Clarence: Art, huts and nature in the surrounding area
Accommodation in Clarence
The KaikÅura Cultural Artwork Trail brings together art and cultural stories; the Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence Conservation Area is known for its geology, native species and clear night skies. Historic huts and tracks along the Seymour and Clarence Rivers complete the picture.
Art and cultural stories
The KaikÅura Cultural Artwork Trail runs along a scenic 60 km stretch of State Highway 1 from Oaro to Waiau Toa (Clarence River) and includes seven safe stopping points. The trail features sandblasted murals, pouwhenua, tekoteko, native planting and information panels. Master carvers Riki Manuel (NgÄti Porou) and Fayne Robinson (NgÄi Tahu) created four pouwhenua and six tekoteko for the trail.
The artworks share tangata stories and the whakapapa of Waitaha, NgÄti MÄmoe and the NgÄti KurÄ« hapÅ« of NgÄi Tahu. Members of these groups settled successively along the KaikÅura coast over the past 800 years. The trail therefore places the coast’s stories and history alongside its artworks.
Conservation area and night skies
Near Clarence, the Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence Conservation Area encompasses some of New Zealand’s highest mountains outside the Southern Alps. It is of national geological significance and is home to many rare, interesting and unique native plants and animals. The area is also known for its clear night skies and is well suited to stargazing and astrophotography. Its landscapes, geology and nature can be explored as interconnected themes, while the night sky offers a focus of its own.
Historic huts and river tracks
Historic huts near the destination include Black Spur Slab Hut, Bluff Dump Hut, Horse Flat Hut, Old Willows Hut and Tent Poles Hut in the Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence area. These names refer to individual huts within this larger area.
The track along the Seymour leads to the Clarence River and Forbes Hut, formerly known as Seymour Hut. A turnoff for the track to Palmer Hut is 2 km up the Seymour from the Clarence. Another route description leads up the Clarence River behind Forbes Hut to Palmer Hut below Dillion Cone. A track following the Clarence River goes via Quail Flat to Goose Flat Hut, 22 km downstream from Forbes Hut. The route descriptions differ in the rivers, huts and intermediate points they mention. Access and track conditions may change; check them before travelling.
Services and other destinations in Kaikoura District
There are no services in Clarence. Fuel, groceries, cash and a pharmacy are available in KaikÅura. As availability may change, it is advisable to check what you currently need before travelling.
In the wider destination of Kaikoura District
The KaikÅura Peninsula Walkway follows the peninsula’s cliffs to South Bay, then returns to KaikÅura via South Bay and Toms Track. Allow at least three hours for the full walk. Seals are likely to be found around the Point Kean car park. There is also a diving and snorkelling area just outside the tidal platforms along the walkway. These destinations are part of the wider Kaikoura District destination.
Discover more destinations: Kaikoura.
Go to the wider travel overview: Kaikoura District.
