This was our second visit to Hanmer Springs, the picturesque alpine town two hours north of Christchurch, New Zealand. Both trips have been in winter, and what I believe is the perfect season to visit. However, visitors do come in both winter for the winter sports and in Summer for mountain biking, tramping and getting their adrenaline fix jet boating or the like. You’ve probably heard about the natural hot springs too, and it might be the main reason for your trip. But, because Hanmer is more than the pools, here’s all the things you should do.
Did I mention we were here for our second wedding anniversary?! A rare photo of the both of us!
Getting to Hanmer
You pretty much need your own car if you’re heading to Hanmer Springs, as it’s too small for an airport and two hours from the nearest one. In saying that Hanmer Connection looks to be a company offering transfers from Christchurch. But I reckon, you’re better off driving the South Island (if you’re a competent driver) and checking out all the small towns and treasures on the way. This is on the road from Christchurch!
Explore the Shops
There’s a few cute shops lining the main street that are worth wondering through, even if you don’t have money to spend. They’re mainly clothing, homewares or giftware stores and boutique-y in nature. And don’t go past The Lolly Pot for your fix of aniseed balls or boiled sweets!
Head up to the Ski Field
Lots of people come to Hanmer for skiing, so head up to the Hamner Springs Ski Area. Take the turn off from Jollie’s Pass Road and enjoy the windy ascent up the mountain. Even if you’re not skiing, it’s worth a drive up to check out the views. Just make sure in winter you’re prepared for the icy conditions and take care when driving. When we did the road, we weren’t planning on skiing, but thought we’d fancy some snow. Turns out, the car only made it half way up before we had to turn around (with difficulty) and head back down to ‘dry’ land.
Eating out
It wouldn’t be one of our posts without talking about food. Hanmer has a few nice places to check out. For breakfast we recommend The Powerhouse Café, located in a historic power station building, or the newer Salt n Pepper who whipped up a mean brunch. For dinner, head to Saints or get takeaway pizza, it’s some of the best we’ve had. Ever.
Take a Walk
There’s heaps of different walks you can do for all abilities, including the Conical Hill Walk, Dog Stream Walk, or Woodland walk, which is a leisurely stroll through woodland, parklands and along Dog Stream itself. It’s a moderate walk, about 1 hour in length, accessed from Jollies Pass Road Carpark. Check out Hanmer Short Walks for more details.
And the Pools
It wouldn’t be a post on Hanmer Springs without a write up on the pools. They’re worth a visit – and I reckon at night is the way to go. There’s less kids, the outside air is crisper and well, you can’t be seen in your togs (swimming outfit)! Entry to the pools is $24 for an adult, or there’s options for multi-passes, either a same day return ($29), or a two-day pass ($49). While we didn’t check them out, there’s spas, private pools, water slides, or if you’re feeling flush, spa treatments available. You can easily spend two hours here in the evening, just make sure you’re got somewhere warm to go after. Sorry, no actual pool photos – I was bound to drop the camera if I took it in.
If you’re heading north from Hanmer Springs, make sure you’re heading to Kaikoura. Here’s a bit about that. Or if you’re on your way south, here’s some Queenstown tips and tricks for ya!