The 11 best free attractions in Hanmer Springs

My first trip back in about 10-12 years…slides have been refreshed but generally the same. While a bit on the chilli side the lines were short and the kids had a great time. The smaller hot thermal pools were were fairly dirty both days we went which brought the star down. Hard to fully relax with a bunch of debris floating around you Brisket pizza in the eatery was delicious and fairly priced.

Far superior to the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, this is a far more refined and relaxed experience. The setting is superb, surrounded by mountains and tall trees, and the range of pools is excellent. The thoughtful layout separates the family area with slides from the quieter pools, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves without conflict. I spent four hours here reading and relaxing in warm water and sunshine after driving 2,500 miles around South Island, and it was wonderfully restorative. Everything is high quality, good value, and the rental options for swimwear, towels, and lockers are very reasonably priced.

Was nice not as big as I thought it would be but great value for money. Amazing views of the mountains with the snow was a little cold the day we went but with the pools been so warm that wasn't an issue. The cafe has amazing food! Meatlovers pizza was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

We had a private pool and it was a great experience. Staffs are helpful. If you book for the private pool, you are allowed to go and enjoy the rest for the public areas as well ( as per receptionist). They don’t provide the towels but you can hire at the reception area.

We are from Brisbane Australia and Travelled around south Island and camped in Hanmar Springs for the night, there was no way I wouldn't try the pools, even if it was 8°....loved it and the township is very beautiful and picturesque

Great day as always at the pools. Was quiet so had the pools pretty much to ourselves till lunch. Kids had a great time. So many pools to choose from with different temperatures to suit everyone. Facilities are wondering with showers and body wash/ shampoo on hand. Cafe had a great selection of food and coffee. Prices are a little high compared to other cafes but expected for a tourist destination. Had a great time. Will be back for sure soon.

Went on a Friday so it wasn’t too busy. The view from some of the pool was beautiful. You can see snow at the peak of the mountains. The dressing room was clean and tidy. Entry fee wasn’t cheap so would be great to offer the lockers for free.

Beuatiful views over Hanmer and forest. Well maintained and marked track. Great lookout with picnic tables at top. Easy uphill walk suitable for children. Park on Conical Hill Road. 40-60 minute return trip with school age kids including time to explore lookout at the top. The track is part of a 6km loop track. The sign states the loop can be done in 90 minutes. Prob more like 2 hours if you do with kids. The main track up the hill is well used. The loop track down is a lot quieter. The loop track joins the Hanmer Forrest Park and traces along a stream. It can also be shortened probably down to 4km by jumping off at an easy exit to Jollies Pass Road. Or easily extended to a longer walk in the Forrest Park taking in the Sculpture Walk.

The Conical Hill Walking Track is a must-do in Hanmer Springs. I completed it in winter and found street parking and good public toilets right at the start, which was very convenient. I would recommend decent walking shoes and a wind proof jack for the top, might even need this in summer. You will definitely get warm as you hike up tho. The walk is a steady, zig-zagging uphill climb through a beautiful forest. Honestly, there's not much to see but trees until you get to the top, but the path is well-maintained but was a bit muddy (winter weather) and provides a great workout. The summit is absolutely amazing! The 360-degree views of Hanmer Springs and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking and completely worth the climb. There's a shelter and seating to rest and take it all in. A word of advice: The Lucas Lane track is a decent 10-minute side trek to see Jacks Pass, but the main Conical Hill summit is the real showstopper and has by far the best views. Stick with the main track to the top for the best payoff. This is a fantastic, rewarding hike.

Gorgeous. Well worth the short walk up. Heard and saw bellbirds, Saw South Island Robin in the woods, and a Kārearea (falcon) at the top too! There’s a few viewpoints as you zig zag up the hill (photo) but it’s definitely best from the summit. There’s a lot of midges at the summit so I recommend covering up

Good walk with kids and once at the top the view was incredible. Our day was clear so was able to see the snow topped mountains. 30 to 45mins from the start to the top with 2 kids under 12.

A beautiful well formed track. Nice spots to take in the view on the way up

It is a reasonable grade up hill but not very long so simple enough for families. We continued on and around through the park which was great to lengthen the walk.

