Q&A with Graeme Abbot

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Graeme is the General Manager of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, a role he’s enjoyed for 20 years. In that time, millions of tourists have passed through the doors, coming to unwind, escape the city, enjoy some quality family time and experience Hanmer’s natural thermal waters. ‘I get to host hundreds of visitors every day and give them an experience to treasure,’ he says. ‘This is why I love what I do.’

Why is this such a great place to take kids?

Over the years, we have been able to develop the complex into the familyfriendly destination it is today – boasting 22 thermal and heated freshwater pools, and four water slides, including New Zealnd’s largest water slide, Conical Thrill. The kids will love taking on the lazy river, splashing about in the lap pool or hurtling down any one of our hydroslides.

What can Mum & Dad expect to find to keep them entertained?

We have designed the complex for all ages – meaning Mum and Dad can enjoy a relaxing soak, while the kids play. You’ll never want to leave our new Cascades, relaxing rock pools and soothing sulphur pools. In saying that, you’d be hard-pressed to find an adult, who doesn’t love our newest waterslide, Conical Thrill, as much as the kids do! We’ve also got an award-winning day spa for those wanting to unwind or indulge with a massage or beauty treatment. If you can wrangle a babysitter, our private pools are also a popular choice for those who may want to get away from the crowds.

Can you tell us the story about the water in your thermal pools?

The journey our water takes is an impressive one. It started as snow and rain falling on the Hanmer Springs mountains over 173 years ago. It seeped into the greywacke basement rock and came to rest in a reservoir some two kilometres underground, where it was warmed by heat radiating from the earth’s core. Today, we draw the water to the surface and use it all around the complex – obviously in the thermal pools, but also to heat the freshwater pools, showers and changing rooms. So sit back, relax, and enjoy what nature created all those years ago!

Hanmer Springs © Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa