H2o Just Add Water 14
Our thermal water - 173 years in the making
Our Water Story
For decades people from all over the world have flocked to Hanmer Springs to relax and enjoy our thermal pools.
But did you know that the water you’ve been enjoying for all those years is actually 173 years old?
Pounamu
Tamatea the great Maori traveller
Maori Legend of Hot Springs
Tamatea found himself at Banks Peninsula without a fire. An appeal to the North Island brought a rolling ball of flame from Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, part of which fell off and formed the Hanmer Springs. Since the story continues with Tamatea’s journey to Nelson during which the fire kept the party warm, it is perhaps not fanciful to detect a reference to an ancient knowledge and use of the springs by Maori travellers.
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Hanmer springs 1880s
Hanmer Springs History
Our History
Travelling Maori were the first to discover the incredible thermal springs when passing through the area. There was never a permanent Maori settlement in the area and it wasn't until the 1850's that they were discovered by an early pioneer.....
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