Review: Are Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa Worth it?
If you’re travelling through New Zealand’s South Island, chances are you’ve heard whispers about Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Located in a charming alpine village just 90 minutes from Christchurch.
The truth is, It’s one of those destinations people wonder: is it really worth carving out time for, or is it just another hot pool? Will it feel overcrowded, is it family-friendly, and are the spa facilities actually worth the price?
From my own visit, I found that it offers much more than just soaking in warm water. In this review, I’ll share my full experience at the Hanmer Springs Pools & Spa, and a few tips to help you make the most of your visit. This guide will help you decide if it deserves a place on your New Zealand itinerary.
This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.
My Review on Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Yes, I definitely think Hanmer Springs Hot Pools & Spa are worth visiting. They have plenty of room for big groups, with different types of pools and wooden tubs to isolate from crowds. The Entrance fee was also reasonable and you could stay there all day!
Overall, visiting any of these pools provides a moment to pause, relax, and appreciate all of life’s little blessings. They are filled with natural minerals that provide tremendous benefits and relieve aliments like stress, to soothing sore muscles from all that travelling.
➡ Book Tickets to the Hot Pools HERE with Viator or HERE with GYG.
Therefore, after seeing plenty of attractions on the South Island, If you’re looking for a peaceful, therapeutic haven to settle into for an afternoon or evening, then the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools are well worth your visit.
✅ Pros
- World-famous hot pools & spa – Relax in thermal mineral pools with stunning alpine views.
- Adventure activities – Jet boating, bungy jumping, quad biking, and mountain biking add excitement.
- Year-round destination – Great in winter for soaking in hot pools after snow activities, and equally nice in summer with outdoor adventures.
- Charming alpine village vibe – Small town feel with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Family-friendly – Pools include slides, children’s play areas, and activities for all ages.
❌ Cons
- Can be busy – Popular with locals and tourists, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Entry costs – Hot pools, slides, and spa treatments can add up for families.
- Weather-dependent for some activities – Rain or snow may limit hiking, biking, or jet boating.
- Small town limitations – Limited nightlife and dining options compared to bigger NZ towns.
- Travel time – About 90 minutes from Christchurch, making it a bit of a detour if you’re short on time.
Where is it & How much it Costs?
Location
The town of Hanmer Springs is located only two hours north of Christchurch, which is a small alpine village on the South Island of New Zealand. But, please don’t get confused as “Hanmer Springs” is the town name, and used as the short version of the hot pool establishment.
It’s relatively straightforward to find at 42 Amuri Avenue, but a GPS will always be handy if you have one.
I found plenty of free street parking out the front, but it could be hard to find one at busy times. These are also angle parks on both sides of the street, which have one-way entry/exits.
Opening Hours and Cost
A single adult entry costs NZ$40, and a child NZ$23(5 to 15 years), which includes the 22 different pools and the waterslides. You can even return same day (Adult NZ$48), or the following day (Adult NZ$66) for a discount rate.
However, there are discounts for groups/families, Memberships, or if you’re only a spectator. They even have complete packages with accommodation to help plan out your entire time in Hanmer Springs.
If you’re a couple and after something a little more romantic. There is also an option for 30 minute or 60 minute Private Thermal Pools and Saunas for an extra NZ$10 per person. But, please ensure to book these in advance!
➡ Book Tickets to the Hot Pools HERE with Viator or HERE with GYG.
It’s open every day (except Christmas) between 10am and 7pm, which includes the spa, Hot Pools, Water Park, souvenir shop, and Kiosk closing slightly earlier.
Everything about the Hot pools!
Entering the Hot Pools area
Upon arriving, you’re immediately hit with a strong smell of sulphur, but that doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyable experience. The staff were friendly, organised and very helpful in explaining the different packages clearly and in detail.
Unlike many other spa experiences, the Hanmer Springs centre is reasonably priced, making it great value for money. Along with being a rather large establishment and easy to spread yourself out between all the different pools.
➡ Book Tickets to the Hot Pools HERE with Viator or HERE with GYG.
What are the hot pools like?
