The St James Cycle Trail near Hanmer Springs - the first of the Government-backed "great rides" to be fully completed.
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the 64km-long trail had iconic scenery including river valleys, high-country lakes, beech forest and grassland valleys.
Of the 18 nationally promoted cycle trails, it requires the highest level of experience to complete.
"Experienced mountain bikers are expected to complete the full trail in roughly 10 hours. There are four huts along the way, providing a chance to make a weekend of it," she said.
Ms Wilkinson, who will officially open the trail, said it was the third one to have sections of track available for use, but the first to be completed from start to finish.
The St James Cycle Trail takes in iconic mountain scenery just outside of the alpine and thermal resort of Hanmer Springs - only a 90 minute drive away from Christchurch.
This 64 kilometer mountain bike trail is built on existing DOC trails, 4WD farm tracks and 4 kms of newly built trails and caters to intermediate riders. it includes includes a number of river crossings over newly built bridges, crosses native beech forest, grasslands, mountainous river valleys and also an alpine crossing.
The starting and ending point are accessible by vehicle from the steep gravel Clarence Valley Road out of Hanmer Springs. As the valley opens out turn left onto Tophouse Road. Two options - either park your car at the farm approximately 4km along Tophouse Road (where the St James Great Trail ends) and ride the 25km up TopHouse Road to the trail start proper or continue to drive all the way up Tophouse Road and get someone to bring your can back or link in with a transport option.
The trail then passes Lake Tennyson on the left and climbs about 250 meters as it threads it way through the pass and around Mount Stanley. As you continue around the mountain you will pass Lake Guyon on your left. This is an ideal place to take a short side trip up and have lunch by the lake at Lake Guyon Hut. You will also pass Little Lake and Muddy Lakes as you head south along the Waiau river.
As you turn east there is a climb along the side of Charlie's Hill before the larger climb of about 400 meters over Peter's Pass taking you over the hill and down toward the finish at Tophouse Road again.
After a long day of mountain biking, we bet you'll be keen to enjoy Hanmer Spring's hospitality.
| From Thursday 17th May 2012 |
Pink Ribbon Breakfast
Pink Ribbon Breakfast Fundraising for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation
Gather your family & friends and join us at the Heritage Hotel for a full buffet breakfast.
Cost $25.00 with $8.00 of this being donated to the (NZBCF) for the Foundations Community Outreach Programmes.
Complimentary glass of Lindauer on arrival sponsored by Lion.
Bookings Essential 03 315 0064 (discounts do not apply) 9am - 11am |
| From Friday 18th May 2012 to Sunday 20th May 2012 |
Amuri Autumn School
Autumn School is a fabulous fun weekend, to brush up on artistic skills, learn new ones, and make friends who have similar interests. The classes change every year and we have very experienced tutors. Hanmer Springs is a great place to have Autumn School. Fabulous scenery, lots of accommodation and great activities for after classes: swimming, walking, biking etc.
The courses this year include two day classes in beginners and advanced photography, limestone sculpture, hand embroidery, mosaic workshops, flax weaving and one day courses in cheesemaking.
Contact Sue Harris for further details, phone 03 315 6244 or email the druids@amuri.net. |
| Saturday 26th May 2012 |
Bivouac Outdoor Mt Isobel Challenge
The Mount Isobel Challenge is an annual mountain duathlon which takes place in the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs, 130km NW of Christchurch.
The race is organized by Hanmer Springs Multi-Sport Club as a community fund raiser, and involves an 8km, 1000m ascent mountain-run and a mountain bike ride of approx 22 km, which can be done as two person team or as an individual. |
| 1st June 2012 - 4th June 2012 |
Queen's Birthday Weekend |
| Saturday 2nd June 2012 to Sunday 3rd June 2012 |
Scenic Helicopter Flights - Fundraising Event
Experience the amazing view and pure exhilaration of flight by helicopter.
Support the children of the Hanmer Springs Rugby Club.
Book now to reserve a seat as they fill fast on the day!
Dates: 02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012
Location: Hanmer Springs
Venue: Hanmer Springs Domain
Category: Hanmer Springs Community Events
Cost: $75 per person
Contact: Hanmer Springs Helicopters
Contact Phone: 03 315 7336 |
| From Saturday 2nd June 2012 to Sunday 3rd June 2012 |
Jazz in June
Just Jazz are back at the Heritage on 2nd and 3rd June. This is a open event and a great time to catch up with family and friends. Listen to the band, dance the afternoon away or chat with your friends a great social get together. Happy hour drinks from 3pm-6pm with bar snacks available.
