St James Cycle Trail © Canterbury ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL Christchurch Tourism MALING ST JAMES CAR PASS PARK HOMESTEAD 1-2 DAYS 64km

ST JAMES Trail Info Cycle Trail

1-2 Days The fi rst of the Great Rides to open, this fantastic The St James Cycle Trail is an 64km trail passes through the iconic St James Station, enthralling and challenging journey through some of New Zealand’s most near the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs. spectacular and historic high country – a

true mountain-biking experience to be TRAIL GRADES: proud of, and one you will never forget! stablished in 1862, the peaks, crystal clear rivers, high country MALING PASS CAR PARK TO St James Station was one lakes, alpine meadows, sub-alpine In early 2013 a new family-friendly ride WAIAU 4WD ROAD END - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) of the largest cattle and beech forest and expansive grassy river called the Homestead Run was opened. WAIAU 4WD ROAD END TO E This 15km loop starts from the end of sheep farms in New Zealand, before fl ats. SADDLE SPUR BRIDGE being purchased by the New Zealand the St James Cycle Trail at St James In spring the alpine meadows are in full - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) Government in 2008 to form the Homestead and is a great option for bloom, while from summer through to SADDLE SPUR BRIDGE TO St James Conservation Area. families or riders who don’t have enough mid-autumn riders can experience rich SCOTTIES HUT time to attempt the full trail. - GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) The 64km trail offers a mix of riding contrasting colours on long evenings, BELOW RIGHT: Forest track at Hanmer Springs SCOTTIES HUT TO ST JAMES grades through stunning and diverse with the chance to see the famous St BELOW LEFT: Relaxing at Hanmer Springs HOMESTEAD - GRADE 2-3 (EASY scenery, including soaring mountain James wild horses. Thermal Pools & Spa BOTH © Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa TO INTERMEDIATE) LOOK OUT FOR... HOMESTEAD RUN - GRADE 1 (EASIEST) Thermal Pools Forest walks & rides MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: There Relax, unwind and indulge at the retreat, and you can ‘take the waters’ in Hanmer Springs village is linked to an is no mobile phone coverage multiple award-winning Hanmer this alpine environment year round. extensive network of walking and biking beyond Jacks Pass. Springs Thermal Discover the healing qualities of the tracks in the nearby Hanmer Heritage DRINKING WATER: Accessible at Pools and Spa. open-air thermal pools, sulphur pools, Forest, an old many points along the trail, but we You will have or relax in your own private pool. There experimental forest recommend you boil, fi lter or treat to travel a long are three AquaTherapy pools, a heated containing a mix of way to match the freshwater lap pool with LazyRiver, an exotic tree species your water. Avoid taking water from experience of this AquaPlay area (for children under 10 with some more the lakes due to the waterfowl. outdoor thermal years old) and a SuperBowl waterslide. than 100 years old.

101 Maling Pass Waiau 4WD Saddle Spur Bridge Scotties St James ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL car park Road End Camp Hut Homestead “This is a real tourism 12km 15.5km 14.5km 17km asset and I have no doubt it will draw thousands of cyclists a year. The Lake landscape is stunning.” Tennyson Waiau River MAP LEGEND Former Minister of Conservation, Maling Kate Wilkinson Pass open section WAIAU 4WD 1308m MALING PASS effort. The trail then follows old stock ROAD END CAR PARK optional route and farm tracks that meander down the start / fi nish point Clarence River Waiau Valley over the grassy river fl ats, passing by Little Lake and Muddy Lakes Tophouse Road point of interest before arriving at the spectacular bridge Saddle Spur Bridge. town e Saddle Spur Bridge to Ada Lake Guyon Hut g café/restaurant River n Scotties Hut, 14.5km a toilets This is the most challenging section on Lake R camping the trail, with rocky and uneven parts Guyon s e Fowlers Hut and hard climbs, tricky descents and shelter m a giant matagouri forest to negotiate. a hut Once over Saddle Spur Bridge, the Henry J River t S carpark trail climbs over the demanding Saddle Spur to reach Pool Hut. The trail accommodation Stanley River then crosses the McArthur Bridge 1 state highway before climbing steeply to Charlie’s SADDLE SPUR BRIDGE Saddle Saddle. After a winding descent, Spur Waiau River Clarence River the trail crosses the Edwards River 865m Bridge to arrive at Scotties Hut. Note: Pool Hut sections of the trail after Saddle Spur bridge Homestead Run and after McArthur Bridge are very Edwards River Cow Stream narrow and pass steep drop-offs. We Hot Spring recommended you walk these sections.

