Discover Hanmer Springs
The small alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs is a popular year-round holiday destination for its natural hot spring, adventure, and alpine setting. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and towering forests, the charming town has a great selection of cafes, restaurants and bars, and a boutique shopping area. The local thermal pools attract visitors seeking the benefits of its natural mineral waters and clean, clear alpine air.
Hanmer Springs is a base for skiiers in the winter months who visit the two skifields in the area: the Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mt Lyford.
The town is the gateway to the Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest farm. At over 1,800 km², the farm supports the country's biggest herd of cattle. Molesworth is a land of extremes. This vast landscape contains scree-scarred mountains, wide river valleys and tussock slopes. There are plenty of activities for visitors available by government permit including tramping, fishing, scenic driving, mountain biking and hunting. Camping is possible by permit only.
The St James Conservation Area is a 78,000 hectare reserve with exceptional natural features. Located on three mountain ranges, the area has exceptional recreation opportunities and natural features including glaciated valleys, glacial moraine deposits, streams, wetlands, lakes, and high-altitude tarns.
While staying in Hanmer Springs there is plenty to see and do. Jet boating, white water rafting and bungy jumping in the Waiau Gorge, mountain biking, quad biking and bush walking are common tourist activities.
By basing yourself at Hanmer Springs, there are several rivers nearby where you have a good chance of catching a trophy Brown Trout, a fish which is not able to be purchased commercially in New Zealand.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is set in a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains, the award-winning thermal pools offer visitors a wide range of experiences The best place to indulge, with a range of 22 outdoor thermal pools including the new cascades, relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, an array of water jets and bubbles - at a range of temperatures. Plus, a luxurious day spa with a range of treatments, private pools, sauna and steam rooms. It is also the best place to act like a kid, with New Zealand’s largest aquatic thrill ride, Conical Thrill, an activity pool, lap pool, lazy river, water slides, garden picnic areas and the Tea Kiosk Café & Grill.
Want to try something new? A llama trek with Hanmer Llamas is certainly a unique experience. From day walks to multi day scenic wilderness camps or fishing tours, relaxation or adventure, Hanmer Llama guided tours have something to suit everybody. Choose your llama and load him up with your belongings, leaving you hands free to enjoy the surrounds as you stroll along varied scenic routes.
A unique range of accommodation in Hanmer Springs is available to visitors, including quality motel units in the town centre, individual chalets for couples and families, luxury holiday apartments, farmstays and fishing lodges.
