Things to see and do around Hanmer Springs

  • relaxing in Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

The main attraction of Hanmer Springs is undoubtedly the thermal pools, which have been developed into a wonderful family resort set in native bush with mineral-rich sulphur pools of with temperatures ranging from 28 to 42 degrees for complete revival and relaxation. But that's not all!!

Get the adrenalin pumping on Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder waterslides, or wind your way down the Superbowl on an exhilarating ride for 2 on a tube! The freshwater swimming pools are well suited for families with a lazy river, water slides, dumping bucket and waterfall. Smaller children have their own  AquaPlay area for water play and fun.

Relax in the cafe, private pools, saunas, steam baths, or book in a treatment at the day spa. 

A-Maze-N-Golf

Explore the Lost Temple Adventure Maze by collecting the clues and cracking the code of the Lost Temple.Make it out of the maze then head to the Gold Rush Mini Golf to play on the 18 hole themed mini golf course.

Get the COMBO (maze and mini golf) and SAVE every time. Not a Clubcard member? Receive half-price admission to A-Maze-N-Golf when you purchase a Clubcard in Hanmer Springs then 10% for all return visits. Located next to the park.

Hanmer Springs Village

Explore the heart of this top-class thermal treat. There really is something for everyone with a wonderful collection of cafes, restaurants and bars, bakeries, boutique shopping for clothing and shoes, lolly shop, find jewellery at the art gallery and a whole lot more. Try some locally crafted fudge or ice cream. 

There is also a supermarket, bottle store and pharmacy in the Village and a petrol station just before you reach Hanmer Springs.

Day Spa, Massage and Beauty at Hanmer Springs 

Be indulgent and pampered in the tranquil surrounds of our alpine village, choose from a raft of treatments. Relax and revive in Hanmer Springs. Ask our friendly team to give you some advice on options and where to go. Book your day-spa before you leave home.

Relax in our Wood-Fired Hot Tubs

If you're feeling like a relaxing soak, you don't even have to venture off the property - simply book yourself in for a session in our  woodfired hot tubs. Set amongst native plantings and Brushstix you will find our semi-private and super relaxing hot tubs. This is the perfect way to chill for an hour. Feed your own wood in to reach your optimum temperature or cool it down with the freshwater tap. Complimentary pool towels, chilled water and wine glasses provided at reception. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Forest Amble Walk and Fairy Doors

Explore the Heritage Forest next to the park and enjoy the Forest Amble Walk where you will find larger than life wooden sculptures hiding in the forest. Our enchanted woodland also has treasured fairy doors which are a hit with young and old. Ask at reception for directions.

Hanmer Springs Star Tours

The clear skies of Hanmer Springs with Manuka Skies - Star Gazing Tours is the place to contemplate the universe and check out stars, planets and galaxies. Put yourself in the hands of the experts and guides. Book a tour www.manukaskies.co.nz/booking and see the stars like never before.

Bungy Jumping

Are you seeking an adrenal rush and fancy free-falling off the historic 135-year-old Waiau River Bridge? If the answer is 'yes' you will find yourself falling 35m into the canyon with Hanmer Springs Adventures! There are various bungy options available.

Enquire about a combo deal packaging 2 to 4 activities - choose from Jet, Raft, Quad Bike and Bungy.

Jet Boat

Jetboat in the fast-flowing Waiau River canyon with Hanmer Springs Adventures, take in the stunning scenery, jet through narrow gorges on this braided river and experience the famous 360-degree spin.

River Rafting

Paddle a raft on the Waiau River canyon taking in the twist rock, water holes and faultline. If the water is clear see the salmon and trout as you float down the canyon.
 

Quad Biking

Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre offers fantastic quad biking for the family, come experience river crossings, hill climbs, the humps and bumps of Hanmer Basin - great fun for everyone. Explore rivers beds and high country farmland in a fun-filled 2.5 hours.

Canoes

A leisurely journey down a beautiful mountain river. Canoe in safe and durable inflatable canoes. This full-day trip is guided and includes picnic lunch and return by jet boat to your departure point. This leisurely day is suitable for couples, families and groups...

 

Llama Day Trips

Explore the countryside around Hanmer Springs by Llama. Take a day trip on a llama. Open from 1 October to 30 April each year.

Hanmer Springs Animal Park

This 2-acre farm setting is nestled amongst this 20-acre farm, enjoy the animals and wander freely amongst them in this relaxed setting. Take your own picnic or enjoy some snacks from here.

 

Clay Bird Shooting and Paintball 

Take aim and fire! This is an affordable and safe activity for families and groups. You can buy extra sets of paintballs at any point.

The Clay Bird Shooting is set on the braids of the Waiau River and is open to anyone over 16 years old.

Hanmer Springs Golf Course

Play a round on the beautifully treed greens of the century-old Hanmer Springs golf course and take in some of North Canterbury's finest views..
This is a reasonably flat, easy walking course suitable for all ages and abilities. The course is open everyday, and hires out golf clubs, trundlers and golf carts.

What could be better than a soak in the Thermal Pools after a round of golf?

Explore Molesworth Station

Molesworth Station is the size of Stewart Island - a vast 180 000 hectares making is New Zealand's largest farm combining farming, conservation and recreation and during summer months the Molesworth Station road is opened to the public. The landscape consists of rounded mountains, shingle screes, wide grasslands and steep hillsides in a harsh environment, making this a challenging environment for both stock and vegetation.
 

Amuri Ski Field

Just 17 km from Hanmer Springs and 40 minutes drive from Hanmer Springs this club field has skiing for everyone, especially the intermediate skier. This field offers ski/snowboard hire, lessons and a day lodge to relax in. Hot pies, chocolate, canned drinks and hot drinks available. Amuri offers a poma and 2 rope tows and all main slopes are groomed. 

Fishing For Trout and Salmon

Test your angling skills in the Waiau, Clarence and Hurunui rivers, where good-sized trout and salmon can be caught in season.
 

St James Walking and Cycling Track

Explore the remote alpine backcountry on the St James Conservation Area which covers 78 000 hectares of native beech, alpine tussock lands, rivers, lakes and mountains. This conservation area presents opportunities for walking, tramping, kayaking, hunting, fishing, horse riding and mountain biking. 

Hurunui Garden Festival

Hurunui Garden Festival is an annual event held the end of October / beginning of November. Visit private gardens from Hanmer Springs to Hawarden, and Amberley to Gore Bay. Check out the organised garden tours to save you having to plan... match this with a soak in the pools, cafes/restaurants, perhaps some shopping and a visit to a winery for an exquisite weekend away.
 

Hanmer Springs Fete

The Hanmer Springs Fete is held on the Friday before the Hurunui Garden Festival is held in the grounds of the iconic Queen Mary Hospital grounds. It is a chance for Hanmer Springs to showcase New Zealand creativity, talent and ingenuity. Wander amongst stallholders and food stalls to the sound of live music. There really is something for everyone here, and it's a wonderful start to our garden festival weekend.

Hanmer Springs - a great place to visit any time of the year

Enjoy walks for the whole family and mountain bike trails for all sizes. A great place to visit at any time of the year; always popular during the summer, nothing better than snow in winter, as you soak up the heat of the thermal pools or enjoy the glorious autumn colours of the forests surrounding Hanmer Springs, the cool alpine air enhances the brightness of the autumn.