Visiting the Hurunui
We are a self-drive festival, allowing you to plan your trip in any way that suits you. We encourage you to take in the wonderful sights of the Hurunui region while you are here.
Useful tips for travelling in the Hurunui
The Hurunui is a unique and dramatic region of New Zealand, known for its limestone hills, its wild winds, its wineries, small towns, great eateries and beautiful views.
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The Hurunui has a wide range of accommodation available—everything from luxury 5-star accommodation, to hotels and motels, toquaint and homely Bed and Breakfasts and campgrounds.
There will be large numbers of people travelling around the region during the festival so do book accommodation well in advance.
For accommodation, we suggest you visit the Visit Hurunui website here.
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The Hurunui region has some fabulous eateries, and, of course, wineries!
Some of our eateries are closed on Saturday or Sunday so do check opening times before you head out. We suggest that you pre-book meals beforehand as the region can be very busy over the festival.
The Visit Hurunui website has a good summary of Hurunui eateries HERE
The Amberley website also has a great list of eateries, wineries etc.
Many of our gardens also have a great selection of food and drink stalls providing a varied selection of scrummy eats and refreshments. Visit our Food and Drink section under Events on the website.
You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy our fabulous gardens.
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We suggest you take your time travelling around our beautiful region.
Suggested travel times
Christchurch to Amberley: 40 mins
Amberley to Greta Valley: 23 mins
Amberley to Hawarden: 25 mins
Amberley to Culverden: 36 mins
Hawarden to Culverden: 18 mins
Culverden to Rotherham: 9 mins
Culverden to Waiau: 18 mins
Rotherham to Waiau: 9 mins
Culverden to Hanmer Springs: 26 minsAlternative scenic routes
Amberley to Hawarden via Waipara Gorge and Pyramid Valley: 30 - 40 mins
Greta Valley to Waikari via Scargill Valley Road: 20 minsMost of our gardens are pinned by their garden names on google maps. This will help you to navigate between them as you travel around the region.
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We all hope for fine weather for you to be able to enjoy our beautiful region.
But weather can be changeable, please prepare for all possible conditions.
Be sure to bring your sunblock, hat and sunnies, plenty of water plus warm clothes and sensible shoes. -
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Some of the gardens participating in the festival are open at other times of the year, and have their own websites:
Lochiel Station gardens in winter