Peters Valley Scotties Hut to St James Jones bridge Homestead, 17km Stream ST JAMES HOMESTEAD Follow the 4WD track up the Edwards SCOTTIES HUT Valley. The trail is mostly easy going, Charlies Saddle Tophouse Road interrupted by short stretches of rocky 754m riverbed and unbridged streams. The Jacks Pass climb up to Peters Pass is the last big effort on the trail – here the trail leaves nge the 4WD track, taking an easy downhill er Ra nm run through the beautiful Peters Valley Ha to the St James Homestead and the end of the trail. At the homestead there are numerous protected historic farm HANMER SPRINGS buildings dating back to the 1880s that give a glimpse into the past glories of this high country station. The woolshed © AA Traveller 2015 in particular deserves exploring.

RIDING THE TRAIL Homestead Run, 15km From the St James Homestead, ride Maling Car Park to Waiau crossing bubbling streams along the way. Waiau 4WD Road End to up the beautiful Peters Valley to 4WD Road End, 12km Once on the valley fl oor the trail levels out Saddle Spur Bridge, 15.5km Peters Pass where a great picnic spot From the car park, the trail follows the 4WD and follows the ºtrue-left of the river to the The fi rst third of this section is a purpose- overlooks Waterfall Stream. Follow the track. Gently gaining altitude at fi rst, the road end. built cycle track. From the road end, the trail until it intersects with the Edwards trail soon steadily climbs towards Maling Note: The descent from Maling Pass is trail traverses the hillside on the left of the Valley 4WD track. Head east (right) Pass, the high point of the trail (1308m). steep and the surface loose – control Waiau River, before emerging onto the down the 4WD track to connect with From the pass, the trail descends steeply your speed and take special care when wide river terraces at the junction with the Tophouse Rd, then ride 3km down through alpine meadows and mountain negotiating the numerous drainage ditches Lake Guyon track. The 10min detour to this valley to the homestead. beech forest into the Waiau Valley, that cross the track. picturesque lake is well worth the time and

102 things to do... ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL

A mix of diverse alpine scenery and interesting natural features will delight you alongside this incredibly View down Maruia River scenic trail. valley near Springs Junction Lewis Pass

ALONGSIDE Lewis Pass crosses the main divide at a height of 864m alongside a THE TRAIL series of rivers. Many walkways begin at the edge of the road, and there are natural hot springs at Much of the trail is accompanied by Hanmer and Maruia. the picturesque Waiau River, which has many great fi shing spots as well as interesting fl ora and fauna on its banks. About halfway along the second section of trail on the opposite side of the river, the shelterbelts of the isolated Ada Homestead are visible. Farmed from 1862, this is also the home of the Lake Tennyson © Alpine Pacifi c Tourism St James wild horses, famous throughout New Zealand and sought Lake Tennyson after by recreational riders for their steady and sturdy nature. Lake Tennyson is an isolated Along the fourth section of the trail, the and beautiful glacial lake in the 1km side-track to Cow Stream hot pool headwaters of the Clarence River. is worth it to ease aching muscles before Waiau River the last climb of the trail.

103 ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL Conical Hill summit © Pat Barrett

Switch the bike for your walking shoes in Hanmer Springs. There are plenty of walking tracks that take advantage of the impressive scenery.

