Hanmer Forest was developed initially in 1901 on 250 ha of former Thermal Reserve land in Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury, to provide timber for the Christchurch market. A mix of native and exotic trees were planted to evaluate how different species would perform under New Zealand conditions. Trees planted included black pine, Douglas Fir, Corsican Pine, Norway spruce, deciduous larch, alders in wet areas, and included oak and silver birch as amenity species. Subsequently the forest was extended with radiata pine to 5150 ha, and in 2000 passed into private ownership when North Canterbury Crown Forests were sold to Ngai Tahu as part of a Treaty of Waitangi Settlement. In 2008 Matariki Forests, Hanmer Heritage Trust and Hurunui District Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding that protected public access to the forest, with the Council taking over maintenance of tracks.
Entrance to the Forest Amble is at 100 Jollies Pass Road, Hanmer Springs. Note the dog sculpture in the centre of the picture.
There are walking tracks, bridle paths and mountain bike trails throughout the forest. The dog and creatures set out along the walking trail loop were sculptured by Andrew Lyons of Christchurch in 2018. Andrew used the natural colours and grains from a redwood tree which once grew outside the Hanmer Springs Thermal Spa and Pools. The works were commissioned by the Hanmer Forest Trust as a means of enhancing the public’s enjoyment of the forest. Financing was assisted by the Pub Charity and support for the project was provided by Ngai Tahu and Rayonier Matariki Forests as stakeholders.
The track through the trees is billed as a 30 minute easy stroll (hence the name Forest Amble), but I spent over an hour exploring the track and sculptures while taking photos and chatting with an Australian couple.
The “Follow the dog” sign referred to track markers consisting of red posts topped with a picture of the dog sculpture.
These two squirrels were the first to greet us on the walk.
As well as looking ahead down the trail I was continuously looking up into the forest canopy and spotted this group of fantails (which were missed by the Aussie couple).
Perching fantails do not usually continuously display a full spread of their tail feathers.
However, these were sculptures and thus the full tail display enhanced their presentation.
This bear cub was easy to spot.
He looked a bit lonely, maybe wondering “hey mum – how do I get down from up here?”
This tree climbing possum had all the gear —–
—– with his arborist’s harness, rope and hard hat.
Peek-a-boo. Who are you?
The cycle of forest life was well demonstrated via fallen and decaying older trees.
These mice seemed a little wary of the watching falcon.
My Aussie friends were not taking photos, so kept getting ahead of me as we progressed around the trail.
Not sure what material this guy was sculpted from.
Was Enid Blyton’s Brer Rabbit modelled on a Disney version as that shown below?
[Internet stock photo.]
A large 1 ha open area, originally planted in larch trees, was recently cleared (2020) for safety reasons and replanted with Californian coastal redwoods. These are expected to grow to some 115m high and 9m diameter and live 1200 to 1800 years barring hazards such as wind or fire.
Young redwoods are visible throughout the open area.
Nearing the end of the walk we passed a tuatara —–
—– and this owl ——
—– to find our dog taking a rest on a spare tree stump.
This forest art walk was a most peaceful place, full of surprises as we strolled through the great variety of tree species. A visit is highly recommended.
Leave a Reply