The pools have been publicly owned since 1883 when the Government Lands Department took over the development of the Thermal Pools area. The pools have grown from a simple bathing area to a multi-million dollar attraction that is still in public ownership, under the Hurunui District Council.
Winter in an alpine resort like Hanmer Springs is definitely the most spectacular time of year.
- Stay with us! Of course.
- Book regular sessions in our wood fired hot tubs. Again - of course!
- Enjoy the Thermal Pools and Spa.
- Head up Conical Hill.
- Dine out.
- Shop.
- Have fun in the Forest.
- Head to the Wineries.
11 Things to Do in Hanmer Springs on a Rainy Day
- Treat Yourself to a Spa Day or Hot Pools Session at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.
- Get Muddy on a Quad Bike Tour.
- Go White Water Rafting on the Waiau River.
- Paddle Down the Waiau River in an Inflatable Canoe.
- Check Out the Art Galleries.
Here's a simple guide on getting to Hanmer Springs:
- By Air: Hanmer Springs is a 90-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport and it is thus very easy to reach Hanmer Springs from Christchurch by air.
- Bus or Shuttle Transportation.
- Car or motorhome hire:
- Ski Shuttle.
The town is named after Thomas Hanmer, an owner of Hawkeswood Station near the Conway River during the 1850s. There is a statue of Thomas Hanmer in the center of Hanmer Springs. The locality was discovered for its hot springs by William Jones in early 1859.
With a resident population of approximately 1,000 Hanmer Springs lies on the northern route between Christchurch and the West Coast via the Lewis Pass.
On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 3 to 4 times per month.
What is the altitude of Hanmer Springs?
Winter hours: 10.00am to 7.00pm daily except Christmas Day, from Monday 26 July until Friday 1st October. Summer hours: 10.00am to 9.00pm daily from Saturday 2nd October.
There are 4 ways to get from Nelson to Hanmer Springs by bus, shuttle, car or plane
- Take the bus from Nelson i-SITE to Inangahua Junction Nelson - Greymouth.
- Take a shuttle bus from Inangahua Junction to Culverden.
Hanmer Springs water supply is filtered, treated with ultra-violet light and chlorinated. The water is tested for bacteria (Ecoli) weekly to ensure compliance with the non-bacterial requirement of the NZ Drinking standard.
No you don't need to pre-book to use the pools unless you are wishing to use a Private Thermal Pool. Booking a Private Thermal Pool can be done on arrival at reception, or by calling 0064 3 315 0000. There is a minimum 2 persons per booking and includes complimentary use of the outdoor pools.
There's little research on using saunas, jacuzzis, hot tubs and steam rooms during pregnancy. But it's advisable to avoid them because of the risks of overheating, dehydration and fainting. You're likely to feel warmer than normal during pregnancy.
The water in our thermal pools starts as snow and rain falling on the Hanmer Springs mountains almost 180 years ago. It seeps into the Greywacke basement rock and comes to rest in a reservoir some two kilometres underground, where it is warmed by heat radiating from the earth's core.
There is no direct connection from Wellington to Hanmer Springs. However, you can take the car ferry to Picton then take the drive to Hanmer Springs. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Picton, take the walk to Picton, take the train to Kaikoura, then take the drive to Hanmer Springs.
Hot springs are heated by geothermal heat—heat from the Earth's interior. In volcanic areas, water may come into contact with very hot rock heated by magma.
There is no direct connection from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Hanmer Springs. However, you can fly to Christchurch, take the walk to Christchurch International Airport, take the line 3 bus to Christchurch Hospital Main Stop EB, take the walk to Rolleston Ave, then take the bus to Hanmer Springs.
