All Hanmer Springs Tours & Excursions in 2026

Enjoy high-octane adventure on New Zealand’s Waiau River on this 30-minute extreme jet-boating adventure in Hanmer Springs. Clip into your life jacket and hop aboard your powerful jet boat for the ride of your life. Zoom through rocky gorges with a pilot at the wheel, shoot white-water rapids and admire breathtaking views as you spin 360 degrees over the waves. Just don’t forget to hold on tight!

Exclusive to Hanmer Springs — cannot be experienced anywhere else • Adults-only, 75-minute fully hosted ritual • Four elements, four rooms — fire, air, ice, water • New Zealand's first snow room • Soak in a private Geothermal pool with platter and drinks included • Powered by Hanmer Springs' 173-year geothermal water story

Challenge yourself against the choppy Waiau River on this family-friendly 2-hour rafting adventure in Hanmer Springs. Choose a morning or afternoon tour, then pull on your wetsuit, grab your paddle and head out onto the swirling Waiau River with a guide. During your tour, navigate the bumpy grade II rapids and enjoy breathtaking views over the soaring peaks and marble land formations. Watch the waters for salmon and trout as a guide sheds light on the region’s rich folklore, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim along the way.

Manuka Skies is a truely unique stargazing location. With minimal light pollution, and in a setting of native forest and wildlife, you will be visiting a sanctuary for both astronomy and wildlife alike. As you explore the heavens with our range of equipment, relax to the sound of our spring fed stream flowing down the mountain. Listen out for our native Morepork Owls that nest in the area. Manuka Skies acts as Kaitiaki for the sanctuary. Meaning we are it's guardians responsible for caring for her. Our vision is to re-connect the sky back to the earth through our forests.

Sharpen your focus and put your aim to the test with an exhilarating air rifle shooting experience designed for all skill levels. Participants will navigate through an array of engaging target stations, from precision bullseyes to reactive challenges, culminating in a thrilling dual-tree race finale that determines the sharpest shooter among friends, family, or colleagues. Led by expert instructors, this activity fosters a supportive and safe environment, ensuring everyone feels confident whether they are first-time shooters or seasoned marksmen. Unleash your competitive spirit and discover the addictive thrill of hitting the target.

Explore New Zealand’s rugged countryside by ATV and enjoy plenty of off-road adventure on this fun 2-hour tour in Hanmer Springs. Choose a morning or afternoon tour to suit your needs. Then, open the throttle and zoom along winding dirt tracks with a guide. Spin along riverbanks and over creek crossings, and follow farmland trails into the wilderness.

Discover the thrill of axe throwing on your purpose-built range in Hanmer Springs! No previous experience or special ability is required—our friendly instructors will guide you through the basics in a safe, supportive environment and help you find a technique that works for you. Once you’ve practised your throw, take on scoring rounds and fun competitive challenges as you try to land that perfect stick. It’s exciting, surprisingly achievable and packed with plenty of laughs and celebration—perfect for families, friends and groups looking to try something different!

Aim, Release, Hit the Mark! Experience the thrill of archery on the purpose-built range. Start with practice shots, then step into scoring challenges and fun team games. Compete for points, pop balloons, capture flags, and more in this engaging, skill-building experience. Take your shot—can you hit the bullseye?