Amberley: Beaches, Cycle Trail and Saturday Market

Amberley offers a variety of reasons to visit: walks on the beach, a bike ride across the normally dry bed of the Kowai River, and a Saturday market held throughout the year. There is also a central park with play equipment, as well as sports facilities at the Recreation Reserve. You can combine different experiences on your trip or focus on the beach, outdoor activities or local market life.

Park and history in the centre

Chamberlain Park is in the centre of Amberley, on the western side of State Highway 1. The park is home to a historic mud-brick house dating from the mid-19th century. The aviary houses several exotic birds and is managed by an Aviary Trust. The park brings together a nature experience and a piece of local history in one place.

At Chamberlain Park, you can have a picnic, go for a walk, play ball or use the play equipment. If you're travelling with children, the range of options offers ideas for a shared break outdoors. The historic building and aviary provide a different focus from the active play options in the park.

Beach, river mouth and cycle trail

Amberley's beaches are part of Northern Pegasus Bay. At Amberley Beach, you can go for a walk or fish, with views of the mountains to the north and south. A short path from there leads to the mouth of the Waipara River. A beach walk and a detour to the river mouth are two ways to experience the coast.

The Amberley Area Cycle Trail also leads to Amberley. Along the way, it passes through a scenic farm and crosses the normally dry bed of the Kowai River. In Amberley, the trail ends at the corner of State Highway 1 and Grays Road. The details about the river bed and the endpoint help you plan a bike ride; no route distance is specified.

Sport and outdoor activities

Amberley Recreation Reserve brings together several sporting options, with facilities for tennis, netball, rugby, squash and bowls. A 1.3 km circuit also runs through the reserve and can be used for walking or running. A large area is dog-friendly. Whether you prefer a walk, a run or a particular sport, you'll find a range of ways to spend time actively here.

Amberley Golf Club, with its 18-hole course, is also located at Amberley Beach. MainPower Amberley Swimming Pool is a public five-lane swimming pool on Douglas Road in Amberley. Golf, swimming and activities at the reserve add more options to experiences on the beach and cycle trail.

Market and local events

The Amberley Farmers Market is held year-round every Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm in front of the Hurunui District Council buildings. The market is in the centre of Amberley, beside State Highway 1. It offers fresh local produce and handmade products, and attracts both locals and visitors. If you'd like to discover local products, you can include a visit to the market in your plans for a Saturday.

The one-day Amberley A & P Show includes classes for horses, livestock, household dogs, handicrafts, art, cooking and regional produce. It brings together a range of themes from agriculture, crafts and local life. The Charles Upham Statue, a bronze sculpture, also stands in front of the Hurunui District Council buildings.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Amberley, you could start by considering which experiences matter most to you: the beach and the path to the Waipara River mouth, the cycle trail, the market or sporting activities. Amberley's different facets provide a practical basis for deciding what kind of stay you're looking for.

Also discover Gore Bay, Leithfield, Hawarden, Hanmer Springs, Cheviot and Lyford.

For the broader travel guide: Hurunui District.