Hanmer Springs – Alpine Relaxation & Adventure

Hanmer Springs is a charming alpine village known for its world-famous thermal hot pools and crisp mountain air. Nestled among forests and surrounded by the Southern Alps, it’s the kind of place where you can spend your morning hiking through pine-clad hills, your afternoon soaking in steaming mineral pools and your evening enjoying a hearty meal by a log fire.

Why Visit Hanmer Springs?

Hanmer Springs is more than just a hot pool stop — it’s a place where wellbeing and adventure meet. The thermal waters have been a drawcard for centuries, offering visitors the chance to soak and rejuvenate. At the same time, the surrounding mountains and forests create a natural playground for walkers, bikers and adrenaline junkies. Whether you’re chasing thrills on a jet boat or seeking quiet moments among the trees, Hanmer Springs offers a unique balance that few destinations achieve.

Top Things to Do

Hanmer Springs is a place where you can slow down or step it up depending on your mood. From soaking in steaming hot pools to chasing adventure on rivers and trails, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.

• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa – The star attraction. Relax in natural mineral waters, try the sulphur pools or book a massage at the spa. Families love the hydroslides, while couples can enjoy private pools.
• Forest Walks & Bike Trails – Explore Hanmer Forest with its tall redwoods, gentle riverside paths and well-marked mountain biking routes. Trails range from short strolls to longer hikes with sweeping alpine views.
• Adventure Sports – If it’s thrills you’re after, you’ll find plenty here. Jet boating, quad biking, bungy jumping and white-water rafting all add a dose of adrenaline to your stay.
• Hanmer Springs Animal Park – A family favourite where you can feed farm animals, meet llamas and wallabies and relax at the on-site café.

✨ Ready to soak, stroll, or seek thrills? Book your Hanmer Springs experience today.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re after luxury, family-friendly comfort or a romantic hideaway, Hanmer Springs has stays to suit every traveller.

• Heritage Hanmer Springs – Set in an elegant heritage building right in the heart of the village, this hotel combines old-world charm with modern comfort. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, beautiful gardens and mountain views just steps from the hot pools.
• Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park – A favourite for campervanners and families. The park offers powered sites, cabins and motel units, plus great facilities like BBQ areas and a playground, all within walking distance of the village centre.
• Scarborough Lodge – A cosy, boutique lodge designed with couples in mind. Each suite comes with its own private courtyard and spa bath, making it perfect for a quiet, romantic escape.

✨ Ready to relax? Book your Hanmer Springs accommodation here.

Where to Eat

Hanmer Springs may be a small alpine village, but it has a surprisingly vibrant food scene. From cosy cafés serving hearty breakfasts to elegant restaurants perfect for a romantic dinner, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your appetite after a soak in the pools or a day on the trails.

• No. 31 Restaurant & Bar – locally loved fine dining with a relaxed vibe.
• MK Restaurant – modern Asian-fusion flavours.
• Powerhouse Café – great for breakfast or a casual lunch.

✨ Hungry after a soak? Explore Hanmer Springs restaurants and cafés here.

Travel Tips

• Getting There – Hanmer Springs is just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, making it an easy day trip or weekend escape. If you’re coming from Kaikōura, the drive takes about 2 hours through scenic inland roads. Having your own car or campervan gives you the most flexibility, but shuttle services also run from Christchurch.
• Best Time to Visit – Winter is magical with snow-dusted mountains and steaming pools, while summer brings clear skies and endless outdoor adventures.
• Pool Planning – Visit the thermal pools early morning or late afternoon for a quieter soak.
• What to Bring – Pack swimwear and a towel to save on hire fees, plus layers if you’re visiting in cooler months.

Fun Facts

• The thermal waters bubbling up in Hanmer Springs are naturally heated deep underground, creating the soothing pools that have drawn visitors here for generations.
• Hanmer Forest is one of the first exotic forests ever planted in Aotearoa – New Zealand, and today you can still wander beneath its towering redwoods and pines.
• Despite having fewer than 1,000 permanent residents, Hanmer Springs hosts thousands of visitors year-round, giving it a vibrant holiday atmosphere while still feeling like a small village.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.