Hanmer Forest Park, Hanmer Springs

263 days ago

Boom season for resort town

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hanmer Springs is booming as Kiwis spend their holidays closer to home.

Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot said the domestic market had grown and he expected the town to be back to pre-Covid levels by Christmas.

"We thought… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hanmer Springs is booming as Kiwis spend their holidays closer to home.

Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot said the domestic market had grown and he expected the town to be back to pre-Covid levels by Christmas.

"We thought it would take a good three years to get the international market back, so we are doing pretty well.

"Talking to the accommodation and hospitality businesses, they all seem to be doing pretty well and forward bookings seem pretty positive."

Businesses have been affected by power outages, but the Hanmer basin has come through the fire season largely unscathed.

The town has a permanent population of about 1000 people, but it can swell to more than 5000 in the weekend.

Events like the recent Hanmer MotorFest, the new Bandquet music festival, and running and multisport events, consistently draw visitors to the town.

Abbot said there was a growing number of attractions in the village, with Manuka Skies now offering a dark sky experience.

Manuka Skies started up last year offering a stargazing experience, with the goal of setting up an observatory on Mt Rodney for private and community use.

The hot pools, winter skiing, mountain bike and walking trails continue to be the biggest drawcards.

A new Hanmer Forest sculpture walk was challenging the Conical Hill loop track as "the busiest walk", while disc golf was also proving to be popular, Abbot said.

Hanmer Holiday Homes owner Jason Fletcher said Hanmer tended to do well in a recession, as New Zealanders opted to visit the tourist town in preference to heading overseas.

But people were "a bit more cautious", leading to a change in the nature of bookings.

"Forward bookings used to be six months in advance and then it became six weeks, but now it is six days in advance, so there are a lot more last minute bookings."

Fletcher said about 80% of his business was from Canterbury visitors, which remained strong.

Guest surveys indicated the thermal pools and forest walks were the most popular activities for Hanmer Holiday Homes guests.

Dining, retail therapy, mountain biking and relaxation were also popular.

Hurunui Tourism is a partnership between the Hurunui District Council and tourism operators.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

265 days ago

THE AUTUMN CHEVIOT COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

Janine from Hurunui District

THE AUTUMN CHEVIOT COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE - SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2024, 10AM TO 3PM in the grounds of the Cheviot Knox Church and Community Centre, corner of main Road and Reeves Street, Cheviot. A great selection of stalls selling just about anything you can think of : DIY items, homewares, … View moreTHE AUTUMN CHEVIOT COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE - SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2024, 10AM TO 3PM in the grounds of the Cheviot Knox Church and Community Centre, corner of main Road and Reeves Street, Cheviot. A great selection of stalls selling just about anything you can think of : DIY items, homewares, children's items, clothing, tools, books and magazines, furniture, plants, toys, antiques and collectables, DVDs, appliances, jewellery - the list goes on and on!!

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267 days ago

SPECIAL CHEVIOT VILLAGE EASTER MONDAY MARKET - 1 APRIL

Janine from Hurunui District

Head on out to the Special Cheviot Village Easter Monday Market, on tomorrow 1 April from 10am to 2pm. Located indoors in the Knox Community Centre Hall (behind Cheviot's Knox Church) with quality stalls in a cosy and friendly setting. Hope to see you there!!

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267 days ago

Happy Easter!

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270 days ago

Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial … View more
Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.

Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.

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272 days ago

Easter Streaming 2024

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Dive into Easter streaming! Explore our top picks for movies and TV shows to enjoy this long weekend!

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272 days ago

Say goodbye to tyre waste

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About 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.

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About 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.

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275 days ago

Budget-friendly Easter Activities

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Looking for affordable Easter weekend activities in NZ?
Whether it's a movie day or beach picnics, we've got you covered with 5 exciting ideas that won't break the bank!

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275 days ago

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278 days ago

CHEVIOT EASTER WEEKEND VILLAGE MARKET

Janine from Hurunui District

Easter Saturday 30 March, 10am to 2pm. Knox Church, Cheviot (at the southern entrance to Cheviot Village).

Quality local stalls featuring baking and preserves, antiques and collectables, arts and crafts, clothing, wooden homewares, bric-a-brac, second-hand books, plants, toys and lots more.

View more
Easter Saturday 30 March, 10am to 2pm. Knox Church, Cheviot (at the southern entrance to Cheviot Village).

Quality local stalls featuring baking and preserves, antiques and collectables, arts and crafts, clothing, wooden homewares, bric-a-brac, second-hand books, plants, toys and lots more.

NOTE : Here's a quirky cat from the Karimar Krafts stall, one of the stars of our Easter Market. You can check out some of their other beautiful, crocheted toys on their Facebook page (karimar krafts).

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278 days ago

Poll: What's your mortgage interest rate?

The Team from NZ Compare

Have you noticed that home loan rates are increasing?
Share your current mortgage interest rate to find out if you might be paying more than you need to.

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What's your mortgage interest rate?
  • 30.6% Under 6%
    30.6% Complete
  • 40.6% 6-7%
    40.6% Complete
  • 17% 7-8%
    17% Complete
  • 11.8% More than 8%
    11.8% Complete
389 votes
278 days ago

Don't miss out on $15,000 back...

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280 days ago

Feel your best self in a serviced apartment

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Discover the ease and comfort of assisted living in a serviced apartment at Ernest Rutherford Village.

Serviced apartment living gives you more time to embrace the things that bring you joy, while we take care of your housekeeping, home maintenance, a daily chef-prepared meal and more.

We … View more
Discover the ease and comfort of assisted living in a serviced apartment at Ernest Rutherford Village.

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281 days ago

New Lottery, New Home ...

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281 days ago

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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Thinking about going green this St. Paddy's?

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