101-108_St James Cycle Trail_2016.indd

MALING
PASS CAR
PARK
ST JAMES
HOMESTEAD
1-2 DAYS
ST JAMES
ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL
St James Cycle Trail © Canterbury
Christchurch Tourism
64km
Trail Info
Cycle Trail
1-2 Days
The first of the Great Rides to open, this fantastic
The St James Cycle Trail is an
trail passes through the iconic St James Station,
enthralling and challenging journey
near the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs.
E
through some of New Zealand’s most
spectacular and historic high country – a
true mountain-biking experience to be
TRAIL GRADES:
proud of, and one you will never forget!
MALING PASS CAR PARK TO
stablished in 1862, the
peaks, crystal clear rivers, high country
St James Station was one
lakes, alpine meadows, sub-alpine
In early 2013 a new family-friendly ride
of the largest cattle and
beech forest and expansive grassy river
called the Homestead Run was opened.
flats.
This 15km loop starts from the end of
sheep farms in New Zealand, before
being purchased by the New Zealand
Government in 2008 to form the
St James Conservation Area.
The 64km trail offers a mix of riding
In spring the alpine meadows are in full
bloom, while from summer through to
mid-autumn riders can experience rich
contrasting colours on long evenings,
grades through stunning and diverse
with the chance to see the famous St
scenery, including soaring mountain
James wild horses.
64km
the St James Cycle Trail at St James
Homestead and is a great option for
WAIAU 4WD ROAD END
- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
WAIAU 4WD ROAD END TO
SADDLE SPUR BRIDGE
- GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
SADDLE SPUR BRIDGE TO
families or riders who don’t have enough
SCOTTIES HUT
time to attempt the full trail.
- GRADE 4 (ADVANCED)
BELOW RIGHT: Forest track at Hanmer Springs
BELOW LEFT: Relaxing at Hanmer Springs
Thermal Pools & Spa
BOTH © Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
SCOTTIES HUT TO ST JAMES
LOOK OUT FOR...
HOMESTEAD - GRADE 2-3 (EASY
TO INTERMEDIATE)
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
Pools and Spa.
open-air thermal pools, sulphur pools,
Forest, an old
You will have
or relax in your own private pool. There
experimental forest
many points along the trail, but we
to travel a long
are three AquaTherapy pools, a heated
containing a mix of
recommend you boil, filter or treat
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.
DRINKING WATER: Accessible at
101
ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL
Maling Pass
car park
Waiau 4WD
Road End
12km
Saddle Spur Bridge
15.5km
Scotties
Camp Hut
14.5km
St James
Homestead
17km
“This is a real tourism
asset and I have no doubt
it will draw thousands
of cyclists a year. The
Lake
Tennyson
landscape is stunning.”
MAP LEGEND
Waiau River
Maling
Pass
1308m
WAIAU 4WD
ROAD END
open section
MALING PASS
CAR PARK
optional route
Clarence River
Tophouse Road
m es
Lake
Guyon
Fowlers Hut
Waiau Valley over the grassy river flats,
point of interest
passing by Little Lake and Muddy Lakes
before arriving at the spectacular
Saddle Spur Bridge.
café/restaurant
Saddle Spur Bridge to
Scotties Hut, 14.5km
toilets
This is the most challenging section on
camping
the trail, with rocky and uneven parts
shelter
St
Ja
Henry
River
and farm tracks that meander down the
town
Range
Lake Guyon Hut
effort. The trail then follows old stock
start / finish point
bridge
Ada
River
Former Minister of Conservation,
Kate Wilkinson
and hard climbs, tricky descents and
a giant matagouri forest to negotiate.
hut
Once over Saddle Spur Bridge, the
carpark
trail climbs over the demanding Saddle
Spur to reach Pool Hut. The trail
accommodation
Stanley River
1
SADDLE SPUR BRIDGE
Saddle
Spur
865m
then crosses the McArthur Bridge
before climbing steeply to Charlie’s
Saddle. After a winding descent,
Waiau River
Clarence River
the trail crosses the Edwards River
Bridge to arrive at Scotties Hut. Note:
Pool Hut
sections of the trail after Saddle Spur
bridge
Cow Stream
Hot Spring
Jones
Stream
state highway
and after McArthur Bridge are very
Homestead Run
Edwards River
narrow and pass steep drop-offs. We
recommended you walk these sections.
