Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs is a stunning alpine village featuring a unique style of its own. It’s just a 90 minute scenic drive north of Christchurch.

The picturesque semi alpine village is surrounded by 17,000 ha of indigenous and exotic forests and makes it ideal for walks and wheelchair walks.

Getting there from Christchurch?

• The Hanmer Connection (shuttle bus service)
• Day excursions are also available out of Christchurch with Canterbury Trails Private Tours.

Got your own wheels? No? Rent a vehicle, and allow a little extra time to stop along the way.

Accommodation

Hanmer Springs accommodation includes comfortable bed and breakfasts, homestays, hotels and motels.

Things to do in and around Hanmer Springs

Unique to the South island, Hanmer Springs Alpine Thermal Village area lies at the base of the pristine Amuri Mountain range.

Stop at the Waimakariri River for a jetboat trip - turn off northern motorway to the right directly after the Waimakariri River Bridge, only 15 minutes from the city. Bookings are essential.

Continue north onto Kaiapoi and sail down the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers to the edge of the South Pacific Ocean onboard the MV Tuhoe, a fully restored historic ship. Bookings are essential, sailings on timetabled days or by charter.

Possible stops also at Amberley Cider Garden, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs vineyards as you continue north. Leave the Canterbury Plains behind and travel through Weka Pass from Waipara. For rail enthusiasts a visit to the Weka Pass Railway in Waipara is a must.

Arriving at Waikari, stop at the top of the hill opposite the Star & Garter Hotel and spend 1 1/2 hours viewing local Maori cave drawings, 45 minutes walk each way.

Another 12 kms towards Hanmer Springs lies the Historic Hurunui Hotel - worth a quick look. Travel across the Amuri Plains, an area that has recently developed with the arrival of agricultural irrigation.

At the main turn off to Hanmer Springs lies Thrillseekers Canyon where bungy jumping, jet boating and rafting are the main attractions with great cafe facilities and views for spectators. Bookings are not generally essential.

Once into the Hanmer Springs village a dip in the thermal pools is a must. The relaxing atmosphere in this recently redeveloped complex is charming amongst a landscape of rocks, trees and mountains.

Experience one of the many, many walkways in local exotic forestry or climb Conical Hill for a great view of Hanmer plains (half hour each way). Explore the historic Molesworth High Country Station on a four wheel drive safari.

If you are a golfer don’t forget to enjoy Hanmer Springs excellent 18 hole course. Call into the local Visitor information office for further activities which include horse trekking, mountain biking, fishing in the Waiau and Clarence Rivers or hunting for deer, chamois and wild pig in the nearby ranges.