Usually, always do this walk when visiting Hanmer Springs. Has changed over the years & seems to be getting surrounded now by urban sprawl. It's a steady half hour to the top through peaceful pine forest, emerging into sunlight at the top lookout. It's always a delight to complete this walk in all weathers

Great little course with a diverse range of holes, some straightforward, others a bit more challenging. Different from most of the courses I usually play back in Canada, and really enjoyed the layout, vegetation (gorgeous trees), and elevation changes on some of the holes. Pro shop staff are friendly, easy to get a tee time, rental clubs are okay, and the price was pleasing. If you're in Hanmer and enjoy getting out for a quick 18, give this one a try.

We are a family of 4, with 2 teens, who have only just started playing, or played many years ago. This was our first time playing as a family, and we loved it! The guy managing the club on the day was awesome! Friendly, welcoming and understanding of our limitations! It’s a beautiful course, friendly and fun, and a highlight of our weekend in Hanmer. Thoroughly recommend!

Brilliant course greens were soft and forgiving, I would recommend this course to anybody who doesn't like bunkers

I recently visited the Hanmer Golf Course with my family, and it was an outstanding experience! The staff went above and beyond in looking after our teenage sons, making them feel welcome and ensuring they had a great time. Their hospitality was exceptional, and they truly made us feel at home. The course itself was in fantastic condition, and the whole experience was perfect from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun family day out, Hanmer Golf Course is a must-visit. Highly recommend!

Nice golf course friendly staff highly recommend

Beautiful course. Fantastic fairways and greens. I love the gulleys and creeks through the first 9 and the 8th green is a much lower elevation which is my favourite kind of par 3. Definitely worth a visit

My partner and I had a great day over the long weekend. I didn't get the guy's name in the proshop but he was really nice and provided fantastic customer service. Course was in good shape and surrounded by mountains, would recommend!

Loved our camping stay, so much on offer. New modern shower block, barbecues, pizza oven, full kitchen facilities all kept clean and tidy. They have the options to book wider sites that allow for awnings, not many camping grounds have that. Great entertainment for kids including ride on carts and bouncing pillow. Behind the camp grounds is a large play area with walking and biking tracks. Even a lovely bush walk into a "fairy land". Friendly obliging staff. All within an easy walk to the centre of Hanmer.

Such a well equipped park, certainly lives up to the Premium tag. We really enjoyed the private hot tub experience after a long day of driving. The sites were pristine and the amenities blocks were huge, heated and bigger than our ensuite at home. The pizza's available from reception were a perfect end to the day when you wanted a convenient dinner option and the toppings didn't disappoint. Location also perfect, just a short stroll to the centre of town and the thermal pools.

Stayed at this park for 1 night in Hanmer Springs. Quiet location with amazing facilities. Especially the new shower and toilet block, 5 stars. Our powered site was in a great location, the kitchen had everything you need, clean and tidy. An added bonus is the wood fired hot tubs that you can hire. These are in a private area and fully exclusive to the hirer. Don’t miss a gentle stroll in the Hanmer Forest Sculpture Walk. Loved our stay here. Definitely recommend it.

Absolutely lovely. Used the communal facilities for the first time on our trip to play MTG, met a lovely couple watching the telly, who we will remember fondly ❤️ playground lovely, facilities lovely and clean. Probably the best place during our trip.

Fantastic motorcamp. Had powered site. Excellent facilities, amazing, quiet and friendly staff. Enjoyed our 2 nights, we will be back. Great walk and bike ride in the forest behind the motorcamp. Loved the sculpture walkway. Great recommendations for dinner and coffee

If you are cycling stay here! Tanya and her partner were so warm and welcoming to two very grubby, exhausted cyclists. They've spoilt us rotten and been so enthusiastic about our trip, they know all about long distance journeys and it was great to swap stories. The showers are huge (there's also double showers!), clean, and hot, with plenty of space to get changed. The whole site is tidy and peaceful, and free unlimited WiFi is always a win too. Thank you!

