Hanmer Springs, Christchurch (2024) - Images, Timings

Hanmer Springs, Christchurch Overview

Hanmer Springs is a small town in Canterbury, New Zealand which is famous for its hot pools complex and the range of outdoor activities offered to the tourists and the locals who often visit the town for a weekend off or during holidays. Activities like skiing and snowboarding are most popular during the winter season. The Alpine village is very scenic, and the natural beauty of the town can be observed and enjoyed via the airline services offered for the very same purpose.

It was named after Thomas Hanmer, who was one of the owners of the Hawkeswood Station in the 1850s. The town was discovered because of its hot springs in 1859 by William Jones and gained popularity amongst the locals once the bridge over the Waiau River was constructed in 1864 for easy access to the small village. The town is located 130 kilometers northwest of Christchurch and 65 kilometers southwest of Kaikoura in the Hurunui district, at the base of conical hill.

Best Time to Visit

Hanmer Springs is a small, peaceful town with tons of activities that can be enjoyed all throughout the year, but it is best advised to visit the place from the month of December to March, as the weather is warmest during these months. Summer season is ideally the best time to visit the town as the beaches and the various adventure sports can be enjoyed to their fullest.

Winter season is also not a bad time to visit as the famous thermal springs remain open every day throughout the year, and it would be the best time for a warm dip or a stroll through the markets in the cool weather.

Getting Around

Being a small town, it is very easy to travel within Hanmer Springs, given the proximity of the various attractions to each other and also to other cities.
A popular touring route is the Alpine Pacific Touring Route, that stretches from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs to the Waipara Valley and ends at Kaikōura over a distance of 450 kms.
Both private and public means of transportation are available for getting around the town.
The cheapest mode of travel would be the bus services in town.
The Backpacker buses being used most frequently, provides day tripping services from Christchurch.
Visitors can also opt for car rental services, including station wagons and mini buses.
For travelers who are going solo or in pairs, the inter-island ferry and train services, Scenic South Island Rail, are most recommended.
Motorbikes can be rented too, from the South Pacific Motorcycle Rental Company who offers various high-end brands of motorbikes.
Apart from these, visitors can also choose to go for the gold band taxis available in town.

Things to Do

Adventure sports - Hanmer Springs Attractions offers various outdoor adventure sports like rafting, jet boating, quad biking, bungee, off-road buggy, canoeing, clay bird shooting, paintballing and helicopter tours to those who visit. Each activity levies separate fee amounts for children and adults both.
Bungee Jumping - Visitors are made to jump from 35 metres above the river from the Ferry Bridge at a cost of NZD 169 for one adult or one child and NZD 338 for tandem jumping.
Jet Boating - First introduced in New Zealand, comes with memorable photographs along with the rides, at a cost of NZD 125 for one adult, NZD 70 for one child (3-13 years of age) and variable pricing for combinations of adults and children.
River Rafting - The picturesque river rafting trips last for two hours each, with a maximum of eight people on one raft. The fee for the same is NZD 169 for one adult, NZD 99 for one child (6-13 years of age) and varying prices for different combinations of adults and children.
Quad Biking - Visitors can also go quad biking for two hours per ride, at a cost of NZD 169 for one adult and NZD 99 for one child. The minimum age for a child riding solo is 12 years of age and 6 years if riding as a passenger.
Hot Springs - Apart from the adventure sports, visitors can also choose to relax and unwind at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, which is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on all days.

How To Reach Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs lies at a distance of an hour and a half from the Christchurch International Airport, with both domestic and international airlines bringing travelers to Christchurch.
Only two domestic airlines fly to and from Christchurch- Air New Zealand and Jetstar.
The Hanmer Springs Shuttle services can be availed to travel to and from the airport, provided the seats are booked in advance as the shuttle operates in accordance with flight timings.
An alternative would be Hanmer Connection services, which provide shuttle rides to and from the Christchurch International Airport as well as Christchurch City.
Visitors can also opt for car rental services that are available all over the South Island. Companies like Avis, Budget, Hertz, EuropCar and many more are ready for hire from the Christchurch International Airport.
Apart from car services, companies like Apollo, Maui, Pacific Horizon, etc. offer campervans that can be rented by the visitors.
Hanmer Adventure and Canterbury Charters provide ski shuttle and one-way shuttle services from Christchurch respectively.