TIME ON interest include ponds and their Forest Journey (1.5 hours return): aquatic life, wetland and a stream. See pines, poplar and larch on this route, plus foot bridges and a cottage. YOUR SIDE Conical Hill Walk (1 hour return): Note the exotic plants as you climb Waterfall Track (2.5 hours return): to the 550m summit of Conical Hill. Pass through beech forest on the Woodland Walk (1 hour return): The lookout at the summit offers good way to the 41m-high Dog Stream As well as exotic trees, points of shelter to view the Hanmer Basin. Waterfall.

Reefton Mt Isobel Track (6.5 hours return): after gold-bearing quartz reefs • 81km SE of Westport on SH 7 The highlight is the view from the

• 4-Star & 2+-Star self-rated summit of Mt Isobel (1324m). family and studio units - Ground & fi rst fl oor with balconies and great views. • A variety of self-contained accommodation options to suit all budgets. • Central location - walk to Shops and Restaurants. • 10 studio & family apartments (sleeping 2-6), 2 with access facilities • Beautiful region for bush • Gas water heating, inverter heat pumps, wireless internet in all units walks, fi shing, tramping & • Sky Select all channels & fl atscreen TV in all units, DVD player & free loan DVD library (600+ titles) mountain biking • Private terrace with outside dining facilities, safe on-site parking. On-site laundry facilities • 8 out of 10 units with double-size spa baths, some units with separate showers and the remainder • 2 hours FREE WIFI with shower over bath • Tariff: $110 - $185 • Ideally located for all cycle trails including St James • Secure undercover bicycle storage 636 Broadway Street, REEFTON • Ph: 03 732 8574 | [email protected] • Car storage and secure left-luggage facility whilst away on trails • Tariff: $165-$220 (2 persons) Proudly Kiwi owned and operated by resident proprietors Robert & Rhian Sluggett 121 Argelins Road, Hanmer Springs • Tel: 03 315 7211 Email: [email protected] Hanmer Springs www.alpinespringsmotel.co.nz • Resevations Freephone – 0800 746 425 (RINGALPINE) after Canterbury pioneer Thomas Hanmer • 135km N of Christchurch For extensive information and special options visit our website

C COURTESY COACH S We are a ‘Cycle Hub’ Hanmer’s Best Kept Secret • 40-bed lodge & group facilities : holiday park and can help you • Power & non-power campsites explore New Zealand on two wheels. • Self-contained chalets & tourist fl ats T • Kitchen cabins • Accessible facilities Z • Modern kitchen & laundry facilities • Family BBQ areas & games room 6 ◆ ◆ • Adventure playground, rope challenge course Quiet central location Complimentary wireless internet ◆ 12 modern spacious units, serviced daily • Scenic walks at our doorstep ◆ DVD player in all units ◆ 150m to Thermal Pools • New swimming pool • Campervan dump station ◆ Spa bath, family, 1-bedroom, studio and access units • Mountain bikes & kids’ bikes for hire ◆ Air-conditioning and heat pumps in some units • Courtesy coach • Wireless internet Freephone: 0800 568 563 ◆ Extensive DVD library ◆ Tariff: $135-$165 (double/twin), extra person $20 Phone: 03 315 7112 Fax: 03 315 7017 24 Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs 7360 200 Jacks Pass Rd, PO Box 11, Hanmer Springs Phone: 03 315 7224 • Fax: 03 315 7994 • Email: [email protected] Mountain Bike Hire www.hanmerspringsaccommodation.co.nz Reservations Freephone: 0800 277 365 www.aspenlodgemotel.co.nz 104 ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL

www.driftersinn.co.nz Phone: 0800 374 383 Email: [email protected] Quote Cycle 1516 when booking · Opposite the Thermal Pools to receive · Secure Bike Storage · Perfect for Groups $10 off · Studio Rooms available from $100 your room rate

Mountain biking trails © Hurunui District Council • Smoke-free campground and accommodation • Hot pools 2.5km • Forest walks/mountain bike DESIRABLE DETOURS tracks from camp boundary • Family cabins, forestry huts, lodge, s/c units, non-power tent and campervan sites • Heated ablutions and Take advantage of being in remote second to none, and much of it is kitchens back-country terrain and allow only accessible on foot or by bike. • Laundry, drying room & children’s playground enough time in your schedule to Take extra care during winter and • BBQs for hire really explore the area. The scenery spring when avalanches can occur. in this part of New Zealand is Hanmer Springs Forest Camp 243 JoJolliesllies PasPasssR Rdd( (POPO Box 4141),) HanHanmermer SpSpringsrings • Ph/Fax:Ph/Fax:0 0333 31515 72072022 www.hanmerforestcamp.co.nz • Email: [email protected] The St James Conservation Area kayaking, hunting, camping, fi shing, covers more than 78,000ha of native horse riding and, of course, mountain Hanmer Springs Larchwood Motel beech/tawhai forests, alpine tussock biking. The Hanmer Springs Ski Area 18 Bath Street, Hanmer Springs - Ph: 03 315 7281 - Fax: 03 315 7432 lands, rivers, lakes and mountains. also falls within the boundaries. Email: offi [email protected] It is located on three mountain ranges www.larchwoodmotel.co.nz Walking the 16km Fowlers Pass Track and contains the headwaters of the is an optional detour. It takes around Waiau and Clarence rivers as well as fi ve and a half hours to walk and the St James Walkway. This area can connects Fowlers Hut with the Stanley be enjoyed on foot, on horseback, by Vale and Lake Guyon huts. Along the mountain bike or 4WD. way you’ll experience river crossings RESERVATIONS 0800 755 756 Thanks to the diverse landscape and a variety of terrain, and your Fully self-contained – Underfl oor heating – Sky TV – Undercover parking that this conservation area presents, constant companion will be sublime Studio units, 1-brm & family units – Executive suite there are activities aplenty to enjoy. alpine scenery. Conference room – Private winter spa Tariff: (2 persons) Studio $95, 1-bedroom $119, family unit $165. These include walking and tramping, Spend a night not a fortune ! Bella Vista Hanmer Springs 1 Tarndale Place, Hanmer Springs Ph: 03 315 7540 ACCOMMODATION Fax: 03 315 7420 NATIONWIDE Email: [email protected] Hosts: Steve and Julie Call us to • Secure lock-up for bikes book & we • Transfers to St James Trail (by arrangement) gguaranteeuarantee • Interconnecting units you a discount! • Quiet location with great views • Easy walk to the famous hot springs Recommended... • Fresh Three Llamas Gourmet Plunger Coff ee in every room – Yum ! • Private Spa Pool in Executive Suite • 8 Kilowatt Heat-pumps in Family Apartments and local cafés and bars ...by TripAdvisor • On-site tennis court independent reviews • Double insulation & double glazing in all rooms • Classic Cars & Bikes welcome • Gas BBQs available ...by Lonely Planet Travel Reservations Freephone: 0800 VIEWS 4 U (0800 843 974) • FREE WIFI in all rooms Guide 2014/2015 ... Qualmark 4.5 star HANMER SPRINGS SCENIC VIEWS MOTEL • 2 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs www.bellavistamotelhanmersprings.co.nz Rating Ph/Fax: 03 315 7419 • Email: [email protected] • www.hanmerscenicviews.co.nz 105 ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL things to do...

The Old Post Office, Hanmer Springs © Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

This tranquil alpine village combines village’s entrancing mix of contrasting village incredible diversity. The charm HANMER the best of both worlds with a activities has granted it a reputation extends to the many restaurants, bars, top-class thermal retreat and an as one of New Zealand’s top tourist cafés and boutique shopping. As well SPRINGS enviable variety of adrenalin-pumping destinations. Much of the attention as picking up some original additions activities. Nestled in a high-country can be attributed to the highly to your wardrobe you can spend hours Whether you’re after relaxation basin 385m above sea level and acclaimed Hanmer Springs Thermal browsing in the galleries and gift or exhilaration, versatile fl anked by towering mountains that Pools & Spa while the range of land, shops. A new retail complex will be Hanmer Springs delivers. are often snow-capped in winter, the water and air activities gives the opening in November 2015.

