The best of the east
Mt Lyford provides a sense of secluded paradise midway between the busy tourist towns of Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura. Our Lodges are set within one of New Zealand’s most spectacular outdoor playgrounds. Find some ideas for relaxation and action below.
Ski field
Mt Lyford Alpine Resort ski area is an ideal family field, offering a great learners area as well as challenging runs for intermediate and advanced skiers. The day lodge/restaurant and car park is centrally located. Equipment can be hired on site.
Walking tracks
Mt Lyford is known for its natural beauty with potential for bird watching, photography or just enjoying the native bush and alpine environment. Going for a walk is the ideal way to enjoy nature and the unique log houses dotted around.
Free Night sky experience
Once it’s dark find a comfortable spot outside. Lie back, relax with a blanket and watch the wonders above. Most nights you can see shooting stars, the Southern Cross, satellites passing overhead, planets, the Milky Way and even other galaxies all with the naked eye. All that’s required is some clear weather and preferably not a full moon.
To find your way around the dazzling heavens find your free Sky map app on Google Play, or the free SkyView lite in AppStore.
Playground jungle gym
There is a big jungle gym playground near the eco lodges. You will end up here if you take Irina’s Track. There is also a swing and slide at the council reserve at the top end of the village.
Have a picnic with a view
Take along your drinks and nibbles and enjoy the scenery from the reserve at the top of Mt Lyford village. Playground and toilet block are near so all necessities provided.
Road cycling
During your Hurunui Heartland and Alpine Pacific triangle cycle trip, stop for the night at Mt Lyford Holiday Homes and we will look after you, meals can be provided.
Adventure park
Mt Lyford Adventure park offers self-guided access with 27km of trails and roads to hike and bike on the mountain with breath taking views. A mountain access pass must be obtained per person ($).
Mt Lyford Lodge
During your stay enjoy the restaurant and bar of Mt Lyford Lodge, situated at the turn off from the Inland road. Contact them directly for reservations.
Local Events
Garden Tours
The Amuri offers some outstanding gardens for you to visit. Hurunui Garden Festival brings them all together in Spring. Enquire with us for potential and special deals on accommodation.
Fireworks
Visit this amazing local display to celebrate Guy Forks. Together with hundreds of people enjoying the evening at the rugby grounds. Loads of stalls and food to enjoy.
The Ride
This yearly motorbike trailride over local farmland is held in March. Max 500 daily riders enjoy a different course each day.
Further away
Waiau
www.waiaunz.com
Cob Cottage museum
Golf course
Historic church and jail
New swimming pool
In spring visit our amazing local gardens
Hanmer Springs
Explore the Hurunui Alpine Pacific Touring Route to take in the best of the region, including the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs, just under an hour away from Mt Lyford.
A place of relaxation and adventure Hanmer Springs is a premier Canterbury destination. Find your options here:
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Hot Pools & Resort
• Jet boating
• Bungy jumping
• Quad bike rides
• Hunting
• Wineries
• Maze
• Mini golf
Kaikoura
Set stunningly between majestic mountain ranges and the ocean, Kaikoura is one of the most bio-diverse marine environments in the world. Providing visitors with an opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife including, seals, dolphins and whales. The Maori name Kaikoura translates in English to “Crayfish Food” so it is little wonder that this town is a hotbed for seafood lovers.
The scenic 1 hr drive over the Inland road to Kaikoura is a must-do in its own right. It provides an easy daytrip to do:
• Whale watching
• Swimming with dolphins or seals
• Sea kayaking
• Fyffe house
• Maori tours
You can also plan the following attractions in your itinerary:
– Waipara Valley Vineyards ( www.waiparawine.co.nz ) tours available
• The Hanmer Fete – Hanmer Springs yearly pre-Christmas market day in October
• Art in a garden Hawarden flaxmere gardens open by appointment
• Weka Pass historic reserve
• Weka Pass railway