Discover Hawarden

Gardens, local history and routes towards the lakes reveal the different sides of Hawarden. At Flaxmere Garden, native New Zealand plants surround a large pond, with views of Mt Te Koa. There are also routes towards Lake Taylor and a connection to the remote area of Lake Sumner Forest Park. When choosing a holiday rental, consider whether you are most interested in the gardens and historic points of interest, or in the landscapes around the lakes.

Gardens with distinct features

At Flaxmere Garden, the pond, planting and views of Mt Te Koa are its defining features. Newstead offers a different emphasis: there, paths lead deep into the plantings. If you like to include a garden visit in your travel plans, you can think of these as two distinct highlights—here, the large pond and the views; there, paths through the plantings.

From Hawarden towards Lake Taylor

From Hawarden, Lake Sumner Road heads towards Lake Taylor. Beyond Lake Taylor, the road to the campsite at Loch Katrine is suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Check road conditions and access restrictions before setting out; in particular, distinguish the section beyond Lake Taylor from the rest of the route.

Hawarden is a gateway to the remote, unspoilt area of Lake Sumner Forest Park, which offers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. Hawarden and Waikari are also gateways to the Hurunui Lakes in a remote inland wilderness. These connections give your choice of location a clear direction: gardens and local history on one hand, and the options of including Lake Sumner Road and the lake regions described here in your travel plans on the other.

Local history and planning your visit

Local history includes the Hawarden A&P Show Society, founded in 1906. The Waipara County Historical Society Museum is at 34 High Street in Hawarden. Check current opening hours and access before visiting. Hawarden Reserve Camping Ground is on Allandale Road. If you plan to stay there, check the current facilities and conditions in advance.

These local points of interest offer a different perspective on Hawarden from its gardens and landscapes: they also connect your trip with the village’s history and named places. When choosing a holiday rental, it may therefore help to consider whether you would rather focus on these local attractions or the landscapes towards Lake Taylor.

More to explore in the Hurunui District

In the Hurunui District, Weka Pass Historic Reserve was established in 1969. A 40-minute track leads to a large limestone overhang with examples of early Māori rock art. Access to the rock art begins at the Waikari Village Walkway, with trailheads at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or from Waikari. The walkway is seasonally closed during lambing, from 1 August to 1 October. Keep these dates in mind when planning your walk.

In the Hurunui District, Woodlands Walk is another explicitly family-friendly option: the short loop is at the entrance to Hanmer Forest Park and passes through forest and meadow, as well as stands of Douglas firs, poplars and redwoods. The Sulphur Pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa are mineral-rich geothermal pools without chlorine. These are regional attractions in their own right, distinct from the gardens and points of interest in Hawarden.

For walkers and cyclists, the Waipara Vineyard Trail is described as a short, easy, well-maintained track with views of vineyards and the Waipara Valley. The Gore Bay Tourist Drive offers a different way to explore: it is a 21-kilometre route in the Hurunui District. Gore Bay is considered one of New Zealand’s safest surf beaches; assess the beach conditions locally.

Amberley Farmers Market is another attraction in the Hurunui District, where visitors can browse, sample and buy local produce. Together, these examples showcase a range of regional interests—trails and scenery, geothermal pools, the beach and local produce. They complement Hawarden’s attractions without replacing them, and may help you plan the rest of your trip in the Hurunui District.

Discover more destinations: Hanmer Springs, Gore Bay, Cheviot, Amberley, Leithfield, Lyford.

For the main travel overview: Hurunui District.