School Holidays
We've got you covered!
Are you looking for a place where you can take the kids for unlimited fun these holidays… and that you can enjoy too?
We’ve got you covered at Hanmer Springs. Located just 90 minutes north of Christchurch, we’re just a short (and very scenic) road trip away.
With so much to do in Hanmer Springs, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite activities - perfect to excite, relax and entertain!
Pool Entry & Pizza for $99! DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THAT!
Family Fun Day!
We’ve taken the stress out of packing up the car – and the family - for a fun day out with this package deal.
The Family Fun Day Package includes entry to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa for 2 adults and up to 3 children, plus two of our famous pizzas from the Tea Kiosk pizza oven.
All this for just $99!
Fresh air & the great outdoors
Conical Hill Walk
Stretch the legs with this iconic 30-minute walk. Meander up the gentle zig-zag track to the lookout at the top and enjoy amazing panoramic views over the village – it’s the perfect place for some great holiday snaps of the family. If you have a little Bear Grylls in you, you can walk and climb straight up the track (rather than the zig-zag!). Be careful in winter as the track can get slippery.
The great outdoors
Waterfall Track
If you have kids that love to get busy in the lush New Zealand outdoors, the Waterfall Track is a school holiday must! This winding and moderately steep trail begins at the top of McIntyre Road (accessed off Jollies Pass Road) and heads up the stream edge through dense native forest. It’s 2 & 1/2 hours return and requires some level of fitness. Although a little challenging for young (and not so young) legs, the reward at the top is not one to miss!
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Fun filled pedaling
Pedal Pops
We may not have ride-sharing app drivers in Hanmer Springs but we sure do have Pedal Pops! A rite of passage for visitors in Hanmer Springs, these world-class quadricycles offer fun and enjoyment for all ages.
Pedal Pops are available to hire at Hanmer Adventure Centre, 20 Conical Hill Road.
For animal lovers of all ages
Hanmer Springs Animal Park
Hanmer Springs Animal Park is a must-see for animal lovers young and old. Set on six hectares, the park is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of the village.
The purpose-built farm park allows you to hand-feed a range of farm and exotic animals including sheep and lambs, goats, pigs, ponies, donkeys, llamas and alpacas, cows, a Texas longhorn, ostrich, emu, wallaby, water buffalo and deer and wallabies.
There are also ducks, geese, chickens, guinea pigs, chinchillas and giant Flemish rabbits – Dr Dolittle would be proud!
With trampolines and outdoor picnic tables, tea, coffee, light lunch and snacks, it’s the perfect place to spend the day surrounded by furry friends.
And don’t forget to say hi to ostriches Winston and Jacinda while you’re there!
ADVENTURE IN HANMER SPRINGS
Mountain Biking
If you and your family fancy a little adventure, hit the fantastic mountain biking trails in Hanmer Springs. The tracks accommodate the novice rider with flat rides through the Hanmer Heritage Forest, as well as more advanced riders, with trails north of Jollies Pass Road. For the more adventurous, explore the expansive back-country roads and trails in the St James Conservation Area and the infamous Jacks Jollies Loop.
We recommend a trip to the pools after to let your muscles relax.
The best bit is you can bring your own bikes or hire them from the village for a hassle-free trip.
IF YOU FANCY A WANDER IN THE WOODS
Forest Amble Walk
The Forest Amble Walk is the perfect free afternoon activity for kids of all ages. It’s a short 30-minute return walk through the breath-taking Hanmer Heritage Forest, which means minimal effort but maximum fun. Search the woodland wonderland for larger-than-life wooden sculptures and challenge the kids to see how many they can find!
The track starts at 100 Jollies Pass Road, and is well signposted.
SOMETHING FOR THE PARENTS
The Spa
Indulge in an afternoon at The Spa and let the wonderful therapists help you forget about school holiday madness for a time. From hot stone and massage rituals, to facial therapies and pedicures, the team at The Spa can assist and enhance your break in Hanmer Springs. Every treatment booked also gives you access to the Thermal pools at the reduced entry price of $20. So step into a world away…
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EMBARK ON A MAGIC ADVENTURE IN HANMER FOREST
Fairy Doors
Another walk to embark on with the kids is the Fairy Door Walk along Lower Dog Stream Track. The short, easy trail will lead you into enchanted territory with special doors home to woodland fairies, as well as painted rocks and trinkets along the way.
Just 30 minutes return, it's suitable for off-road prams.
A HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Mini Golf
Any budding golf pros in the family? Or at least they think they are… here’s looking at you, Dad! Challenge the family to a bit of friendly holiday rivalry with a game of mini golf - we have two courses to choose from!
As you travel into the Hanmer Springs village – you’ll spot A-Maze-N-Golf on the main road to your right. Travel back in time on the 18-hole Gold Rush-themed course. You can also solve the mystery of the Lost Temple Maze while you are there. Plenty of surprises to be found.
Just up the road past the Heritage Hotel, you’ll find Alpine Crazy Putt. It has a variety of fun and challenging holes with a historic Canterbury theme. Holes are named and modelled on distinctive local features, like the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
We can promise heaps of affordable fun but we can’t promise there won’t be a little heated competition!
For those wanting to hit a bigger green, the Hanmer Springs golf course provides a scenic backdrop to any game.
IF YOU LOVE A SWEET TREAT
The Lolly Pot & The Fudge Shop
Let’s face it, we all love a sweet treat, including the adults!
The perfect place to get your sugar rush is The Lolly Pot, at 5 Conical Hill Road, filled with just about any lolly you can think of – Willy Wonka would be a little envious!
Another must visit on your sugar stop is The Fudge Shop at 16 Conical Hill Road. It’s simple deliciousness with a mix of classic and fun flavours – Crème Brûlée doesn’t last long round here!