Discover Hawarden

Hawarden is the gateway to Lake Sumner Forest Park. The park offers opportunities for fishing and hunting. For planning your trip, it is important to know the exact boundary: four-wheel drive is required only beyond Lake Taylor.

Gardens in Hawarden

At Flaxmere Garden, native New Zealand plantings surround a large pond with views of Mt Te Koa. At Newstead, paths lead deep into the plantings. The two gardens offer different highlights: a pond and mountain views at Flaxmere, and paths through greenery at Newstead.

The Lake Sumner Road and its access conditions

From Hawarden, the Lake Sumner Road heads towards Lake Taylor. Beyond Lake Taylor, the road to the campground at Loch Katrine is suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Check road conditions and access rules before setting out.

Hawarden Reserve Camping Ground is on Allandale Road in Hawarden. If you are considering it as an overnight option, check current operating and availability conditions in advance.

Local history

The Hawarden A&P Show Society was founded in 1906. The Waipara County Historical Society Museum is at 34 High Street in Hawarden. The founding year and specific address offer two different starting points for exploring local history. If you are planning a museum visit, check opening hours in advance.

More to explore in the Hurunui District

Other cultural and nature highlights in the Hurunui District add to the picture of the region. Weka Pass Historic Reserve was officially established in 1969. A 40-minute walk there leads to a large limestone overhang with examples of early Māori rock art. Access to the rock art starts at the Waikari Village Walkway; entry points are at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or from Waikari. The walkway is seasonally closed from 1 August to 1 October for lambing. Take this closure period into account when planning your visit.

At Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, the Sulphur Pools are mineral-rich geothermal pools with no chlorine. Woodlands Walk at the entrance to Hanmer Forest Park is a short, family-friendly loop through forest, meadows and stands of Douglas firs, poplars and redwoods. The Waipara Vineyard Trail in the Hurunui District is also a short, easy, well-maintained track for walkers and cyclists, with views of vineyards and the Waipara Valley. When choosing a walk in the Hurunui District, you can compare walking time and use: a 40-minute walk in Weka Pass Historic Reserve leads to a limestone overhang, while Woodlands Walk and Waipara Vineyard Trail are both short walks. The Waipara Vineyard Trail is also suitable for walkers and cyclists, while Woodlands Walk is family-friendly.

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

For the broader travel overview: Hurunui District.