming with dolphins or watching them in their natural environment.
Visit Dolphin Encounter

EcoZip Adventures

See the Kaikōura landscape from a different perspective on a zipline adventure.
Visit EcoZip Adventures

Kaikōura Peninsula Walk

A coastal walk worth considering as part of your day in Kaikōura.

Around 90 minutes away via Leader Valley Road, Hanmer Springs is a lovely destination for a day of soaking, walking or mountain biking.

Visit Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, take a walk through the forest, or head up Conical Hill for superb views. The Woodland Walk is another option for a more leisurely outing.

Around 45 minutes away, the Waipara Valley is known for its distinctive wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Riesling. It also makes a rewarding day out for exploring the landscape and local attractions.

Iron Ridge Sculpture Park

Explore outdoor sculpture set in a rural landscape. Your compendium lists opening hours as Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. Check current opening details before visiting.

Tirimoana Bush Walkway

Allow around three hours return for this 10 km walk through regenerating native bush and open farmland, with sweeping views over the forest and coastline. It can be a lovely addition to a day exploring the Waipara area.

From State Highway 1 at Waipara, turn onto Mount Cass Road and continue for approximately 8 km. Check local information for current access and route details before setting out.