42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs, Hurunui

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

The hot springs, known to Maori as waitapu - ‘sacred waters’ - are the main reason for the existence of the town. According to legend, fire was sent from Hawaiki to warm Ngatoroirangi who lay on the summit of Ngauruhoe in the North Island, suffering from the cold. But fire erupted from the mountain and some of it reached Hanmer to heat the water there. In 1859 William Jones, an early manager of St Leonards Station, investigated a strange fog in the area and discovered the springs.

Following this, in 1862, the Nelson Provincial Government established a small cob cottage at the foot of Jollies Pass to provide accommodation for travellers who benefited from the presence of the springs. In these early years, trousers or a skirt were run up a flagpole to indicate which gender was in residence. In 1878, the licensee of the cottage built a two- roomed shelter beside the main pool and by 1884 water was piped to bath houses. After this, when there was an aura of a fashionable spa about the springs, the settlement was developed by the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts but responsibility was taken over by the Health Department in 1922.

Today many thousands come to Hanmer to relax. The outdoor thermal pool complex is perfect for this with its attractive mountain stream- like setting and a wide variety of facilities.
You can enjoy rock, sulphur, thermal and freshwater pools, private thermal suites, massage and natural therapies, family areas, a hydroslide and a cafe and refreshment kiosk.
All these are available year round. In winter snow and starry skies add much to the experience. The Thermal Reserve is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. The pools are found here because the rain that falls onto the mountains behind the town seeps down through rock fractures. At a depth of about 2 kilometres its temperature is raised by heat rising from the core of the earth.
The hot water originally rose by artesian pressure through fissures in the greywacke rock below the Plain but today it is aided by a bore from which water is drawn about 20 metres below the surface.
The whole process from rain to hot water entering the complex at a temperature of 54 degrees centigrade takes about 100 years. The heat is reduced to between 32 and 42 degrees to be comfortable for bathing and is also used to warm the freshwater swimming pool.

HANMER SPRINGS THERMAL POOLS AND JET BOAT DAY TRIP FROM CHRISTCHURCH

HANMERSPRINGS THERMAL POOLS AND JET BOAT DAY TRIP FROM CHRISTCHURCH

HANMER SPRINGS THERMAL POOL ENTRY AND LUNCH VOUCHER

HANMER SPRINGS NATURAL THERMAL POOLS ADMISSION TICKET

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  • Pool
  • Swimming Pool

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