Hanmer Heritage Forest Trust

Hanmer Heritage Forest Trust is a beautiful forest located in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand.

Established in 1901 by the government on former Thermal Reserve land, the forest covers an area of 250 hectares and is home to a variety of trees such as Western hemlock, Lawson’s Cypress, Japanese cypresses, giant fir, Atlas cedar, and laburnum, all of which were planted around 1910. The forest is now privately owned by Ngai Tahu, but a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2008 by Matariki Forests, Hanmer Heritage Trust, and the Hurunui District Council that protected the ongoing right for public access to the Hanmer Springs Forest.

The forest provides many walking trails, and there are three walks that start at Herdmans Avenue across the road from the Hanmer Forest entrance car park. The Conical Hill walk is a popular trail that ascends to the 550-meter summit and provides a panoramic view of Hanmer Springs. The walk is worth the effort as the views from the top are stunning. The trail is surrounded by a variety of trees, and there is a shelter at the summit that provides protection from the weather. A plaque at the shelter commemorates the role of Duncan Rutherford (1853–1917) has had in Hanmer Springs.

The forest is criss-crossed with recreational tracks for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. If you're looking for an all-day adventure, the Mount Isobel track is a great option. The track is 16 km long and takes around 6-8 hours to complete. The track is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are worth it. In 2008, the Hurunui District Council became responsible for the maintenance of the tracks within the forest. The council has done an excellent job of maintaining the tracks, and they are well signposted and easy to follow. The forest is a great place to spend a day exploring, and there is something for everyone, whether you're looking for a short walk or a challenging hike.