"Hanmer's hot pools are great even in bad weather" Top 5 Page for this destination Canterbury Things to Do Tip by Kakapo2

Just the other day friends touring the South Island told us they did not soak in the hot pools in Hanmer Springs because of bad weather. What a pity!

Nearly no weather - apart from hail and lightning - is bad enough to not enjoy the relaxing hot mineral waters in this alpine resort township, just one and half to two hours by car from Christchurch. It even is one of the few outdoor pleasures you would really like in rain or snow. In some of the nine thermal pools, but especially in the three sulphur pools, the water is over 40°C and so hot that it is even nicer when the outside temperatures are lower, otherwise you start sweating like crazy after some minutes.

BTW Never wear silver jewellery in the sulphur pools. One dip into the water and the jewellery is black and needs professional cleaning!!!!!

The pools heat you up so much that you do not really freeze when walking from pool to pool in the snow. This BTW is the best season regarding the scenery, you are soaking in the hot pools in your swimming togs or bikini, and the snow-covered mountains are towering around the complex. Additonal to the sulphur pools come nine open-air thermal pools and a sauna and steam room. You can also hire a private pool or get a massage or beauty treatment at the spa (Email: thespa@hanmersprings.co.nz).

The water of the pool obviously offers great relief for arthritis sufferers. As it is a little difficult for kids to keep calm in the thermal pools (including four very attractive rock pools) and not jump or swim around, they can get rid of their energy on the waterslides which is a big relief for peace-searching visitors.

Another reason why I have to praise the pools are the moderate prices. An adult single entry costs just NZ$ 14, and a return pass NZ$ 18, children (3-15y) pay 7/9, the waterslide comes at an extra cost of NZ$ 6 - and the kids have to measure at least 1.20m. Locker hire NZ$ 2 for 2 hours.

You can hire swimming costumes (NZ$ 5) and towels (NZ$ 5).

You can also have a private sauna and thermal pool (three available) for yourself - but this costs NZ$ 24 per 30 minutes.

We have tested the spa in the meantime. Nothing is cheap there (e.g. 30 back massage NZ$ 65) but everything is very nice.

All prices as May 2010.

In the pool and spa complex building is also a souvenir shop and a very good visitor information centre (i-site) where you find a lot of brochures. Staff make bookings for you, not only for activities in and around Hanmer Springs.

Pools open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 9pm.

For us, a perfect day in Hanmer includes a walk on the many walking and tramping tracks around the township and afterwards relax in the pools from the action. See extra tip for walks.

Update 22 May 2010

What I have criticised on our last two visits was the temperature of the showers in the changing rooms. I do not want a refreshing shower in an unheated changing area with stone floors on a cold day. It is refreshing enough to step into this cold changing room after feeling warm and cosy and heated up from the pools.

Right now works have started to extend the pool complex. Noise barriers have been erected around the pools to not disturb the visitors too much during the building process. Everything should be finished by December 2010.

Address: Corner Amuri Rd/Jacks Pass Rd, Hanmer Springs
Directions: Coming from the highway from Christchurch or the West Coast the main road leads straight to the pools which are on the left side, most parking on Amuri Rd. where the entrance has been shifted to. For walk to Conical Hill just carry on staight ahead.
othercontact: info@hanmersprings.co.nz
Phone: (0800) 442 663, (03) 315 7511
Website: http://hanmersprings.co.nz/