Hot & Steamy
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, 1 Jacks Pass Rd. (tel. 0800/442-663 in NZ, or 03/315-0000; www.hanmersprings.co.nz), has attracted visitors for over 125 years. The complex boasts nine open-air thermal pools, three sulfur pools, sauna and steam rooms with plunge pool, four private thermal suites, a 25m (16-ft.) heated freshwater pool, a family activity pool with two waterslides, a gym, and therapeutic massage facilities. The water in the pools is maintained at a temperature between 89.6°F and 104°F (32°C-40°C). The Garden House Café overlooks the whole complex. The pools are open daily from 10am to 9pm. Adults pay NZ$12 (US$8.50/£4.35) admission or NZ$15 (US$11/£5.40) for a day pass; children pay NZ$6 (US$4.25/£2.15). Hanmer Springs is 1 1/2 hours northeast of Christchurch. It's a picturesque drive, but be careful in winter, when icy conditions can make the roads dangerous. Take Highway 1 out of Christchurch and go 45 minutes to the left-hand Hanmer turnoff just over the Waipara River Bridge. It's well signposted the rest of the way. If you don't have a car, call the Hanmer Connection (tel. 0800/242-663 in NZ; www.atsnz.com), which operates daily between Christchurch and Hanmer. Bookings are essential. It costs NZ$25 (US$18/£9) one-way, NZ$45 (US$32/£17) round-trip.
The Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre, Amuri Avenue (tel. 03/315-7128; fax 03/315-7658; www.alpinepacifictourism.co.nz), is open daily from 10am to 5pm in winter and 9:30am to 5:30pm in summer.
If you'd like to stay overnight in Hanmer Springs, try the Cheltenham House, 13 Cheltenham St. (tel. 03/315-7545; www.cheltenham.co.nz). Len and Maree Earl have 36 years' worth of local knowledge and an elegant 1930s home with six sunny, spacious bedrooms; central heating and electric blankets will insulate you against those icy, 14°F (-10°C) winter mornings. The house is set in large gardens, a 2-minute stroll to the Hamner Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. This is great style at an unbelievably good price -- NZ$190 to NZ$260 (US$135-US$185/£69-£94) a night. Another good B&B option is Albergo Hanmer, 88 Rippingale Rd., Hanmer (tel. 0800/342-313 in NZ, or 03/315-7428; www.albergohanmer.com), which has four spacious rooms ranging in price from NZ$185 to NZ$250 (US$132-US$178/£67-£90) for rooms with en-suite baths; NZ$230 to NZ$320 (US$164-US$228/£83-£116) for the cottage; and NZ$390 to NZ$560 (US$277-US$398/£141-£202) for the three-bedroom alpine villa. The Heritage Hanmer Springs, 1 Conical Hill Rd. (tel. 0800/368-888 in NZ, or 03/315-0060; www.heritagehotels.co.nz), is another excellent choice, with 64 stylish rooms from NZ$235 to NZ$425 (US$167-US$301/£85-£153).
For a host of excellent, fast-paced activities all centered in one place, contact Thrillseekers Canyon, 839 Main Rd., Hanmer Springs (tel. 03/315-7046; www.thrillseekerscanyon.co.nz), which is open daily 9am to 5:30pm offering everything from bungy jumping and jet-boating to river rafting and assorted combos. Walkers must investigate Hanmer Forest, which provides a web of pretty walkways through stunning collections of exotic trees. There's an excellent forest brochure at the visitor center that outlines the best woodland, forest, and alpine walks. Make sure you take your camera!
There is now a host of excellent eateries in Hanmer. The Old Post Office Restaurant (tel. 03/315-7461) is a very good choice, and by all accounts it could give plenty of city establishments a run for their money. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm until late; reservations are essential. Another must is Malabar, Alpine Pacific Centre, 5 Conical Hill Rd. (tel. 03/315-7745), which has a delicious Asian-Indian menu; and for the best coffee, go straight to Powerhouse Café, Jack's Pass Road (tel. 03/315-5252), or Springs Deli Café, 47 Amuri Ave. (tel. 03/315-7430). The latter has a fabulous range of takeout picnic food.
