Hurunui District Council

Hurunui is one of New Zealand's most stunning and spectacular regions. Located on the east coast of the South Island an easy 40 minute drive north of Christchurch, our main office in Amberley is nestled at the entrance to the stunning Waipara wine region. Hurunui offers it all – rest and relaxation (including our internationally acclaimed Hanmer Springs Thermal Hot Pools & Spa), action and adventure, rural lifestyle and urban convenience. The Hurunui district begins at Leithfield just 35 minutes north of Christchurch, and extends to the Conway River south of the Kaikoura Peninsula. It is bordered on the west by the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and on the east by the rich oceanic waters of the Pacific. The Hurunui district is predominantly rural with a population of approximately 13,700 (2022). However, it offers something for everyone, lifestyle opportunities in rural communities or bigger townships, hiking in the hills, hunting or fishing, soaking in the hot pools in Hanmer Springs, skiing in the winter or enjoying a nice dinner and wine tasting in one of the many vineyards, we have it all At the council we look after the district’s roads and water, provide amenities like parks, libraries and pools and regulate activities in the district like planning, building and licensing. All these things contribute to the wellbeing of the people who live here so, whatever we do, we like to think we are helping make the Hurunui a better place for our residents.