The city of Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island might get more attention when it comes to geothermal activity, but travelers to the South Island don’t have to miss out on the hot spring fun. Ringed by the Southern Alps and planted with non-native yet incredibly impressive giant redwood trees, Hanmer Springs would be a pretty town, even without its mineral waters. But the naturally heated thermal pools turn the rural town into a resort. There are more things to do in Hanmer Springs than just bathing, though: hiking, skiing, and biking opportunities await the active traveler.
Hanmer Springs is a year-round destination, but the hot pools are most comfortable when there’s a chill in the air: spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are ideal. In the winter (June–August), the pools provide a wonderful warming retreat, especially after a day at the Hanmer Springs Ski Area. Note that if you’re traveling from the north, the Lewis Pass is sometimes blocked by snow. The pools may feel too warm in the summer (December–February), but you can still enjoy hiking and biking in the hills.
Hanmer Springs is a small, walkable town, with most accommodations within easy walking distance of the hot pools and town center. Limited private buses operate between Christchurch and Hanmer, a journey of about two hours, but you’ll need your own car for any onward travel. Mountain biking is a popular activity around the town; there are many places to rent a bike.
It’s worth planning your meals in advance if you want to spend all day at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. The on-site café serves decent food but it can be overpriced, and there’s a good selection of eateries on Hanmer’s main street. However, the regular entrance ticket is single-use, so you can’t just nip out for lunch and come back in. To do that, you’ll need a multi-entry ticket, which costs a bit more but is probably worth it if you’d like greater (and cheaper) food options. Alternatively, pack a picnic.