106 ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL HANMER SPRINGS has a host of adventures for the thrill-seeker all set amongst beautiful alpine and sub- alpine scenery. Try rafting down a grade 2 river, bungy jumping, jet boating, a canoe safari or quad biking. The Hanmer Springs i-SITE has all the details.

St James Cycle Trail © Canterbury Christchurch Tourism

Hanmer Springs

• Studios, 1 & 2-bedroom units • Spa bath options • Honeymoon suites • FREE WiFi • FREE DVD library • Air conditioned / heatpumps • FREE guest laundry • FREE towels for Thermal Pools • Rates from $165 per night

Settlers Motel, a short stroll to the Thermal Pools.

Spa Lodge • Free WiFi MOTEL • 200m to thermal pools • Studios, 1 & 2-bedroom units • Free towels for hot pools • Outdoor summer swimming pool • Children’s play area • Covered parking • Guest laundry RESERVATIONS: 0800 44 66 44 • Tariff: $110-$150 (2 persons) seasonal rates may apply ES:TZ\4

Restaurants

Thermal Pools Shops Visitor & Cafés Information Centre AMURI DR 15 Harrogate St, Hanmer Springs, Ph: 03 315 7129 HARROGATE ST Spa Lodge [email protected] Motel www.spalodgehanmer.co.nz To Christchurch

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• We offer secure storage for bikes. XXXIPUTQSJOHTNPUPSMPEHFDPO[ TUSSOCK PEAK MOTOR LODGE Cnr Amuri Ave & Leamington St, Hanmer Springs Email: offi [email protected] Phone: 03-315 5191 Res: 0800 88 77 625 Web: www.tussockpeak.co.nz 107 ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail © Visit Hurunui RIGHT: Weka Pass Railway © Norman Dix / Visit Hurunui

Weka Pass Railway

Take a ride on Waipara’s Weka Pass Railway. The train operates on the fi rst and third Sunday of each month and most public holidays.

Nestled in the Teviotdale hills, the class vineyards and historic farms, NEARBY ATTRACTIONS Waipara Valley Wine Region visit cellar doors and dine at winery commands plenty of attention. The restaurants, experience Greening An hour’s drive from Hanmer Springs, the Waipara Wine ‘terrior’ combined with the long, hot Waipara Biodiversity Trails and the autumn helps produce richer, spicier historical steam train at Weka Pass Valley is one of the country’s fastest-growing wine regions pinot noir and riesling, this region’s Railway, which is possible due to the and a masterclass in cool climate wine-making. specialties. Pass through world- efforts of passionate volunteers.

SECURE STORAGE FOR CYCLES Luxury and comfort that pampers the body and nourishes the soul…

APARTMENTS

Nestled in the centre of Hanmer Springs Village – short stroll to thermal pools, shops, restaurants, cafés etc. Rental cars on site. Spa or Activities Packages available. BOOK DIRECT Your Hosts: Cathy & Bryan Berryman Quote promo AACT and get • 13 luxurious 2 & 3-bed apartments, each with full laundry • Secure Cycle Storage available • Pick-up and Drop-offs at St James Cycle Trail by arrangement off standard price • Double spa baths (shower only in 2-bed access unit) • FREE WiFi $20 • Gas fi res: LCD TVs: Luxury bedware: Designer kitchens Valid Sun-Thu excl. public hols • Private balcony or patio with lake or mountain views • Rental cars available (can be picked up from Chch Airport) RUTHERFORD Village Lake CRES Apartments ISHOLM CR H Hanmer’s Newest 5-Star Premier Luxury Apartments J E AC C Shops KS & Cafes C PA T SS

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