Time: 3.00pm-6.00pm both days
Location: Hanmer Springs
Venue: The Ballroom Heritage Hotel Hanmer Springs
Category: Hanmer Springs Concerts
Cost: FREE
Organisation: HERITAGE HOTEL
Contact Phone: 03 315 0065 |
| From Saturday 9th June 2012 |
Stars in Their Eyes
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| 30th June 2012 - 15 July 2012 |
July School Holidays |
| From Friday 27th July 2012 |
The Catwalk
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| From Wednesday 8th August 2012 to Saturday 11th August 2012 |
Seussical the Musical - Amuri Players and Hanmer Springs School
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| 29th September 2012 - 14th October 2012 |
October School Holidays |
| Saturday 13th October 2012 |
Krank Dirtwear Adventure Duathlon
The short course is an entry level, off-road adventure race and is a great way to enter the world of adventure racing with 5km Run/12km MTB for women and 7km Run/15km MTB for men. The longer course is designed to challenge the more experienced, for women 10km Run/26km MTB and men 12km Run and 27km MTB. The races are run separately, women in the morning and men in the afternoon. Both Short and Long Courses can be run as a team, however, those wishing to run as a mixed sex team must run the Men’s Length courses in the afternoon. The Mountain Biking component of both events is of a non-technical nature with the courses run exclusively on Forest roads and tracks. |
| 19th October 2012 - 22nd October 2012 |
Labour Weekend |
| From Saturday 20th October 2012 |
Lodge to Lodge Marathon and Bayleys 10km WalkRun
The success of this event prompts the Waiau Citizens Association to organising it again in 2012. This North Canterbury race follows the Inland Road from the Mt Lyford Lodge to the Waiau Lodge Hotel, with the opportunity to split the run in two and run it as a relay, or just run/walk the final 10km.
Combine this event with all that is happening in this lovely North Canterbury town, and you have a wonderful day/weekend out for all the family!
All proceeds from this event go back to the local community. Entry forms and more details on the website.
New this year is a primary school kids race of the last 3km to the finish line. In short: an event to be relished by the whole family!
Ticket information call 0064 3 3156523 |
| From Saturday 3rd November 2012 |
Clarence Spectacular MTB Race
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| From Saturday 3rd November 2012 |
Hanmer Night Ride Series Race 1
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| Saturday 17th November 2012 |
Spring Crusher MTB Race
Long course approx 36km with 1000m climb
New for 2012 a Short Course approx 26km
Come and ride this challenging course built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers with heaps of single track and some challenging climbs.
One Lap of single track with loadsa climb. Anticipated Winners Time 2.5hrs
This is a technical course. Please enter the appropriate course for your riding and fitness level.
All proceeds go into trail development in Hanmer Forest to ensure quality riding every time you visit Hanmer Springs.
Awesome spot prizes from top sponsors. |
| From Saturday 17th November 2012 |
Hanmer Night Ride Series Race 2
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| Saturday 8th December 2012 |
Hanmer Hammerhead MTB Race
Cross Country MTB Race
Laps of approx 10km with 350m climb. Average time per lap 30-40mins. |
| From Saturday 8th December 2012 |
Hanmer Night Ride Series Race 3
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| From Saturday 15th December 2012 |
Hanmer Holiday Homes Alpine Marathon
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| 15th December 2012 - 6th February 2013 |
Christmas School Holidays |
| From Sunday 16th December 2012 |
Alpine Holiday Homes Alpine 5km Downhill Dash
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| 25th Dec 2012 to 1st January 2013 |
Christmas and New Year Period |
| From Monday 14th January 2013 to Sunday 20th January 2013 |
HSFC Art Film Festival
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details. |
| Friday 25th January 2013 to Sunday 27th January 2013 |
Jazz Blues Festival
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details |
| |
The James Mountain Sport Series
From Saturday 26th January 2013
Come run with "The Wild Things"
Various MTB, duathlon, triathlon events held on the St James
St James Epic - entries open the 1 August 2012
Waitangi Weekend 2013
From Wednesday 6th February 2013
National Corvettes Convention
From Friday 1st March 2013 to Sunday 3rd March 2013
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details.
Mumbles Cafe Womens Triathlon
From Saturday 2nd March 2013
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details.
Easter Weekend 2013
From Friday 29th March 2013 to Sunday 31st March 2013
4 and 8 Hour MTB Race
From Monday 1st April 2013 to Monday 15th April 2013
Come and ride this course, a mixture of forest roads and non technical single track riding.
The lap of 10km and only a little climb should take average ability riders about 45minutes to complete. The whole event will be run in daylight, so no need for expensive lighting systems, based out of the Forest Camp grounds, so great facilities and plenty of space to enjoy the MTB Village atmosphere, with time in the evening to enjoy the other delights of Hanmer Springs. Coffee and food will be available on site.
Four hour riders can expect to do between 4 and 5 laps, so maybe two member teams would suit, or perhaps you might want to muscle it out as a solo.
Dates to be confirmed in early April.
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details.
April School Holidays 2013
From Saturday 20th April 2013 to Sunday 5th May 2013
ANZAC Day 2013
From Thursday 25th April 2013
Four Square Half Marathon and 10 Run
From Saturday 4th May 2013
The Hanmer Springs Four Square Half Marathon and 10 km Run is held annually, in the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs, 130km NW of Christchurch.
The race, which is organised by Hanmer Springs Multi Sport Club as a community fundraiser, takes competitors on a unique journey through Hanmer Forest amongst some amazing mountain scenery.
Enquiries can be emailed to graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or visit the Hanmer Events website for further details.
July School Holidays 2013
From Saturday 13th July 2013 to Sunday 28th July 2013
September School Holidays 2013
From Saturday 28th September 2013 to Sunday 13th October 2013
Labour Weekend 2013
From Friday 25th October 2013 to Sunday 27th October 2013
Show Weekend - Canterbury
From Friday 15th November 2013 to Saturday 16th November 2013
December School Holidays 2013
From Saturday 21st December 2013 to Friday 7th February 2014
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Springs Info ™