Hanmer Springs: Thermal Pools, Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails

Hanmer Springs combines thermal pools with hiking trails and other outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, you can start by deciding what to focus on during your trip: a visit to Thermal Pools & Spa, short walks or day hikes to Mt Isobel, mountain biking, or horse riding. Options range from a visit to the pools to trail networks that surround and connect with Hanmer Springs.

Thermal Pools and History

The thermal pools in Hanmer Springs officially opened as a government sanatorium in 1883. At Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, visitors can bathe in 22 outdoor thermal pools. Conical Thrill is also part of Thermal Pools & Spa and is New Zealand’s largest thrill water ride. Free parking is available on site, in front of the entrance, for all visitors. As parking arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Hiking in Hanmer Forest Park

Hanmer Springs is surrounded by and connected to a network of walking trails. Options range from short walks along forest tracks to day hikes to Mt Isobel. Nearby Hanmer Forest Park is easily accessible from several points in the Hanmer Springs urban area. This gives you different options for planning your day: a short forest walk or a full-day hike to Mt Isobel.

In nearby Hanmer Forest Park, the Waterfall Track passes through mountain beech forest, where you’ll also find the 41-metre-high Dog Stream Waterfall. The Jacks Pass Track is the shortest route to the summit of Mt Isobel, but it is also steep and best suited to experienced hikers. “Shortest route” compares the routes to the summit; it doesn’t mean this is a short walk. When choosing between forest tracks and a Mt Isobel destination, both the time required and the steepness of Jacks Pass are important considerations.

Mountain Biking and Horse Riding Trails

Hanmer Springs is surrounded by and connected to a network of mountain biking trails suitable for riders of all experience levels. Brook Dawson Reserve has a compact pump track designed to help improve riding skills and confidence. Compared with the steep Jacks Pass Track, there’s a clear difference: the mountain biking trails are suitable for riders of all experience levels, while Jacks Pass is best suited to experienced hikers. Horse riding trails also form a network that surrounds and connects with Hanmer Springs.

In the wider Hurunui District

The Weka Pass Historic Reserve is in the wider Hurunui District and was officially established in 1969. A 40-minute walk leads to a large limestone overhang featuring examples of early Māori rock art. Access begins at the Waikari Village Walkway, with entrances at the Star and Garter Hotel on SH7 or from Waikari. The walkway is closed during the seasonal lambing period, from 1 August to 1 October.

Discover more destinations: Gore Bay, Cheviot, Leithfield, Lyford, Hawarden, Amberley.

Back to the main travel guide: Hurunui District.