Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs, a small town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island, experiences a substantial increase in population during holiday seasons, attracting around 520,000 people each year. This appealing location, located 130 kilometers northwest of Christchurch and 65 kilometers southwest of Kaikōura, attracts those in pursuit of both rest and adventure.

The Māori name of the settlement, Te Whakatakanga o te Ngārahu o teahi a Tamatea, translates to “where the ashes of Tamate’s fire lay,” referencing Tamatea, the commander of the canoe Tākitimu. This affluent cultural heritage enhances the town’s character, merging its contemporary allure with ancient Māori mythology.

Hanmer Springs is geographically situated at the base of Conical Hill, with Mount Isobel towering at 1,324 meters. The town’s position on a secondary road, about 9 kilometers north of State Highway 7, renders it an accessible yet hidden haven. The location along the northern route between Christchurch and the West Coast via Lewis Pass has greatly facilitated its evolution as a tourist resort.

The premier attraction of Hanmer Springs is unquestionably its famous hot pools. The history of these thermal springs exemplifies communal spirit and foresight. In 1960, the local community acquired the hot pools and donated them to the local council, a choice that would influence the town’s destiny. The following decades witnessed ongoing advancement and enlargement of the facilities. The renowned hexagonal pools, currently operational, were built in 1978, with a freshwater pool. The 1980s and 1990s introduced additional improvements, such as renovated changing rooms, an upgraded entrance, and the incorporation of rock and sulfur pools.

The hot pools complex has experienced substantial expansion in recent years. An extensive expansion in 2010 introduced more attractions, such as water slides and an ice-skating rink. Notwithstanding initial apprehensions regarding possible alterations to the town’s character, the development has proven to be predominantly successful. Currently, the complex features 22 pools and four water slides, with the latest addition, The Conical Thrill, inaugurated in November 2019. A new section for younger children, featuring a waterslide, was introduced in November 2020. The complex’s popularity is demonstrated by its capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 guests daily during peak periods.

The town’s allure transcends its hot springs. Hanmer Springs has established itself as a center for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors may engage in various sports, such as bungy jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. For individuals seeking a tranquil experience, scenic airplane flights provide stunning vistas of the alpine landscape.

Hanmer Forest is a notable source of pride for the municipality, featuring different walking pathways that accommodate diverse fitness levels and interests. The Conical Hill trek is a favored option, rising to a 550-meter peak that offers hikers expansive vistas of the town and its environs. This trail serves as both a visual delight and a living museum of exotic trees, such as Western hemlock, Lawson’s Cypress, and giant fir, all of which were planted circa 1910.

More ambitious trekkers can access further routes up Mount Isobel by various trails. These paths provide a more arduous journey and the chance to engage with the unrefined splendor of the Canterbury high country.

Hanmer Springs has positioned itself as a venue for sporting events. The town organizes numerous endurance events annually, such as the Mount Isobel Challenge, the Alpine Marathon, and mountain biking championships. The Hanmer Springs Rugby Football Club contributes to the local sports landscape by frequently holding preseason matches between the Canterbury and Tasman Makos teams.

The town accommodates a variety of interests and demographics. Families with young children may partake in attractions like mini-golf and an animal park, and culinary aficionados can discover an array of local dining establishments. Accommodation alternatives are many, including hotels, motels, economical hostels, and vacation rentals, so guaranteeing that travelers of diverse inclinations and financial means can get appropriate lodging.

Hanmer Springs functions as an access point to the St James Conservation Area, facilitating activities such as hiking, biking, water sports, skiing, hunting, and equestrian pursuits in the adjacent wilderness. The link to the natural environment is a crucial aspect of the town’s allure, enabling tourists to effortlessly shift from the comfort of the hot pools to the untamed splendor of the New Zealand backcountry.

The town’s dedication to improving its tourism amenities is seen in recent advancements. Near July 2020, the New Zealand Government declared a substantial commitment to build an 850-meter-long, family-oriented flying fox near Hanmer Springs. Despite encountering hurdles and opposition from local residents, the initiative signifies the town’s continuous endeavors to diversify its attractions and develop novel experiences for visitors.

Mountain biking has gained significant prominence in the recreational scene of Hanmer Springs. The adjacent St James Cycle Trail, a segment of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail, presents a demanding 57-kilometer circle that draws cyclists nationwide. Initiatives are in progress to expand this track directly to Hanmer Springs, so reinforcing the town’s reputation as a mountain biking hub.

The forests encircling Hanmer Springs include a comprehensive system of mountain biking paths suitable for all proficiency levels. Trails include Alligator Alley, Upper Dog Stream, Detox, and the Tank Track have become increasingly popular among riders. The recent inclusion of the Southern Cross and Tombstone routes has broadened the choices, with the latter presenting an exhilarating blend of ascent and descent. The exceptional quality of these routes has prompted some to label them as “world-class,” drawing mountain biking aficionados from far locations.