New Zealand Luxury Motels

The village of Hanmer Springs is set amidst towering mountains just one and a half hours drive from Christchurch. Maori were first attracted to the area to enjoy the benefits of natural hot springs in the basin and in 1859 they were discovered by European explorers.

The Queen Mary Hospital built on the site used the healing waters to assist the recovery of soldiers returning from war and to treat arthritis and other ailments. Today recreational bathing is the main focus in the many public outdoor and private indoor pools.

Recommended visitor attractions and activities in Hanmer Springs

• Visit the hot pools
• Take a stroll around the village
• Hire a cycle built for up to 6 people and pedal around the quiet streets
• Hire a mountain bike or trek through hundreds of hectares of forest around the village
• Go skiing or snowboarding in winter
• Simply sit and take in the fresh alpine air as you watch the world go by

What's your preferred level of activity?

Action adventure
Bungy jumping, white water rafting, jet boating, mountain biking on 40km of groomed tracks, skiing, snowboarding, quadbiking, off road go karting.

Moderate activities
Horse trekking, 56km of walking tracks, cycling, waterslides in the hot pools complex, fishing, golf.

Relaxing activities
Soak in the hot pools and have a sauna, massage or beauty treatment at the Spa, visit a local winery, nature park, scenic flights.

Children and young families
Minigolf, maze, nature park with petting animals, picnic beside the Waiau River and watch the rafts and jet boats go by.