Location: Hanmer Springs
Top Things to do in Hanmer Springs
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The 10 Best Things to do in Hanmer Springs, South Island
Both a weekend destination for locals and a magnet for tourists craving other-worldly relaxation, Hanmer Springs is the perfect spot for pampering. The tiny spa town is built around a hot spring that was discovered in the 19th century, and the crisp mountain air has restorative properties of its own.
Restaurants in Hanmer Springs
1. Majuba Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By BrigitB948 - Hamilton, New Zealand
We really enjoyed pottering around the shop. The art works and homewares were all gorgeous and there was a really good selection of jewellery.
2. Hanmer Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By Gee4409 - Dunedin, New Zealand
Great mountain biking for all the family! We had a fabulous mid winter trip to Hanmer and spent two mornings exploring the mountain bike tracks in the Hanmer forest with our kids 6&8. Lots of fun on snakes and ladders and brilliant to have a station to clean the bikes off afterwards. Great tool set there too to pump tyres, adjust seat height etc.
3. Conical Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
Reviewed By JedAfterthought - Levin, New Zealand
This is a popular walk through pines and firs to a lookout with panoramic views to snow-capped mountains. Zig zag path makes the gradient manageable and you can return via a side track (Majuba) to the Forest Amble.
4. Waiau River Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Waiau River Estate is situated just 13km south from the small alpine village of Hanmer Springs heading towards Christchurch. We are the only vineyard in this area; at 297m above sea level, we are among New Zealand's highest altitude vineyards. Our situation on the banks of the Waiau River and the micro climate it creates allows us to grows grapes where many people thought we would fail. Varieties grown are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. We are open for tastings 10am to 5pm Friday-Monday
Reviewed By AshleighJane1993 - Wellington, New Zealand
What an amazing venue for a wedding! Stunning views and excellent staff. My "theme" for our wedding was relaxed and personal. When we viewed the venue, we immediately hit it off with Conrad and we knew that it would be the perfect wedding. Everything ran smoothly, and we didn't have to worry about a thing. One thing that made the entire stress free was the network that exists in Hanmer. My first thought was; how can I safely make sure people get back to their accommodation in Hanmer Springs? I asked Conrad and the answer was simple; contact Ross at Hanmer Adventure Centre and talk to him about a bus service. They put up our decorations for us, so we had absolutely no worries on the day. We opted for the grazing table, which was AMAZING; the wild venison meatballs were an absolute hit! I also definitely recommend the mead. We bought a bottle home with us, with the aim of cracking it open on our anniversary - wish us luck. It's going to take some serious self control.
5. Hurunui i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By 1471945 - Levin, New Zealand
Was there very helpful lady for your next stop. Cross road had fantastic breakfast and just all staying in Hanmer Spring was very pleasant thank to I - SITE.
6. Hanmer Springs Animal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Hanmer Springs Animal Park - Farm Park, Cafe & Gallery: The ideal outing for family fun, schools, groups and animal lovers of all ages. All year round fun, entertainment and activities. The Park is set on 20 acres, amidst spectacular mountain views, 15 minutes walk from the resort town of Hanmer Springs. We have a cafe and 2 acres of sheltered purpose-built farm park where you can relax and wander freely among our animals in a clean and peaceful setting. All year round fun, entertainment and activities, whatever the weather. We provide umbrellas for rainy days! Hanmer Springs Animal Park is an amazing children's play area suitable for young and old. We have a trampoline and outdoor picnic tables. Come on down and relax with a coffee, smoothie or delicious food while the kids play. The park has wheelchair access and is a very enjoyable experience for animal lovers of all ages from toddlers to the elderly. Drop by and hand feed our range of farm and exotic animals including sheep and lambs, goats, pigs, pony, donkeys, llamas and alpacas, cow, texas longhorn, tibetan yak, emu, wallaby, water buffalo and deer, Wander amongst our ducks, geese and chickens and see our guinea pigs, chinchillas and giant flemish rabbits. Enter our new wallaby enclosure where you can hand feed and interact with our friendly wallabies. Pony and donkey rides are available by booking. (booking essential) Our vibrant cafe is open for morning and afternoon tea, as well as lunch. Choose from a range of Vivace espresso coffee and T-leaf teas, fresh fruit smoothies, milkshakes, ice creams, cold drinks and delicious food. You can enjoy your food and drinks outside on our extensive deck overlooking the park, or with a magazine inside by our cosy fire on colder days. Visit the gallery and our gift shop - the perfect place for a present!
Reviewed By Monza1809 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenage children really enjoyed the animal park. It is a great experience being able to get up so close to the animals and feed them. Interesting to see the Water Buffalo up so close and being able to interact with some of the animals in their enclosures.
7. Rainbow Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Rainbow Station is home to the popular tourist route Rainbow Road. Rainbow Road goes through the historic high country land of Rainbow Station from St Arnaud to Hamner Springs and is popular with 4WD, adventure, cycling and tramping enthusiasts.
Reviewed By Roving66741602389
An ABSOLUTE must do, this is an amazing track with spectacular scenery. There are plenty of places to camp along the way, even a Hut.
8. A Maze N Golf
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By AlyshaV711 - Nelson, New Zealand
Must do! Fun mini golf course and not very hard. Definitely do the maze, we got lost heaps and had to go back to guess the clues. Definitely a must do for anyone.
9. Lake Tennyson Campsite
10. Queen Mary Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By DJandR - Wanaka, New Zealand
Worth a stroll through the historic site. Still novel to be allowed to walk through the grounds, for many years it was patients only. I love looking at empty buildings thinking about the Soldiers and patients who walked through the doors, an interesting piece of NZ history. The remains of a beautiful garden. Has been empty a long time, hopefully whoever is responsible for it wont let it go to rack and ruin.
