Hanmer Springs

The springs were known to Maori and were being used by settlers by the 1860s; a government sanatorium followed, and the town grew around the water. The modern complex has around twenty pools of varying temperature - open-air rock pools, sulphur pools, freshwater pools, a lazy river, hydroslides and private tubs - set among mature trees, and the setting is what distinguishes it from a municipal pool: mountains on three sides and, in winter, snow on the surrounding tops while you sit in warm water. Around the village are extensive exotic forest plantations with walking and mountain-bike trails, a golf course, and access to Molesworth Station in summer. It is very much a resort town and prices reflect that. Weekends and school holidays are crowded enough that the pools lose most of their calm.

What you actually see

• The pool complex - around twenty pools, sulphur and freshwater, open air.
• The mountain setting - snow on the tops in winter while you soak.
• The forest trails - walking and biking in the plantations around town.
• The village - built entirely around the springs.

When to go

Any season; winter is the classic time. Avoid weekends and school holidays if you want space in the pools. Book accommodation ahead - the village fills.

Honest expectations

Crowded at peak times, and the pools are chlorinated public pools rather than a wild spring. Prices are resort prices. The drive from Christchurch is two hours each way for a day trip.

Nearby

Molesworth Station opens in summer; Lewis Pass is west.