There are 22 different Rock Pools, Whirl Pools, Sulphur Pools, Lazy river and the Water Park pool with waterslides. So, you can enjoy the whole day and refuel for lunch at the al-fresco style onsite restaurant.
I’ve heard it can get a little crowded there in the busy season, but keep looking around and jump any that have room, or be lucky to have one to yourself.
How are the pools heated?
The thermal water is heated by Mother Nature and infused with minerals. It all starts with the melted snow and rainfall flowing down from the surrounding mountains.
Beneath the hills of Hanmer Springs lies an underground reservoir that seeps through greywacke rock and is warmed by the earth’s core.
Once extracted, this warm water can reach temperatures between 32-42°C in the hot pools and contains minerals such as calcium, chloride, and boron.
Are they Natural?
This is a man-made facility using the thermal water, but, Yes, The Hanmer Springs Hot Pools are naturally drawn from the ground for your enjoyment.
However, the water is now pumped from a bore, instead of being drawn to the surface from heat. Despite being man-made, most of the gardens and rocks have been set up looking like a natural environment, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
Fun Fact: It was first discovered in 1859 by early settlers and changed significantly over the years and only adds to the quiet atmosphere found here. You will be surrounded by serene forests and majestic mountains everywhere you look!
What should you bring with you?
I was surprised to see they hire out swimming costumes, but perfect for those travellers who forget.
There were also towels on offer, but I brought a small travel towel that fit in my luggage nicely, which was good enough.
Remember, the air temp is going to be on the cooler side and like that, walking around from pool to pool might need thongs, jandals, crocs or slip-on shoes to help protect your feet from the cold concreate.
How long can you soak?
While you can stay in the establishment all day, unfortunately, the thermal Hot pools are best enjoyed in 10 to 15-minute soaks, with small breaks (10 mins) in between.
If you didn’t know, prolonged soaks can lead to high body temperature and the risk of heatstroke. This means to avoid overheating, you can either get out of one pool and cool off while finding another, or use the cooler pools as an in-between soak.
How long should you spend there?
My visit was short and sweet with only a 2 hour visit. But, I could have stayed there longer and enjoyed more of the facilities available.
Therefore, allocating a half to a full day wouldn’t be entirely out of the question.
As a tourist destination, the town’s population swells during holidays. Bungy jumping, Skiing, jet boating, mountain biking, and bushwalking are common activities(more mentioned below).
With this in mind, sometimes 3 days to a week in the town of Hanmer Springs itself, will allow you to experience everything.
Can you take Babies?
Although a thermal spa is known for its relaxation and health benefits, the water temperature in some pools may not be safe for little ones. Therefore, it’s best to avoid taking them into thermal pools before they are three years or older.
Facilities Available on Site?
There was apparent signs of being clean in all the pools and the changing rooms. I only encountered a few people during my visit (first thing in the morning), but I’m sure there are busier times. Still, they had plenty of room to cater for those bigger crowds.
Other facilities available include:
- Showers (you should use these BEFORE using the pools)
- Toilets
- Spinners to help dry your swimming clothes.
- Towels.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
- I definitely took advantage of the lockers hire which are charged in intervals of 2 hours, 4 hours and the whole day.
The Spa treatments are a separate business in the establishment and you can get anything from deep tissue recovery, steam infusions, massage, paraffin baths to hydrating facials. They also sell local products from Manuka Honey to alternative skin care.
Best time to visit?
If you’re wondering about the best time day, then early morning and late afternoon will be ideal to limit crowds. However, you can enjoy the pools at any time of year.
The winter months are some of the most beautiful because Hanmer Springs is even more stunning, with a blanket of snow covering the town. Alternatively, summertime brings something special to this picturesque alpine village. With slightly warmer weather, but, still cool enough to enjoy the hot springs.
5 Healing Benefits of Natural Hot Springs
Many chemicals come together and make up this geothermal water. This includes Boron, Carbonate and Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, silica, sodium, and sulphur.
