Hanmer Springs
Nearby
Christchurch Akaroa Kaikoura Arthurs Pass Lake Tekapo Twizel Mt CookHanmer Springs: Understand
Population 840
Situated 136 km north of Christchurch, Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve offers a large outdoor complex were you can bath in natural geothermal pools. Hanmer Springs is set amongst a beautiful backdrop of mountains and valleys and is a wonderful place for outdoor activities.
Hanmer Springs: Getting In & Out
By plane:
Christchurch provides the closest airport to Hanmer Springs.
Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.
By car:
From Christchurch, head north on State Highway 1, turning left onto State Highway 7. You’ll see signs on the main highway to turn right to get into the village itself.
From Kaikōura, head south on State Highway 1, turning right onto State Highway 7. You’ll see signs on the main highway to turn right to get into the village itself.
From Nelson, choose to head across to Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds (State Highway 6) and down to Kaikōura (State Highway 1). Or choose to go South to Murchison (State Highway 6), past Maruia (State Highway 65), then merging with State Highway 7. The turnoff to Hanmer will be on your left from State Highway 7.
By bus:
Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.
Hanmer Springs: See & Do
Hanmer forest offers many lovely scenic bush walks ranging from half an hour to all day, all beginning close to the Village Centre.
Some of the walks wind their way through stands of trees, in one of New Zealand oldest exotic forests. The nearby Conical Hill walkway offers spectacular views of Hanmer and the surrounding mountains. Other tourist attractions include horse trekking, 4 wheel drive tours, white water rafting/kayaking, Golf, mountain biking trips, Jet boat rides and more.
The Thermal Pools and Spa are what draws many kiwis to Hanmer for a getaway. Located in the center of the village, the hot springs are what gives Hanmer Springs it’s name. The pools range in temperature from 28-42° Celsius – there are twelve open-air thermal pools, three sulfur pools, six private indoor thermal pools plus a fresh-water, heated pool and family activity area. There is also a well-developed Spa for massages, facials, … the list goes on.
Hanmer Forest offers a number of enjoyable scenic bush walks ranging from half an hour to all day, all starting close to the Village Centre. Some of the walks wind their way through stands of trees, in one of New Zealand oldest exotic forests.
Conical Hill is a great small hike nearby! It takes about 45 minutes of steady hiking to get to the top, but you will be rewarded with spectacular, uninterrupted mountain views.
Mt Isobel is also easily accessible from the village. The summit is at 1,342 meters, and the time and distance of the climb vary depending on what route you take. We would recommend the Mt Isobel Track (5.5 – 6.5 hours return) – it is the most popular track to the summit. Begin at Clarence Valley Road car park and wander through European and Japanese larches before entering subalpine scrub and open grassland. Continue to the summit of Mt Isobel for panoramic views of Hanmer Basin and beyond.
Thrillseekers Hanmer Springs can get your heart-rate up, with Jetboat rides, Rafting, Ferry Bridge Bungy Jumping and Quad bike adventures.
Hanmer Springs: Eat & Drink
MK Restaurant serves incredible dumplings – it’s a fine dining experience. And desserts are delicious if you have room.
Also in the main village you’ll find Indian cuisine (Coriander’s & Malabar Restaurant), pub meals (O’Flynns and Montheiths) and Asian (Mr Yunan).
The Hanmer Bakery Cafe has some tasty treats.
Hanmer Springs: Sleep
Hanmer is a popular spot to own a holiday house, so be sure to check out Hanmer Holiday Homes or Airbnb for alternatives to below.
The Chalets Motel has 10 self-contained, separate timber chalets set in a quiet, sunny location boasting a large children’s play area and excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
Aspen Lodge Motel offers spacious, centrally located motels boasting LCD TV’s, Sky TV, 3 seater couches, fully equipped kitchens, complimentary WiFi Internet and DVD movies.
Heritage Hanmer Springs has a range of quality accommodation from hotel rooms to 3-bedroom villas, an outdoor swimming pool, set amongst mature trees and boasting superb alpine views.
Settlers Motel is luxury motel accommodation set in a peaceful, sunny location featuring well-appointed one or two bedroom suites with heat pumps, air-conditioning and free wifi.
Village Lake Apartments has luxury multi-bedroom apartments boasting king-size beds, designer kitchens, double spa baths and broadband Internet. Located a short walk from the hot pools.
Hanmer Inn Motel has quality, comfortable motel accommodation featuring studio, one and two bedroom units, located just two minutes walk from Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve.
Where to next?
Nearby in Canterbury:
Christchurch Akaroa Kaikoura Arthurs Pass Lake Tekapo Twizel Mt Cook
Nearby Regions:
Nelson-Marlborough West Coast Otago