Hawarden and Waikari are two pleasant rural townships with panoramic views of the Puketeraki and Kaikoura ranges.
Hawarden is home to the Flaxmere Gardens and is 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 and also 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.
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.
Click here for a PDF map of Hawarden and Waikari
