A beautiful alpine village with relaxing rock pools and a dash of high-intensity adrenaline action… Polar opposites that work together surprisingly well in this beautiful hidden gem!

Hanmer Springs is well known throughout New Zealand for its world-class thermal spa and a lot of Kiwis and visitors from abroad make the trip to relax in their soothing waters.

What they don’t always realise is that there are many other things to do in and around the village that can add a whole other side to your R&R retreat.

From hikes and walks to jet boating and bungy jumping – there’s a great mix of sights and attractions. This guide has been written to take you through the very best of them and tell you more about the place itself! If you are looking to explore the wider Canterbury region, check out our welcome to Canterbury guide.

The history of Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs was first discovered by local Maori who passed through the area during their travels. European settlers first came across it in the 1850s when a local farm manager by the name of William James, noticed a strange mist emanating not far from a walking track he was tramping.

This discovery led to the construction of a bridge which was built in the 1860s and a few years after that, the land was surveyed for the township to be developed. In 1916 it was decided that Hanmer Springs would be a good site for a soldiers hospital for returning veterans. This later became an important residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre until its closure in 2003.

Although the town’s main industry has revolved around the Springs, it has developed tourism attractions of an altogether different variety and has also become a host for some big endurance events in New Zealand.

Things to do in Hanmer Springs

Despite being a town of modest size (population under 1,000 people), there are plenty of things to do in Hanmer Springs. These range from the most restful and relaxing to the most adrenaline-fueled and exciting.

Something for everyone then and these are our favourites!

Hanmer Springs

You can’t talk about Hanmer Springs without mentioning the Springs themselves which have been attracting people to the town for over 100 years.

Much has changed over that time with the Springs having evolved from an attraction with a couple of changing sheds to one that is now a modern world-class operation. In any given visit to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, you can experience rock pools, sulphur pools, water jets, luxury spas and treatments, private pools, sauna and steam rooms. There are also active areas, water slides, picnic spots and an eatery as well!

You can easily spend a day or two here for as the ultimate way to relax and unwind.

Hanmer Forest

As well as having the beautiful waters, Hanmer Springs is also blessed with picturesque scenery which includes the greenery of Hanmer Forest.

The forest is particularly special for New Zealand as it has some of the country’s oldest exotic plants. It was identified as an area for this in the early 1900s where prison labour was used to plant and maintain the area for over a decade. The forest is rich with flora and fauna as well as amazing native and exotic birdlife. There are great walking trails and mountain bike tracks to suit all fitness levels.

For a more challenging walk try the Mt Isobel Track (5 – 6 hours return) with great panoramic views of the region.

Hanmer Springs Jet Boat

As well as all the relaxation you can take advantage of, Hanmer Springs has also established a reputation for thrill-seeking with its thriving adventure tourism attractions.

One of the most popular is the Jet Boat experience with Hanmer Springs Attractions. If you’ve never had a Jet Boat ride than this is definitely a must. With skilled drivers at the helm, you’ll shoot down the Waiau River through narrow gorges doing 360-degree spins and other exhilarating manoeuvres at thrilling speeds.

It’s great fun and what makes it all the more better is that GO Rentals customers get a 10% discount using their GO Play cards!

Hanmer Springs Bungy Jump

Another truly worthy option for the adrenaline junkies to consider is the famous bungy jump and the good people at Hanmer Springs Attractions can sort you out with this as well.

Against a beautiful alpine landscape, the courageous among you will have the opportunity to jump from the 135 year old Ferry Bridge, free falling 35m towards the Waiau River. Those of you who’ve had the pleasure will vouch for the excitement factor which can’t be beaten. If you successfully take the leap you’ll be given a certificate and T-shirt to commemorate the effort.

A truly memorable experience and one that’ll give you a great story to tell your friends back home!

Hanmer Springs Animal Park

Going back to activities of the more laidback variety, the Hanmer Springs Animal Park is a fantastic choice for animal and nature lovers no matter where you’re from.

Covering 20 acres of gorgeous alpine landscape, the Animal Park offers intimate close encounters with a lovely range of animals including sheep and lambs, pony, donkeys, alpacas and llamas, emu, buffalo and deer with some very unique animals too like Tibetan Yak, Texas Longhorn and Giant Flemish Rabbits! Feeding times are also especially fun and visitors to hand-feed the animals developing a special connection at the same time.

There’s also a great little cafe there with outdoor picnic tables too!

Hanmer Horse Trekking

Another great animal experience for the adventuring type is with horses and Hanmer Horse Trekking.

It’s hard to think of a better way of seeing the Hanmer Springs scenery than on horseback and the team at Hanmer Horse Trekking know all the best spots. Their most popular options are the 1 hour and 2 hour short haul trips that can be catered to riders of all abilities. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and the horses are beautiful which is why their reviews are universally glowing.

One of the best things to do in Hanmer Springs that ticks all the boxes!

Hanmer Springs Events

As well as being a place where people come to get some good R&R (along with a dose of optional thrill-seeking fun), Hanmer Springs is also a place that hosts a lot of annual events and festivals.

Its beautiful scenery and isolation helps in this respect and is loved by those who appreciate the outdoors, many of whom are athletes and runners.

As a result, a lot of the events that take place here are races, which are great to watch and be a part of and we’ve selected the best and biggest that take place every year!

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