3 minute read
Hanmer Springs Must-Do's
Conical Hill Walkway
The town’s most popular short walk, this gentle, 30-minute track zigzags its way 550m skyward to the summit, where a small shelter and lookout soak up the vistas.
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Mountain Biking
The Hanmer Trails are a network of biking trails on the village doorstep. Dog Stream Reserve is ideal for families and beginners, but veteran riders are also well catered for. Hire a bike and pop into the i-SITE for trail recommendations for your skill level.
River Safaris
Paddle down the Waiau River in an inflatable canoe. Led by a qualified instructor, enjoy a full-day, fully guided trip with a picnic lunch and jet-boat ride back to base.
Horse Riding
With convenient central Hanmer pick up, join Hanmer Horse Trekking for one to two-hour treks at a gentle, undaunting pace, meandering around picturesque Hanmer Basin.
Hanmer Springs Ski Area
Forty minutes from Hanmer village, open July to mid-September. A shuttle runs from at 8.15am and 9.15am, returning at 4pm and 5pm, or drive there by 4WD or 2WD with chains. There's a heated Day Lodge, toboggans and Robinson Lodge accommodates 64.
Art in the Forest
All sorts of chiselled animals lurk in Hanmer Heritage Forest. Embark on the 30-minute 'Forest Amble' to find scores of wooden nature carvings along a flat, buggy-friendly path.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Laze about in open-air thermal pools before heading to the spa for massages and seriously indulgent body and face therapies. When excitement beckons, fling yourself down SuperBowl waterslides and winding hydroslides, glide the lazy river or splash about in the fresh water pool. Designed with family fun in mind, there are play options galore here.
Rainbow Station
Cross private land by 4WD (or check about mountain biking at the visitor centre first), venturing between Arnaud and Hanmer Springs. Open late December to late March. All other times require permission from station owners.
Molesworth Station
Take a 4WD road trip. Located behind the inland Kaikōura mountains, drive across isolated high country, scree-scarred mountains, wide river valleys and tussock slopes. Open late December to late March, access outside this period requires permission.
White-water Rafting
Navigate Waiau River by raft, forging a nail-biting path through several gorges and small to medium rapids. Guides will help negotiate ‘The Narrows’, a short gorge that froths with Grade 3-4+ rapids (but you can walk and re-board to skip this section).
Chisholm Park
A lovely, central spot with a beautiful pond and bordering boardwalk suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Feed the ducks and make use of the playground.
Hanmer Spring Animal Park
Meet an amusing bunch of farm animals, pet the sheep, goats and alpacas, feed wallabies, cuddle giant Flemish rabbits and picnic on the extensive deck.
Quadricycles
Hire a four-wheel quadricycle from Hanmer Rockets in Hanmer Adventure Centre or Village Cruisers at Alpine Crazy Putt. Enjoy a romp around town on these fun contraptions designed for two to six peddlers.
Weka Pass Historic Reserve
Embark on a 40-minute walk (one way) to a large overhang shelter and concave rock formation featuring Māori rock art. The track is steep but rewarding.
A-Maze-N-Golf
Enjoy the gold rush-themed 18-hole mini-golf course and then solve the mystery of the Lost Temple maze, a puzzling escapade with a handful of surprises along the way.
Hanmer Llamas
Stroll hand-in-hand (or hand in reign) with your new best friend, a laid-back llama. One day trips take in Hanmer's best scenic spots while fully catered three of four-day journeys offer a complete removal from the world.
Cathedral Cliffs, Gore Bay © Adobe Stock
Fairy Doors, Hanmer Springs Forest © Hanmer Springs Spa & Pool
