Intrepid Town: Hanmer Springs

When William Jones noticed fog rising from a walking track in Hanmer in 1859, he had no idea he'd literally stumbled across what would become the area's key tourist attraction. Historically, the springs are believed to be known to Maori. A Maori legend tells of Tamatea calling on the Ariki of the Northern Volcanoes, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe to save his party from freezing on their return to the North Island, after their canoe was wrecked off the Otago Coast. The Ariki answered by sending flames down the Wanganui River and across to Nelson, where they rose in the air, dropping a piece off in Hanmer Springs. This gave rise to the hot springs, known as “Te Whakatakaka O Te Ngarehu O Ahi Tamatea” – where the ashes of Tamatea’s fire lay.

Hanmer Springs, as it is now known, has been enjoyed by visitors for 123 years. The thermal resources in the area were discovered in 1859. However, early development was hindered by the inaccessibility of the region and it was another 20 years before the springs were developed, with the construction of an iron bathing shed and appointment of a manager in 1879. In the early period, use of the pools was closely linked to the activities of the historical octagonal buildings of the Queen Mary Hospital. The Hospital provided recuperation of the solders returning from war and relief for the arthritic and disabled. The Queen Mary Hospital in recent times has been the South Islands leading drug rehabilitation clinic, but in 2003 was turned into a spa resort.

Strap on your helmets

It's not just the thermal waters drawing visitors to this popular town. The Waiau River is its next-door, and has turned this relaxing spa town into an adventure destination. The Waiau River plays host to jet boating, rafting, clay bird shooting, off-road karting, paintball and kayaking. There is also Fantastic horse riding over the southern high-country, bungy jumping, 4WD quad biking, and eight-wheel ‘Argo Adventures.’ There is something for all levels and ages, and something all year round. In winter, there are two skifields operating, ‘Hanmer Springs Skifield’ and ‘Mount Lyford’. Both fields are an easy 40 minutes drive from Hanmer Springs. And are both small scale fields with rope tows and poma lifts. In a good season with lots of snow there is some fabulous skiing. Both fields cater for all stages of skiers, especially intermediate graded skiers. While all the main runs are groomed there's still plenty of virgin snow left for the experts and the more adventurous to enjoy. They are not big fields, therefore overcrowding, overpricing, and running to a strict timetable should not be an issue.

Off Road Action

For a unique and exciting way to view the stunning country side outside of Hanmer, look into a quad biking adventure that promises adventure and adrenaline. There are several companies located close to town, and the minimum age to ride a bike is 16. The quad bikes are automatic and suit all abilities, and younger kids can ride as passengers, or in some cases smaller bikes, as you follow farm tracks, cut through rivers and climb ridges, to explore the beauty of the area. If you’re not the walking type and like to try something new, give quad biking a go.

A word from local adventurer - Mark Inglis

Welcome to Hanmer Springs, Yes home for Anne and I, Molly, Meg (Golden Retrievers), Bailey (the cat) and all the family that visit! When you think Hanmer (yes that is Hanmer, not Hamner!) you think, I hope, the hot springs. People have been coming here for over 100 years for our hot springs, Hanmer has always been a place of healing, from the earliest Maori and Pakeha visitors to the springs, to the soldiers that came home from the wars, to all the people helped to overcome their addictions by the hospital that was at the core of Hanmer for so many years and now the vibrant outdoor life style that the town offers. People talk around the world about ‘Rotovegas’ (aka Rotorua) but they will soon be talking about ‘Hanmer Springs’ in the same way, a mountain biking mecca! It is rare to see a car come into town without a full bike rack and people that want not just a rejuvenating weekend but an inspiring one as well. So many of my friends live in places like Queenstown, awesome places to visit, you put a CD in the player as you arrive and turn it up but when you drive into Hanmer you, even I, turn the radio OFF! It is a place of healing, of mind and body, a place to reconnect to yourself and your family We have lived here for almost 6 years (well Anne has, I seem to only be home half the time), why? Actually for just that reason! Come, visit and experience it! Mark.

Did someone say hotpools?

Renowned for its postcard pictures of hot pools surrounded by snow, this small town is a tourist hotspot that attracts visitors from around the world. It’s a 90 minute drive north of Christchurch to the small alpine village, and Hanmer has a variety of accommodation options, massage and spa facilities, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as some boutique shops. Such a combination allows visitors a huge selection of activities or simply one of the most relaxing holidays you will ever have. Hanmer Springs is surrounded by hectares of native forests set in the northern section of the Southern Alps, with ample fresh air, which New Zealand is famous for.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa has something for everyone, with private and kid’s pools. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, it won Best Visitor Attraction in the New Zealand Tourism Awards. It’s a top spot for relaxing and also enjoying the great outdoors. The pools range in temperature from 33-42° Celsius, perfect for soothing away aches and pains or for just unwinding. The Hanmer Springs geothermal water is drawn from a bore adjacent to the Reserve complex, providing natural water of the highest quality. At the spa complex trained professionals can give massages, detoxifying body wraps and aromatic facials. Close to the city centre, this is a must do for all visitors to Hanmer.

Tramping and Cycling Paradise

Tramping in Hanmer Springs is world class, with numerous tracks close by in the Hanmer Forest Conservation Park. Nelson Lakes National Park is further away, but provides longer and more variety in tramping tracks. Both parks are managed, and well looked after by the Department of Conservation. In the Hanmer Forest there are streams, waterfalls and mountains to explore on foot, while Nelson Lakes boasts some beautiful mountain ranges that soar over the stunning lakes of Rotoroa and Rotoiti, which give the park its name. The northern section of the Southern Alps are always in view in both parks, and you feel dwarfed in their presence as they tower above the landscape. Native and introduced forests cover the hills in dark lush green, and tussock covers higher alpine areas. Countless mountain bike tracks are set out on old forestry roads through the Hanmer forest and are good for learners, but more experienced riders can travel to Jacks and Jollies passes which offer 25km of up and downhill tracks which take between 3-5 hours to complete. There is no mountain biking allowed in the Nelson Lakes National Park.