We came from the North Island and this was our first time visiting the South Island or New Zealand for that matter. Originally, we planned to head to Nelson, but due to the terrible floods and having young kids, someone suggested we check out Hanmer Springs instead. We were lucky enough to find a last-minute cabin at the TOP 10 Holiday Park in Hanmer Springs. We arrived late after a massive day — four hours on the ferry and another four to five hours driving. We were absolutely wrecked. But from the moment we arrived, the staff were amazing — genuinely kind and welcoming. The next day, we visited the hot springs, which were awesome. We booked a private hot tub at teh Top 10 for the following night but unfortunately misjudged our timing and didn’t get back until after reception had closed (7pm). We’d already paid, but we just assumed it was our fault and we’d missed out. To our surprise, the staff went above and beyond — they brought the key, towels, and even drinks directly to our cabin. They didn’t have to do that, but they did, and it meant so much. Honestly, highly recommend this place. The people are fantastic, the area is beautiful, and everything is within walking distance — pubs, restaurants, cafes, even forest walks right behind you. Couldn’t fault it. Will definitely be back!

This is an awesome walk with a very rewarding panoramic view from the top! Started at the Clarence Valley carpark and went up some pretty steep sections often on bush until reaching the ridge line. Does need a reasonable level of fitness, good footwear and layers of clothing.

Loved this hike! Took us about 2.5hr return. Added bonus of nobody else about! Would recommend a base level medium fitness. There’s loose stone underfoot, up is easier but down is very unstable. Overall would recommend! FYI We parked at the Jacks Pass car park and walked to Isobel Summit.

I started the hike to the summit from Clarence Road and needed app. 3 hours 40 minutes return, including a long rest at the summit of about 45 to 60 minutes. the hike itself is at times steep and slippery with rubble but manageable. the views from the top are simply awesome!

I nearly died climbing Mt Isobel ....lol we began our journey from Waterfall car park which is end of McIntyre Road. You won't find McIntyre Road on Google maps. We first went to Dog waterfall which took us 75 minutes and then to My Isobel. Our journey was all up, up, up and up. After the Dog Waterfall, the track needs repairing so be careful. There is no Toilet facilities or any DOC shelters. The track is all up and at times very steep. From the Dog Waterfall the track has loose stones which I found quite challenging especially coming down. The weather was beautiful and clear sky gave us the much needed view of Hanmer valley and ranges. There is orange markers that will quite you. I had to persevere because of the steep track, However, I made it to the top. The view is surreal and worth the effort. Coming down was good but we had to be careful because one can slide on the loose stones. We made our return to Waterfall car park in 6 hours.

Windy up top, decent challenge with some slightly steeper sections

Did a bit of a circuit from Mt Isobel car park and return via waterfall. Loved it! Good climb up with steep/muddy sections but otherwise well marked and beautiful views! Want to return for walks via other pass options.

Climbed on the hottest day of the year. Took the waterfall track. Steep, but not too bad. Just under 4 hours walking up and back.

We stayed in one of their Queen self contained unit which should be equipped with coffee making facility, but arrived there with none so have to go asked the reception and no tea towels to dry dishes and expect the guests to wash and dry dirty dishes if not you will be charged $50. Maybe make sure that rooms are ready for next guest as people pay in full when they stay and its not cheap either. Room was ok, Receptionist are helpful

We ended up staying here for an evening as our regular camp ground was fully booked. I'd say for the size cabin (powered cabin suited for 4) we got it was really reasonable priced in terms of what's available in Hanmer. The kitchens are tidy, and the playground was enjoyable for the kids, although there were fewer facilities than we've had at other similarly priced locations. We also booked a night where there was a group, and there was singing clapping until quite late at night. I'd imagine this would be a great campground to base yourself to walk/bike trails and with the basic cabin set up, it would be good for schools etc. Short drive into town.

Awesome spot! Rooms are clean and tidy with good mattresses . Showers were free and so good! Though my husband says the mens ones weren't very good. Nice grounds. Near walks and activities. AMAZING kitchens, literally everything you could ever need right down to plates and bowls.

