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Whether you’re after relaxation or exhilaration, Hanmer Springs delivers. Once a farm-servicing centre, this tranquil alpine village combines the best of each option when it comes to choosing a holiday destination. Hanmer Springs has a top-class thermal retreat and an enviable variety of adrenalin-pumping activities, so there’s nothing to stop you from experiencing New Zealand in a wholly unique way.
When you arrive in Hanmer Springs, nestled in a high-country basin 385m above sea level and flanked by towering mountains, your first task is the most difficult of your stay here – deciding which activities you want to partake in!
While a huge drawcard to the area is the highly acclaimed Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, there’s much more to do here than relax away the day – there’s also plenty of time for a soak at the end of an adventure-filled day.
Get out and about before lunchtime...
If you’re keen to get your adrenalin pumping before luxuriating in hot pools, why not give bungy jumping at Hanmer’s historic bridge a go?
Be first in line to take the plunge with Thrillseekers Adventures Hanmer Springs. There’s nothing like plunging off the 135-year-old Ferry Bridge for a thrill-inducing 35m free fall to the river canyon below. It’s as good a place as any to take a leap of faith (a giant one at that!) and you’ll carry away with you a memory to last a lifetime.
If you’re not really hot on the idea of hurtling off a bridge, then rafting the Waiau Gorge Canyon might be the way to go. The setting here is beyond stunning – the pink marble rock and surrounding countryside make spending a morning on the river something special indeed. With knowledgeable and qualified guides along for the ride, you’ll take in not only the beauty around you, but information about the area as well!
Afternoon delights...
After a morning of hurling yourself off a bridge or rafting in the Waiau Gorge Canyon, lunchtime beckons. Hanmer Springs is home to many cafés and restaurants, so finding sustenance is an easy task. Make sure your tank is well fuelled though, because an afternoon outdoors is on the cards!
Whether you’re keen on a pleasant stroll or a challenging tramp, Hanmer Springs has a series of walks to suit all occasions and needs. There are several walkways through the village that link with nearby Hanmer Forest, which is gifted with a bucketload of tracks.
The forest has some of New Zealand’s oldest plantings, with both native and exotic tree species dating back to the early 1900s. These coexist with lively bird and aquatic life – waterfalls, lookouts, streams and ponds are also among the sights to keep watch for.
Walks here range from only a few minutes (to reach that perfect picnic spot) to various one to two-hour strolls and half or full-day tramps.
Some of the many walks available include:
- Woodland Walk (one hour return): As well as exotic trees, points of interest include ponds and their aquatic life, wetland and a stream.
- Conical Hill Walk (one hour return): Note the exotic plants as you climb to the 550m summit of Conical Hill, which presents outstanding views.
- Forest Journey (one and a half hours return): Pines, poplar and larch are included on this route; you’ll also encounter footbridges and a cottage.
- Waterfall Track (two-and-a-half hours return):Pass through beech forest on the way to the 41m-high Dog Stream Waterfall.
- Mt Isobel Track(six-and-a-half hours return): The highlight of this journey is the view of Hanmer Basin atop the summit of Mt Isobel (1324m).
A good way to decide on which walk suits you best is to pick up a brochure and map from the Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre – and talk to someone there as well; they’re full of insider information and willing to help. As always, make sure you are well equipped to undertake a forest walk. Sturdy shoes and water are essential.
When night falls...
After a morning of adventure and an afternoon getting in tune with nature take some time to truly relax, unwind and indulge at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. It offers one of the best outdoor thermal retreats you’ll find anywhere, and you can enjoy the natural thermal water, pure air and surrounding mountains all year round.
There are nine open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private thermal pools, so you can discover the healing qualities in 33-degree warmth, or turn up the heat to 42 degrees Celsius. A family activity area features a heated pool with water slides – spectacular mountain views enhance the experience.
For greater indulgence it’s well worth treating yourself at The Spa where massages and beauty treatments ensure the perfect pampering experience. Go all out and make your 24 hours in Hanmer Springs truly memorable – you deserve it!
Read other great articles in our new Interactive Travel Magazine "Use Your Feet".
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