All Hanmer Springs Tours & Excursions in 2026

Thrill-seeking travelers will love zooming along the Wairau River on a 35-minute jet boat ride. Hold on tight as you race through rapids, squeeze through canyons, and rush over the shallows of the braided river. Admire the views along the way and take pictures during some of the calmer moments.

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.

Hanmer Springs is a resort town known for its natural hot pools. Open mid-morning until late evening, these popular pools are a great place to replenish yourself after a long walk or to take the kids during the day. By booking your tickets in advance, you can drop in at any time and avoid the disappointment of getting turned away, especially during the pool’s busy weekends.

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.

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!