Discover Glentunnel

Glentunnel combines a distinctive industrial history with culture and outdoor activities. The heritage is especially tangible at the octagonal Glentunnel Library building: brick and terracotta point to local manufacturing, while the museum and the church landmark offer further insights into the past. For active pursuits, there is the 2.6-kilometre Coalgate to Glentunnel Shared Path and the option of a relaxed round of golf. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether architecture and regional history, a walk, or golf will shape your stay.

An octagonal building made of brick and terracotta

The octagonal brick building of the Glentunnel Library was designed in 1886 by Samuel Hurst Seager, a prominent architect from Christchurch. The design used bricks and terracotta tiles from the nearby Glentunnel Brick, Tile, Terra-Cotta and Pottery Works. The building’s form, materials and manufacturer together offer a vivid picture of industrial history. Glentunnel Library and Gateposts are also historically and architecturally significant—as a reminder of Glentunnel’s industrial past. For architecture enthusiasts, the design by a well-known architect is linked here with the regional production of the materials used.

Museum: pottery, brickmaking and coal mining

The Glentunnel Museum has an extensive collection on the history of the region. Its focus is especially on the rural industrial history of pottery and brickmaking, as well as coal mining. There is also an extensive library documenting the lives of early settlers and the industries associated with them. Together, the collection and library provide different perspectives on local history: the objects relate to trades and mining, while the library documents early settler life and its industries. Visitors interested in the development of rural crafts will find specific subjects here rather than a general account of industrial history.

A historic church landmark

Alongside the museum’s industrial themes, Glentunnel is home to the historic landmark of St Andrew’s of the Glen. It adds another dimension to the town’s history: alongside traces of pottery, brickmaking and coal mining, a historic church building is also part of the local character. Together, these different themes offer a point of reference for travellers who want to include culture and local history in their travel plans.

A path between towns or a round of golf

The Coalgate to Glentunnel Shared Path is 2.6 kilometres long and connects two historic rural towns. It is flat, well maintained and runs off-road. If you plan to walk the path, check local conditions before setting out. The path connects Coalgate and Glentunnel; the Hororata Golf Club, by contrast, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed round of golf.

The golf course’s length is also specified: from the Stone Tees, the Hororata Golf Club course extends for 5,600 metres. The path and the golf course offer different ways to spend time outdoors—one is a route between two towns, the other a round on a golf course. This lets you plan around the activity you actually want to do.

More nature to explore in the wider Selwyn District

The wider Selwyn District offers further scenic attractions. The Rakaia Gorge Walking Track runs along the edge of the gorge through geological areas with rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite lava flows. Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill comprises striking limestone formations in an area of particular significance to Ngāi Tahu and is regarded internationally as a world-class destination for climbing and bouldering.

Cave Stream also offers a distinctive natural experience in the Selwyn District: the cave in Cave Stream Scenic Reserve is 594 metres long. Two short tracks lead to its entrances, and visitors can walk through the cave between them. If you plan to go through the cave, carefully consider the conditions inside. These regional examples differ from Glentunnel’s industrial history and can help you consider your travel interests separately.

This distinction can help you choose where to stay: Glentunnel has its own themes of industrial history, the museum, the church landmark, the path and golf; the scenic and climbing destinations mentioned belong to the wider Selwyn District. Search for hotels based on the places and activities that will actually shape your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Coalgate, Doyleston, Kirwee, Darfield, Rolleston, Windwhistle, Lake Coleridge

Go to the wider travel guide: Selwyn District.