Hanmer Springs Alpine Village

The tiny Alpine Village of Hanmer Springs has a hold of my heart. As picturesque as a postcard it hides a 90-minute drive from Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand, making it the ideal spot for a day trip from the city, or a few days of mountain bliss. Hanmer is the perfect spot to spend a few days immersed in natural beauty and recharging those batteries…but it hides a few surprises of its own keeping the thrill seekers happy with bungy jumping, jet boating, river rafting, adventure cycling, skiing and more!

Natural Hot Springs – Is This Heaven?

This is what put Hanmer Springs on the map, the discovery and subsequent development of the naturally occurring thermal hot springs. Starting with humble pools for the weary visitor to soak in, Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort has developed into a water wonderland of hot pools, sulphur pools, therapy pools and a beautifully created river flowing through, to a riot of crazy adventure slides, lazy river, lane pools and more! I’m happy to report that several of the pools explicitly exclude children, so you can fully relax away from the happy splashes of the young!

On site you’ll also find private pools available to book, saunas, and a full range of massage, pamper and beauty therapy options all waiting to make your holiday complete! A full range of food and drinks options are available in the café, so you’ll find everything you need to spend an hour or a full day.

Forest Walks

Walk into the forest for a view like this one

A trip to Hanmer Springs isn’t complete without some kind of forest walk, and you’ll be spoilt for choice. The classic Hanmer walk is a walk up Conical Hill, the iconic backdrop to the village – simply follow the main street right to it’s base where you’ll step off the footpath and onto the well-worn pine needle strewn, wide, dirt track, which will zig-sag you all the way up to a fabulous, sheltered, vantage point to look over the whole village below and miles beyond. I won’t lie to you, its not an easy stroll, but it is an even, consistent path to follow and both the very young and very old manage it fairly well.

If you’re looking for something on the flat, there are some stunning options. Look out for the Sculpture Walk, marked on maps and signposts as The Forest Amble – an easy, flat, wide, dirt path through the forest where you’ll periodically come across fabulous wooden sculptures of forest creatures both real and fanciful, it’s a delight and a great photo opportunity.

If you stop in at the visitor’s centre in the Hot Pools gift shop, you can pick up and map of many more walks in the area, including some much longer more challenging hikes, and a wonderful waterfall trail you’ll work hard to get to but is a treat to see.

Bungy Jumping

You’ll know about Bungy Jumping in Queenstown, but you may not know that Hanmer Springs boasts its own Bungy Jumping operation. You’ll arrive in Hanmer by road, crossing a narrow wooden bridge positioned high over the Waiau River. A glance to the right as you cross and you’ll see the Bungy Jumping platform waiting for you! If you’re lucky you might see someone taking the plunge – will it be you?

Jet Boating and River Rafting

Jet boating in spectacular surroundings

Not for the faint hearted but for an adrenaline rush and an unparalleled view of the stunning Waiau River, this is fantastic fun! You can book on the main street, at the bungy bridge as you come into town, or right here.

Mini-Golf, Maze, Markets, and Crazy Bikes!

Mini-Golf is all the go in Hanmer, and you’ll find at least two set-ups on the main street, one just as you’re coming into the township and one right in amongst the shops and bars.

You’ll also see a great maze giving a bit of an Indiana Jones vibe, and crazy bikes for hire on the main street.

Weekends often bring a small market to the main street, selling locally crafted goods from local people, its well worth the time to wander through their wares and pick up some useful, beautiful or tasty items to take away.

Eat

Being a popular holiday spot, you’ll find a full range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and a grocery store all on the main street. If you want a truly kiwi experience look out for the little caravan selling pies near the main intersection in front of the grassy picnic area. They sell everything from the traditional meat pie, to more outlandish and creative options to tempt your taste buds, and you can sit on the grass nearby to enjoy some people watching while you eat.

Stay

Check out Booking.com for everything from backpacker hostels to lovely hotels, but you’ll find the vast majority of accommodation in Hanmer Springs are modern motel complexes with onsite parking. There are several camp grounds and we’re fans of The Pines Holiday Park, they have basic but comfortable cabins and motel units and sites for tents and motorhomes. The owners are a fabulous, down-to-earth, kiwi couple full of helpful suggestions and a great sense of humour.

Getting There

Self-drive is the most popular option, and there are a plethora of companies offering short- or long-term car rental in Christchurch either at the airport or in the city.

Alternatively, you could book through a bus service here.

The Weather

Stunning in all weather

Being up in the mountains, the weather in Hanmer Springs is changeable and can be harsh. Summer days can be baking hot, but the nights are often still cool. Winter can bring snow and ice, and skiing opportunities in the mountains around. You’d best be prepared to wear layers, bring sunscreen, and check the weather forecast ahead of time.

So, what is the best weather to enjoy Hanmer Springs? Honestly, all of it. Hanmer Springs Village is simply stunning whether its shining in the sun with a huge, blue sky, or whether its shivering under a blanket of snow. Whatever time of year you’re around, the walks are breathtaking, the pools are heavenly, the locals are friendly, and you simply can’t go wrong.