Scotties Hut to St James
Homestead, 17km
Peters Valley
bridge
ST JAMES HOMESTEAD
SCOTTIES HUT
Follow the 4WD track up the Edwards
Valley. The trail is mostly easy going,
interrupted by short stretches of rocky
Tophouse Road
Charlies Saddle
754m
riverbed and unbridged streams. The
climb up to Peters Pass is the last big
Jacks Pass
effort on the trail – here the trail leaves
nge
er Ra
m
n
Ha
the 4WD track, taking an easy downhill
run through the beautiful Peters Valley
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
RIDING THE TRAIL
in particular deserves exploring.
Homestead Run, 15km
From the St James Homestead, ride
Maling Car Park to Waiau
4WD Road End, 12km
crossing bubbling streams along the way.
up the beautiful Peters Valley to
Once on the valley floor the trail levels out
Waiau 4WD Road End to
Saddle Spur Bridge, 15.5km
From the car park, the trail follows the 4WD
and follows the ºtrue-left of the river to the
The first third of this section is a purpose-
overlooks Waterfall Stream. Follow the
track. Gently gaining altitude at first, 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
Peters Pass where a great picnic spot
ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL
things to do...
A mix of diverse alpine
scenery and interesting
natural features will delight
you alongside this incredibly
scenic trail.
View down Maruia River
valley near Springs Junction
Lewis Pass
ALONGSIDE
THE TRAIL
Lewis Pass crosses the main divide
at a height of 864m alongside a
series of rivers. Many walkways
begin at the edge of the road, and
there are natural hot springs at
Hanmer and Maruia.
Much of the trail is accompanied by
the picturesque Waiau River, which
has many great fishing spots as well as
interesting flora 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
Lake Tennyson
© Alpine Pacific Tourism
1862, this is also the home of the
St James wild horses, famous
Lake Tennyson
throughout New Zealand and sought
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
is worth it to ease aching muscles before
headwaters of the Clarence River.
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
YOUR SIDE
interest include ponds and their
Forest Journey (1.5 hours return):
aquatic life, wetland and a stream.
See pines, poplar and larch on this
Conical Hill Walk (1 hour return):
Woodland Walk (1 hour return):
As well as exotic trees, points of
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
The lookout at the summit offers good
way to the 41m-high Dog Stream
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
• 4-Star & 2+-Star self-rated
family and studio units Ground & first floor with
balconies and great views.
• A variety of self-contained
accommodation options to
suit all budgets.
• Central location - walk to
Shops and Restaurants.
• Beautiful region for bush
walks, fishing, tramping &
mountain biking
• 2 hours FREE WIFI
• Tariff: $110 - $185
663 Broadway Street, REEFTON • Ph: 03 732 8574 | info@lanterncourtmotel.co.nz
Hanmer Springs
COURTESY COACH
We are a ‘Cycle Hub’
you
holiday park and can help
wheels.
explore New Zealand on two
Mountain Bike Hire
The highlight is the view from the
summit of Mt Isobel (1324m).
•
•
•
•
•
10 studio & family apartments (sleeping 2-6), 2 with access facilities
Gas water heating, inverter heat pumps, wireless internet in all units
Sky Select all channels & flatscreen TV in all units, DVD player & free loan DVD library (600+ titles)
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
with shower over bath
• Ideally located for all cycle trails including St James
• Secure undercover bicycle storage
• 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: alpinespringsmotel@xtra.co.nz
www.alpinespringsmotel.co.nz • Resevations Freephone – 0800 746 425 (RINGALPINE)
after Canterbury pioneer Thomas Hanmer • 135km N of Christchurch
104
route, plus foot bridges and a cottage.
