Board approves disc golf return to Hanmer Springs
Pictured from left to right - Boio Sarahu-Hothersall (HSCB), Graeme Shaw (Maintenance Team), Chris Hughey (HSCB), Alice Stielow (HSCB).
Hanmer Springs is set to welcome back a 9-hole disc golf course, with the Hanmer Springs Community Board (HSCB) approving the design and installation of a new course at Tarndale Park.
he approval for the design from Christchurch-based Vortica Disc Golf, was given at the HSCB meeting on Monday 22 June, with installation expected to get underway in July/August 2026. The new course will be located near the town's main entrance at Tarndale Park — a reserve that the board identified as an ideal setting for the activity, with its natural character complementing the wilderness feel of the surrounding area.
HSCB Chair Alice Stielow said the decision reflected sustained community interest and the board's commitment to improving recreational options in the township.
"The community response has been overwhelmingly positive and we're delighted to be bringing disc golf back to Hanmer Springs." Ms Stielow said.
The course relocates disc golf from its previous home at Brooke Dawson Reserve in Bath Street, where the activity had shared space with other heavily-used community facilities. Tarndale Park offers more suitable conditions for a dedicated course, with an emphasis on public safety. Some targeted vegetation removal will also be carried out to enhance playability and the overall experience.
Vortica Disc Golf is a New Zealand-owned specialist in disc golf course design and installation, with 13 South Island courses to their credit.
Disc golf is free to play and open to all ages and abilities — making it an accessible recreational option for Hanmer Springs residents and visitors alike. Players throw a disc and aim to complete each hole by landing in a basket target in as few throws as possible.
Hurunui District Council Chief Operations Officer Dan Harris said the project was a great example of a community board delivering for its community.
"The Hanmer Springs Community Board has worked hard to get this across the line — from community consultation through to securing a quality design from an experienced provider. Tarndale Park is an excellent choice of location, and we look forward to seeing the course in use later this year."
The design and installation is funded through the contestable fund, with an annual maintenance budget of $500 to be covered through the Hanmer Springs Amenities budget.
