Hawarden and Waikari are two pleasant rural townships with panoramic views of the Puketeraki and Kaikoura ranges.
In the early days this area was a gateway to the rugged hinterland and the West Coast particularly when the gold fields opened during the 1860's.
Hawarden is home to the Flaxmere Gardens (a Garden of National Significance) and is the gateway to the pristine Hurunui Lakes, set in a secluded inland wilderness. Lake Sumner, Loch Katrine, Lake Sheppard, Lake Taylor and Lake Mason are excellent fishing and hunting grounds, are popular for their walking tracks and for camping in this amazing high country landscape.
Two excellent horse trekking operators offer multi-day treks into the dramatic and enticing high country of North Canterbury from Hawarden.
The Hawarden Museum, situated on High Street, contains a collection of both local and general interest items including early photographs. Open by appointment only. Contact Bob McIlraith phn: 03 314 4188 or Pat Manning phn: 03 314 4160.
Waikari is at the northern end of the Weka Pass vintage railway amongst intriguing limestone outcrops of which Frog Rock protruding over SH7 is most prominent. View ancient drawings set into the limestone as well as stunning vistas on the Weka Pass Walkway. From Waikari Village Green, The Waikari Walkway follows the old railway track behind Waikari village to Hawarden.
Close by is Pyramid Valley, named after the limestone outcrops which line the eastern side of the valley. Around 4500 years ago the first Moa is believed to have wandered unknowingly into Pyramid Valley swamp. The Swamp became one of the most important scientific discoveries in New Zealand's history when Moa bones were discovered in 1938.
Click here for a PDF map of Hawarden and Waikari
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