For extensive information and special options visit our website
C
S
:
T
Z
6
Secret
Hanmer’s Best Kept
p facilities
psites • 40-bed lodge & grou
• Power & non-power cam
ats
fl
st
touri
&
ets
chal
d
• Self-containe
e facilities
• Kitchen cabins • Accessibl
facilities
• Modern kitchen & laundry
es room
• Family BBQ areas & gam
rope challenge course
• Adventure playground,
step
• Scenic walks at our door
pervan dump station
• New swimming pool • Cam
s for hire
bike
kids’
&
s
• Mountain bike
internet
• Courtesy coach • Wireless
Freephone: 0800 568 563
Phone: 03 315 7112 Fax: 03 315 7017
200 Jacks Pass Rd, PO Box 11, Hanmer Springs
www.hanmerspringsaccommodation.co.nz
◆ Quiet central location ◆ Complimentary wireless internet
◆ 12 modern spacious units, serviced daily
◆ DVD player in all units ◆ 150m to Thermal Pools
◆ Spa bath, family, 1-bedroom, studio and access units
◆ Air-conditioning and heat pumps in some units
◆ Extensive DVD library ◆ Tariff: $135-$165 (double/twin), extra person $20
24 Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs 7360
Phone: 03 315 7224 • Fax: 03 315 7994 • Email: aspen-lodge-motel@xtra.co.nz
Reservations Freephone: 0800 277 365 www.aspenlodgemotel.co.nz
·
·
·
·
Mountain biking trails
© Hurunui District Council
DESIRABLE DETOURS
Take advantage of being in remote
back-country terrain and allow
enough time in your schedule to
really explore the area. The scenery
in this part of New Zealand is
second to none, and much of it is
only accessible on foot or by bike.
Take extra care during winter and
spring when avalanches can occur.
Opposite the Thermal Pools
Secure Bike Storage
Perfect for Groups
Studio Rooms available from $100
ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL
www.driftersinn.co.nz
Phone: 0800 374 383
Email: stay@driftersinn.co.nz
Quote Cycle 1516
when booking
to receive
$10 off
your room rate
• Smoke-free campground
and accommodation
• Hot pools 2.5km
• Forest walks/mountain bike
tracks from camp boundary
• Family cabins, forestry huts,
lodge, s/c units, non-power
tent and campervan sites
• Heated ablutions and
kitchens
• Laundry, drying room
& children’s playground
• BBQs for hire
Hanmer Springs Forest Camp
243 Jo
Jolli
Jollies
llies
es Pas
Passs Rd
Rd (PO
(PO Box 41
41)
41),) Han
Hanmer
mer Sp
Sprin
Springs
rings
gs • Ph/
Ph/Fax:
Ph/Fax
Fax:: 03
03 315
315 720
7202
2
www.hanmerforestcamp.co.nz • Email: reservations@hanmerforestcamp.co.nz
The St James Conservation Area
kayaking, hunting, camping, fishing,
covers more than 78,000ha of native
horse riding and, of course, mountain
beech/tawhai forests, alpine tussock
biking. The Hanmer Springs Ski Area
lands, rivers, lakes and mountains.
also falls within the boundaries.
Hanmer Springs Larchwood Motel
18 Bath Street, Hanmer Springs - Ph: 03 315 7281 - Fax: 03 315 7432
Email: office@larchwoodmotel.co.nz
www.larchwoodmotel.co.nz
It is located on three mountain ranges
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
five 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
Thanks to the diverse landscape
and a variety of terrain, and your
that this conservation area presents,
constant companion will be sublime
there are activities aplenty to enjoy.
alpine scenery.
RESERVATIONS 0800 755 756
Fully self-contained – Underfloor heating – Sky TV – Undercover parking
Studio units, 1-brm & family units – Executive suite
Conference room – Private winter spa
Tariff: (2 persons) Studio $95, 1-bedroom $119, family unit $165.
These include walking and tramping,
ACC O M M O DATIO N
N AT I O N W I D E
Bella Vista Hanmer Springs
1 Tarndale Place, Hanmer Springs
Ph: 03 315 7540
Fax: 03 315 7420
Email: bvhanmer@xtra.co.nz
Hosts: Steve and Julie
• Secure lock-up for bikes
• Transfers to St James Trail
(by arrangement)
• Interconnecting units
• Quiet location with great views
• Easy walk to the famous hot springs
and local cafés and bars
• On-site tennis court
• Gas BBQs available
• FREE WIFI in all rooms
www.bellavistamotelhanmersprings.co.nz
Spend a night not a fortune !
Call us to
book & we
guarantee
you a discount!
Recommended...
...by TripAdvisor
independent reviews
...by Lonely Planet Travel
Guide 2014/2015
... Qualmark 4.5 star
Rating
• Fresh Three Llamas Gourmet Plunger Coffee in every room – Yum !
• Private Spa Pool in Executive Suite • 8 Kilowatt Heat-pumps in Family Apartments
• Double insulation & double glazing in all rooms • Classic Cars & Bikes welcome
Reservations Freephone: 0800 VIEWS 4 U (0800 843 974)
HANMER SPRINGS SCENIC VIEWS MOTEL • 2 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs
Ph/Fax: 03 315 7419 • Email: scenic.views@xtra.co.nz • www.hanmerscenicviews.co.nz
105
ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL
things to do...
