Hanmer Springs

Wide open spaces, braided rivers, mountains and thermal pools; this region has it all.

Hanmer Springs is a pretty alpine resort town and lies 120 kilometers (80 miles) to the north of Christchurch. It is nestled in the picturesque Hanmer Forest Park and the foot of the Hanmer Range, and enjoys a climate of hot dry summers and cold winters.

Hanmer is noted mostly for its Thermal Reserve. Maori first discovered its hot springs, and later in the nineteenth century, the thermal pools became a popular sanatorium. Today, the picturesque reserve, set in a spectacular outdoor setting, has a range of thermal and fresh water pools, including a children’s pool with water slide. There is also a café and restaurant.

Hanmer Springs has some excellent walking tracks ranging from short hour long walks to more strenuous day walks. Many, such as the short Conical Hill walk, offer spectacular views over the town and surrounding countryside. The town and its environs also offer trout fishing and mountain biking, and there is bungy jumping and jet boating at the nearby Waiau River.

In the winter months Hanmer Springs becomes a ski resort. Skiers can try out the local ski fields on Mt St Patrick and the St James Ranges, and end their day with a soak in the soothing thermal pools.