Discover Lyford: Mountain Park and Trails

Lyford particularly appeals to travellers looking to combine mountain scenery with outdoor activity. Mt Lyford Station operates a private mountain park spanning the mountains of Lyford, Terako and Tinline in the Amuri Ranges in northern Canterbury. The mountain area is therefore not limited to a single peak. Hiking and mountain biking are specifically mentioned activities on the mountain, giving your stay a clear focus.

Mountain access and activities

A mountain access pass is required for each person entering Mt Lyford Station. Be sure to allow for this requirement for everyone travelling with you. In summer, the station provides self-guided access to the mountains through a mountain access gate. The operator’s access rules and weather conditions apply. Check the current conditions before you set off.

Mt Lyford Station has 27 kilometres of trails and roads for hiking and mountain biking. These two activities give your planning a clear direction: you can focus on hiking, mountain biking or a combination of both. Check the current trail conditions and access arrangements with the operator when choosing specific routes.

When looking for accommodation, consider Lyford if its mountain scenery and the activities mentioned suit your travel plans. Take the pass requirement and mountain access conditions into account. This makes the experience you are looking for part of your decision about where to stay.

More to explore in the wider Hurunui District

The wider Hurunui District also offers its own landscape, cultural and food and drink highlights. The Waipara Vineyard Trail is a short, easy, well-maintained path for walkers and cyclists, with views of vineyards and the Waipara Valley along the way. The Woodlands Walk is a short, family-friendly loop at the entrance to Hanmer Forest Park. It passes through forest and grassland, as well as stands of Douglas firs, poplars and redwoods. These offer a chance to compare two different trail experiences: vineyards and valley views on the Waipara Vineyard Trail, and forest and grassland on the Woodlands Walk.

Weka Pass Historic Reserve was officially established in 1969. Access to the Māori rock art begins at the Waikari Village Walkway; entry points are at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or from Waikari. The walkway is closed during the seasonal lambing period from 1 August to 1 October. Keep this combination of a historic site, access route and seasonal closure in mind when planning a visit.

Other regional highlights range from the sulphur pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa—mineral-rich geothermal pools without chlorine—to the Amberley Farmers Market, where visitors can browse, sample and buy local produce. Another type of route is the 21-kilometre Gore Bay Tourist Drive in the Hurunui District.

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

Back to the wider travel guide: Hurunui District.