🌲🏕 Hanmer Springs Forest Camp 📍 Hanmer Forest, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand 🇳🇿 ⛰️ A tranquil nature escape near Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools --- ⭐ Google Review (Local Guide Style): “Hidden in nature, powered by peace 🌿🔥” Hanmer Springs Forest Camp is a magical retreat nestled in native beech forest just outside Hanmer Springs. Whether you’re pitching a tent, staying in cabins, or bringing a school group — it’s the perfect mix of wilderness and community. Wake up to birdsong, hike through forests, or simply unwind with hot cocoa under the stars. 🌌 🎒 Great for: Families, hikers, eco-tourists, schools, and quiet getaways. --- 🧠 Quick Facts: 🏕️ Eco-accommodation: cabins, bunkrooms, camping sites 🍃 Powered by sustainability & conservation values 🌲 Close to Hanmer Forest Park, hot springs, and walking trails 🐦 Spot native birds like tui and bellbirds 🎓 Used by schools, scout camps, and wellness retreats --- 📸 Must-Do Experiences: 🥾 Forest walk to Dog Stream Waterfall 🧖 Relax at nearby Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools 🪵 Sit by the communal campfire under the stars 🚵‍♂️ Try mountain biking trails in Hanmer Forest 🍽️ Share a meal in the outdoor BBQ area with forest views --- 🗣️ Multilingual Mini-Reviews: English: "Nature, simplicity, and peace — all in one place." Hindi (हिंदी): "प्राकृतिक सौंदर्य और शांति का आदर्श शिविर अनुभव।" Bengali (বাংলা): "প্রকৃতির কোলে শান্তিপূর্ণ ক্যাম্পিং অভিজ্ঞতা।" Māori (Te Reo): "He wāhi rangimārie i waenga i te ngahere — tino ataahua!" Spanish (Español): "Campamento en medio del bosque — ¡paz total y naturaleza pura!" --- 🎥 Voiceover Script for Reels/Shorts: 🎙️ "Escape into the forest at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp. Where fresh mountain air, chirping birds, and quiet trails await. Unplug. Reconnect. Breathe. This is New Zealand’s hidden camping gem." 💬 “Camp. Chill. Explore. Repeat.” --- 📍 Google Maps Tags: 📌 243 Jollies Pass Road, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Nearby: Hanmer Forest Park, Conical Hill Walkway, Alpine Adventure Park, Thermal Pools & Spa --- 🕐 Best Time to Visit: 🌞 November to March (warm weather, clear skies) 🍁 Autumn (April–May) offers stunning foliage 🌨️ Winter campers: pack warm layers! Snowfall adds magic --- 🎯 Hashtags for Social Media: #HanmerSprings #ForestCampNZ #NatureRetreat #KiwiCamping #SouthIslandNZ #HanmerForest #EcoTravel #CampLifeNZ #HanmerSpringsForestCamp #NewZealandNature

Beautiful place, wonderful atmosphere for camps. Kids g get to be kids. Great service with activities

Beds are rock hard in the double rooms. Woke up with wet walls, literally dripping down the walls. Room was freezing and heater did nothing. Had people try enter room twice throughout the night.

We were in the Abilities Lodge, the fire was amazing, facilities were ok. I suggest you bring your own pillow!

Wow wow wow. A 360 view above New Zealand. A hard trial to go up, but worth every single step

Nice hike to the top, the end is a pretty steep but definitely worth the effort. Nice 360" view over Hammer. From there you can carry on the track to jollie pass and then back to Hanmer.

What a super walk but boy was it windy! Do not take children up this track on a windy day as they may well get blown over. On a nice day I can imagine it's stunning. Its a steep walk but well signed. I'm glad we did it but we did not have the best conditions. There are no toilets anyway on this walk.

Amazing view at the summit and great walk overall

Great views.

Beautiful views but really hard to get up. Could do with escalator or some kind of lift. Some people have physical disabilities and might find it difficult to access. Perhaps a ramp?

Such a great feeling reaching the top, you can see down the valleys for miles, very windy though take a good wind breaker jacket

This has become one of my favourite hunting grounds. Not too far to walk before you’re in glassing country. Not a lot of animal numbers but can usually find something, having taken about 6 animals from here over the past 2 years - Reds and Chamois. Also the natural thermals are a bonus.

Great tramp up Mt Isobel, but pick your days as you don't want to go when it is windy. We parked at the Mt Isobel car park and the walk to the summit is 1.5 hours there and 2 hours back.

to tall

Awesome hiking

(Translated by Google) The road is not easy to walk, there is no forest, there are only bicycle paths, and further ahead is up the mountain for skiing. I feel like I have been cheated. (Original) 路不好走，没有森林，只有自行车道，再往前就是上山滑雪，感觉被骗了

Quite a busy place but lot more of interesting and creative New Zealand Souvenirs for sale. During our visit during Covid era, the i-site provided facia mask if you did not have one. Staff was friendly and they were very informative. This is a small place so we bumped into others frequently. I-site is just beside the hot pools and centre of town.