The Old Post Office, Hanmer Springs
© Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
HANMER
SPRINGS
Whether you’re after relaxation
or exhilaration, versatile
Hanmer Springs delivers.
106
This tranquil alpine village combines
village’s entrancing mix of contrasting
village incredible diversity. The charm
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
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
basin 385m above sea level and
acclaimed Hanmer Springs Thermal
browsing in the galleries and gift
flanked by towering mountains that
Pools & Spa while the range of land,
shops. A new retail complex will be
are often snow-capped in winter, the
water and air activities gives the
opening in November 2015.
ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL
HANMER SPRINGS has a
host of adventures for the
thrill-seeker all set amongst
beautiful alpine and subalpine 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 MOTEL
Lodge
• Free WiFi
• 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
• Tariff: $110-$150 (2 persons)
seasonal rates may apply
RESERVATIONS: 0800 44 66 44
ES:TZ\4
AMURI DR
Restaurants
Thermal
Pools
Visitor
Information
Centre
15 Harrogate St, Hanmer Springs, Ph: 03 315 7129
enquiries@spalodgehanmer.co.nz
www.spalodgehanmer.co.nz
Shops
& Cafés
HARROGATE ST
Spa Lodge
Motel
To Christchurch
THE PERFECT
PLACE TO START
T
t"$$0..0%"5*0/*%&"-'034*/(-&4
$061-&403(30614
t1*$,61"/%%3010''4$"/#&"33"/(&%
t$:$-&4503"(&0/4*5&
t"$$0..0%"5*0/"/%.&"-4"--0/4*5&
)BONFS4QSJOHT3PBE)BONFS4QSJOHT/;
3&4&37"5*0/4
XXXIPUTQSJOHTNPUPSMPEHFDPO[
• Discover the affordable luxury and
style of Tussock Peak Motor Lodge,
for business, a holiday or a romantic
weekend.
• Adjacent to the famous Thermal Hot
Pools and a stroll to cafés, bars and
restaurants.
• 14 spacious high-quality suites, some
with balcony. Cont. b/fast available.
• We offer secure storage for bikes.
TUSSOCK PEAK MOTOR LODGE
Cnr Amuri Ave & Leamington St, Hanmer Springs
Phone: 03-315 5191 Res: 0800 88 77 625
Email: office@tussockpeak.co.nz
Web: www.tussockpeak.co.nz
107
Weka Pass Railway
Take a ride on Waipara’s
Weka Pass Railway. The
train operates on the first and
third Sunday of each month
and most public holidays.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
An hour’s drive from Hanmer Springs, the Waipara Wine
Valley is one of the country’s fastest-growing wine regions
and a masterclass in cool climate wine-making.
Nestled in the Teviotdale hills, the
class vineyards and historic farms,
Waipara Valley Wine Region
visit cellar doors and dine at winery
commands plenty of attention. The
restaurants, experience Greening
‘terrior’ combined with the long, hot
Waipara Biodiversity Trails and the
autumn helps produce richer, spicier
historical steam train at Weka Pass
pinot noir and riesling, this region’s
Railway, which is possible due to the
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.
Valid Sun-Thu excl. public hols
Hanmer’s Newest 5-Star Premier Luxury Apartments
www.villagelake.co.nz
108
Apartments
ISHOLM CR
JAC
Shops
KS
PAS & Cafes
S
I
LL
S
S
PA
ES
JO
RD
1 Rutherford Crescent, Hanmer Springs
Ph: 03 315 5288 • Freephone: 0800 555 774
Email: reception@villagelake.co.nz
RUTHERFORD
CRES
CHEL
TENH
RD
SC ARBOROUGH T
CE
$20 offpricestandard
Your Hosts: Cathy & Bryan Berryman
• 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
• Double spa baths (shower only in 2-bed access unit) • FREE WiFi
• Gas fires: LCD TVs: Luxury bedware: Designer kitchens
• Private balcony or patio with lake or mountain views
• Rental cars available (can be picked up from Chch Airport)
Village Lake
AM
Thermal
Pools
AMUR
I AVE
BOOK DIRECT
Quote promo AACT and get
CH
ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL
Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail © Visit Hurunui
RIGHT: Weka Pass Railway
© Norman Dix / Visit Hurunui
Shops
& Cafes
HARRO
GATE