HANMER SPRINGS BIKE RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Giant Kubb in Hanmer Springs: Sweden’s ‘Viking Chess’ packed for the lawn
A portable Giant Kubb kit rented from Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre—perfect for team play, available for 4-hour or 8-hour/overnight hire.
Giant Kubb in Hanmer Springs: Sweden’s ‘Viking Chess’ packed for the lawn.
Adventure brief
Giant Kubb in Hanmer Springs: Sweden’s ‘Viking Chess’ packed for the lawn
Kubb—often called 'Viking Chess'—arrives in Hanmer Springs as a simple, social outdoor game: form two teams, set up your pitch and use throwing batons to topple your opponent’s blocks, then take down the King to claim victory. The Giant Kubb kit comes complete in a sturdy wooden crate with rope handles, making it an easy addition to a park afternoon, a riverside picnic or a backyard gathering.
Hanmer Springs, located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for its natural hot springs and dramatic alpine scenery. At the heart of this outdoor playground, the Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre offers a unique twist to active recreation with Giant Kubb — the oversized Swedish lawn game often nicknamed 'Viking Chess.' Unlike traditional high-octane adventures, Giant Kubb invites groups to engage in strategic, social competition that combines precision throwing and tactical play. The game consists of wooden blocks and batons, packed neatly in a sturdy crate, making it an ideal addition to a sunny afternoon on the grass or lakeside.
Set against the backdrop of Hanmer’s lush parks and green open spaces, Giant Kubb extends the outdoor experience beyond hiking and water sports, offering something accessible to all ages and abilities. Its easy-to-learn rules foster friendly rivalry as teams aim to topple their opponent's blocks and ultimately the King piece to claim victory. The game's physical simplicity belies the mental challenge, making it an attractive option for families, friends, or corporate groups looking to connect and unwind in nature.
The Adventure Centre stands out in the local outdoor recreation scene by diversifying options, blending active play with social enjoyment. While Hanmer Springs attracts visitors for its geothermal pools and rugged mountains, Giant Kubb encourages quality time in open-air settings without complicated gear or strenuous exertion. This makes it a perfect complement to the region’s adventure offerings, especially for those who seek fun and relaxation after a day in the outdoors.
With flexible rental periods—four hours or overnight—players can tailor the experience around their schedule. Whether it’s a casual contest on a summer afternoon or an energizing break between hikes, Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre’s Giant Kubb rental delivers memorable moments backed by straightforward, user-friendly equipment. It’s a game that effortlessly fits the spirit of Hanmer Springs: fresh air, friendly competition, and time spent well outside.
Route Schematic
Play sequence and practical stops
A simple sequence: arrival, setup, play, pack and return.
Unpack and read the instructions
Open the wooden crate, review the full instructions included with the kit and lay out field markers and kubb pieces to establish the pitch.
Form teams and play
Divide into two teams, take turns throwing the batons to topple field kubbs and ultimately knock over the King to win the match.
Pack away and return
Collect the pieces into the crate for transport; if hired overnight, the kit must be returned by 10am the following day.
The game is described as suitable for all ages; players should follow the included instructions and pack the kit back into its crate for return—operators may require adherence to hire durations and return times.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Family-friendly, social play
Kubb is described as suitable for all ages—teams and players of mixed ages can take part, which makes the Giant Kubb hire a straightforward option for family groups and mixed-age gatherings.
Flexible hire windows
Hire options include a 4-hour rental or an 8-hour/overnight hire, giving you the choice of a short session or an extended play period.
Ready-to-go crate with full kit
The Giant Kubb set is packed in an easy-to-carry wooden crate with rope handles and includes a King, field kubb pieces, throwing batons, field markers and full instructions for setup and play.
What the day feels like
What the game feels like
Play is deliberate and social: teams line up, throw batons at field kubbs to weaken an opponent’s defences and then aim for the King; the rules and pieces are included in the kit so setup and game flow are immediate. The wooden crate design keeps pieces organized for transport and repeat plays.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hire suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Hire durations available are 4 hours or 8 hours/overnight; if you choose overnight hire, the kit must be returned by 10am the next day.
The kit includes all game pieces and full instructions in a wooden crate with rope handles; bring a flat, open space to set up the pitch.
The Giant Kubb set is packed in an easy-to-carry wooden crate (35cm L × 24cm H × 25.5cm W) for transport—plan vehicle space accordingly.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I hire Giant Kubb for?
Hire options are for 4 hours or 8 hours/overnight.
What pieces come in the Giant Kubb kit?
The kit includes 1 × King (30cm × 9cm), 10 × field kubb pieces (15cm × 7cm), 6 × throwing batons (30cm × 4.5cm), 4 × field markers (30cm × 2cm) and full instructions, all packed in a wooden crate.
Are instructions provided?
Yes—Giant Kubb comes with full instructions included in the crate.
Is Giant Kubb suitable for children?
Yes—the hire is described as suitable for all ages.
If I hire overnight, when do I need to return the kit?
If rented overnight, the game must be returned by 10am.
How is the kit transported?
The pieces are packed in a sturdy wooden crate with rope handles designed for easy storage and transport.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T01:15:51.117Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.