Hanmer Springs approves Tarndale Park disc golf course design

The Hanmer Springs Community Board approved the design for a new nine-hole disc golf course at Tarndale Park on Monday, June 22, clearing the way for the sport to return to the North Canterbury town. Christchurch-based Vortica Disc Golf designed the layout, and the board’s sign-off let the project move ahead.

Hanmer Springs has been without a proper disc golf option since the former course at Brooke Dawson Reserve in Bath Street was found to be too heavily used for other activities. Tarndale Park sits near the town’s main entrance. Supporters have pushed for a low-cost, family-friendly option for children, beginners and travelling families who want something active without paying for a major attraction.

Board chair Alice Stielow said there had been strong online interest in the idea. Graham Frith, who has advocated for disc golf in Hanmer Springs for several years, welcomed the approval and said he was delighted the course would return to the area.

Community consultation on the proposal drew a positive response, with submitters calling for practical improvements around Tarndale Park as part of the build. Suggestions included toilets, more picnic tables, rubbish bins, and better parking and safety. The design was estimated in March 2026 at $3,550 plus GST, while the original installation estimate sat at about $50,000 plus GST, including a $6,000 contingency. Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the project would be loan funded and recovered through a targeted rate.

On June 23, the installation figure was cut to $19,930. That revised plan also included removing some vegetation to improve public safety, as recommended by Vortica. Canterbury already has 22 disc golf courses, including one that opened in Kaiapoi Domain last year, while North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust has also planned a course at Rangiora’s Coldstream Road sports hub.