Incredibly USELESS 🫢🫢🫢 Visited on 4th April 2025. Asked usual thing: information about what to do in Hanmer and surroundings. The girl was so friendly and smiling but absolutely NO information. It seemed like she was brought here by a spaceship 10 minutes ago, and just does not understand where she is 🤣🤣🤣 So DISAPPOINTING. If you call ut a VISITOR center, please be ready to answer obvious questions WHAT ONE CAN VISIT. The girl went to ask her colleague what to visit. Still could not explain it. Tried to GOOGLE it. Still could not tell much. My god. We ventured to take sone brochures, completely frustrated. DO NOT HIRE PEOPLE WHO ARE ABSOLUTELY IGNORANT ABOUT THE PLACE. It is disappointing and rudiculous... 🥲🥲🥲🥲

Small i-site, but gives you a decent idea of the surrounding attractions. The stuff is very nice and knowledgeable. Recommend

Four stars because I found Sharon at the information centre to be rude and aggressive. I'm a tourist here and felt like a child being reprimanded. In fact she almost bit my head off for walking into the building with two small dogs. It's not what she said, but how she said it that offended me. I don't mind being told. In fact there are many dog friendly places in NZ. But she said dogs are not welcome in the shops in HS. How mistaken was she. I just had lunch at the Four Posts across the road, and they were extremely hospitable and brought water to my dogs while I ate my lunch. Plenty of folk there that could have cringed at my Shih Tzus but they didnt. She answered my question for what I needed to know. Thank you for that.

Staff are lovely but we had to work hard to get the info we wanted. Site seems more retail than info. Cycle/walk track map is for sale. We did the walks but found signs/maps were not so helpful. Walks were great though and we had an awesome time. 😊

I am a tourist. I come to an I site to find out what there is to do. I don't expect to be snarked at. Oh, you're staying at The Hotel. 1 Conical Hill Road? The big hotel! Like thanks, it's like you wanted me to pay for information.

Great staff. We found a set of car keys and handed them in here. The staff member was already keeping an eye out for these keys and she was on the phone to the owner straight away.

Really cool to see all the different fairy houses. Only rated 4 as trail was getting a bit muddy in places but we all had a good time.

The trail is adorned with numerous fairy doors, creating a whimsical atmosphere. You can appreciate children's creativity and experience the nice and easy walk.

A great activity for preschoolers and slightly older kids who still believe in magic (or not!). Easy flat terrain but would need an decent tyre on your buggy. Under the shade of the tree canopy so good on a hot day. An easy slow meander to the end and back took us around 45mins.

After finishing hiking Conical Hill, we are still not feeling hungry and have some time on hand, so we head to another walk that has children's lovely artwork hanging on trees along the walk. My wife was hoping to encounter more owners, bringing their dogs 🐕 for a stroll.

No clear signs or indication as to where to find this walk way. We just decided to follow one trail and hope for the best. Luckily it was the right one. My two girls loved it.

Highly and very highly recommend for kids! Never seen so many fairy houses at one place.

So many good things to see in the Fairy Door Walk.

I love this fairy tale forest. Enchanted at night and feels peaceful and lovely. People in the South Island are in rich happiness. Far away from the war and conflicts. I’m planning to make a fairy house and hang it over one day

Beautiful scenic walk through the forest. Calm and relaxing with different trails to choose from. Did the walk with the family and friends.

Nice toilets, very cool park for biking and walking. Kids love playing in the stream. There is a pump track and a small playground. And a short walk across the bridge to the fairy doors forest.

Awesome walk and easy to do even with our toddler! Dogs welcomed which we loved. The sculptures were amazing.

A wonderful woodland walk for adults and child alike. If just relaxing in and amongst nature isn't enough to keep you happy then the sculptures hiding in an amongst this woodland walk surely will. They are amazingly detailed. The footpaths are well maintained, making this a fairly easy walk even for the less able body.

Loved Dog stream reserve. Second time visiting, we took our parents to see as well. They're from overseas, and they enjoyed the freedom of walking safely through the forest, and having these amazing wood carvings around every corner.

Peaceful setting for a picnic with toilets, a stream and nearby walks. Come in autumn and try to reach the apples and pears from the trees. Some lovely bird life and near to the fairy door walk. It's possible to drive down and park or easily walkable from town centre. We spent time watching the birds eating the fallen fruit.