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Hanmer Springs: Where Alpine Village Meets Outdoor Adventure
Known for its thermal pools and spa, picturesque landscapes, and boutique shopping, Hanmer Springs is situated in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Hiking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter makes this Alpine resort town a popular year-round destination. Guests visit for the day, often via the 90-minute drive from Christchurch, or stay for a while to soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Freedom camping is often the accommodation of choice but if you prefer more comfortable surroundings, the town has an excellent choice of hotels and motels as well as B&Bs, vacation rentals, and family-friendly holiday parks.
Enjoy the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
For many guests, one of the highlights of a stay in Hanmer Springs is the chance to visit the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. This tourist destination started life as a simple bathing pool in the mid-1800s and is now a landmark attraction that welcomes more than half a million visitors annually. You can take life at your own pace here - relax in the open-air mineral, aqua therapy, and hexagonal pools while enjoying views of Mount Isobel and Conical Hill, enjoy a private sauna and steam room session, or crank up the pace and take on the attraction’s water playground, hydro slides, and 15-metre Super Bowl ride. A luxurious day spa, a lazy river and an on-site cafe round off the amenities, making for an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Outdoor Adventure on the Doorstep
Outdoor adventure is part of the package here. In the summer, you can kick things off with a trip to Heritage Forest where the winding trails to the lookout point take between 30 and 90 minutes to hike. If you don’t fancy going on foot, mountain biking and horse-riding is also on offer. To the south of Hanmer Springs, Waihi Gorge offer salmon and trout fishing, white-water rafting, and bungee jumping from the Ferry Bridge. Golfers can head to the historic Hanmer Springs Golf Course to enjoy 18 holes and mountain views while, in the surrounding backcountry, hunters will find an abundance of chamois, geese and ducks. The winter months offer different but equally enticing activities. Thrill seekers can carve up nearby Mount St Patrick on snowboards or skis. Groomed trails for novices perfectly complement adventurous off-piste areas for experienced skiers. Shuttles run daily from Hanmer Springs direct to the ski area.
Shopping and Dining in Hanmer Springs
When it’s time to take a break, head to Main Street in the village centre for a spot of shopping. You’ll find everything from contemporary clothing and boutique jewellery to decadent gift ideas and sweet treats on offer, so you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir of your stay. If you’ve chosen to stay in a vacation home as opposed to a hotel, you may also wish to stock up on supplies at the handy supermarket. Prefer to eat out? Numerous dining options can also be found along Main Street and whether you fancy something to grab and go, a quick bite to eat in an alfresco cafe, or a fine dining experience in an upmarket restaurant, you’ll find something to suit every taste. As night falls, the bars along Main Street provide the perfect setting to enjoy a tipple of your favourite something with your favourite people. And why not discover a new favourite drink at the nearby Marble Point Winery on Lewis Pass, one of the highest altitude vineyards in New Zealand.
Endless Fun for the Whole Family
While white-water rafting and bungee jumping won’t be to everyone’s tastes, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy in and around Hanmer Springs. Start by heading to the Hanmer Springs Animal Park to hand feed the animals in a tranquil environment then enjoy an afternoon of themed mini golf at Alpine Crazy Putt. Be sure to hop in your hire car to explore nearby Hurunui. Popular activities include family picnics in the Balmoral Reserve and St Anne’s Lagoon, taking in the 360-degree panoramic views from Mount Grey, checking out the bird aviary in Chamberlain Park, and relaxing on Motunau Beach. And if you fancy a scenic drive without cries of ‘are we there yet?’ coming from the back, the Gore Bay Tourist Drive offers the chance to explore historic Port Robinson, admire the stunning Cathedral Cliffs, and try your hand at surfing at Gore Bay.