Bathing in this type of water has been used for Therapeutic reasons for centuries. This includes treating ailments like rheumatic, paraplegia, and orthopedic conditions. Some other benefits include the following:
1. Relaxation
The warm water and natural setting can help to ease muscle tension and stress, and many people find that hot springs are a great way to unwind after a long day.
2. Pain Relief
The heat of the water can help to increase blood flow and loosen tight muscles, which can provide relief from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and injuries.
3. Improved Circulation
Soaking in warm water can help to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can, in turn, help to reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
4. Cleansing
The heat of the water can help to open pores and sweat out impurities, while the minerals in the water can help to detoxify the body. In addition, many people find that soaking in a hot spring leaves their skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
5. Boosted Immunity
The warmth of the water can help to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, while the minerals present in the water can help to support the immune system.
Other Things to do Nearby?
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while you explore the charming sights, there are some excellent accommodation options to choose from.
This includes quaint holiday homes with stunning views to luxurious boutique hotel suites. Hanmer Springs will satiate whatever kind of holiday experience you have in mind!.
➡ Compare other tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
1. Take a scenic walk
Hanmer Springs is located in a beautiful part of New Zealand, with plenty of scenic walks to enjoy. For those who want to stay in the village, there are plenty of short walks like the Conical Hill Walking Track or the Fairy Door Walk.
For those who want to venture further afield, you have options like Mt Isobel or the Waterfall Track that wind through the mountains and forests.
2. Play a round of golf
There is a 9-hole golf course that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The course is open to the public, and the green fees are very reasonable.
3. Go horse riding
There are several horse-riding operators offering guided rides through the forests and mountains. This is a unique way to see some of the more remote parts of the area.
4. Take a Jet boat ride
For those who want a bit of excitement, a Jet Boat can take you on an exhilarating ride through the rapids of the Waiau River. This is not for the faint-hearted, but it is an option if you don’t have time elsewhere on your travels!
Tip: Jet boats here are more reasonably priced than other places in NZ
5. Go mountain biking
If mountain Biking is more your scene, you might want to look at the Mountain Bike trails that offer trails for all levels of riders. See New Zealand a different way and go further than the walking trails.
6. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
In winter, Hanmer Springs Ski Area offers skiing and snowboarding on its beginner-friendly slopes. There is also a terrain park for those who want to try their hand at jumps and tricks.
Where to stay?
The Thermal Hot Pools is what draw tourists from all over the island, to this charming little town, but not the only thing is has to offer first-time tourists. There is an an abundant of accommodation options, which you can choose between budget-friendly, to luxury Lodges and retreats.
Therefore, please don’t pass up the opportunity to stay in one of New Zealand’s premier hot springs destinations.
Where to eat in Town?
The town of Hanmer Springs has plenty of local Bars, Cafes and Restaurants to choose from. However, the convenient option would be to eat at the on-site Tea Kiosk Café & Grill. They are open from 10am to 6pm daily serving the Thermal pool guests.
They have enough pre-packaged and hot food to suffice, including local delights, wood-fire pizzas, fries/wedges, burgers, sandwiches and sweets treats. You can even grab a quick beer or wine, although, these are not to be taken to the pools!
Where did the town get it’s name?
The town of Hanmer Springs got its name from Thomas Hanmer, an early settler among the first to discover the thermal mineral springs in the 1800s.
Thomas recognised the healing and energizing powers of these natural springs, and soon others began taking advantage of the therapeutic rejuvenating properties they had to offer.
Word spread quickly around the Canterbury region and surrounding areas until Thomas finally sourced funds to develop a tourist centre so everyone could visit and experience what he had found.
He hoped that providing such a tranquil environment for visitors would help them restore their health and recharge their energies.
Wrap up!
Thanks for reading my review and experience on the Hanmer Springs Thermal Hot Pools today. I hope you’ve found all the information you needed when deciding to visit and help plan the best way possible for you. With that said, I absolutely think it’s possible to day trip from Christchurch, so you don’t have to stay in town to enjoy it!
If you’re seeking more inspiration, please check out my other New Zealand Articles for planning and research. While most of the blogs are from the South Island, I will be adding more from the North later.
