Hanmer Springs

Need to know ...

The easy and pleasant 370km drive around the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route is best enjoyed over several days. For decades the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs has been a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders; enjoy the alpine environment with its forest, rivers and mountains. At the southern point of the triangle is Waipara Valley, New Zealand’s fastest growing wine area, producing around 150,000 cases of wine in an average year.

Main Centres

Hanmer Springs – peaceful alpine spa village with thermal hot pools.
Waipara Valley – wine-producing region.

Getting There

By Air – Christchurch has the nearest airport.
By Road – The Alpine Pacific Triangle begins 45 minutes north of Christchurch. 1 hour, 55 minutes from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs. There are regular shuttle transfers from Christchurch.

Getting Around

Hanmer Springs is easy to explore on foot. Rent a car to explore the Alpine Pacific Triangle by road.

Eating Out

Exclusive

The Old Post Office (Jacks Pass Rd, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7461) – fine New Zealand cuisine and historic setting.
Nor’Wester Café (Main Rd, Amberley, t +64 3 314 9411) – large selection of food using local produce.
Heritage Hanmer Springs (1 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7021) – international and New Zealand cuisine.
Malabar (5 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7745) – Asian fusion.
The Laurels Restaurant (31 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7788) – fine à la carte dining.
Rustic Café & Tapas Bar (8 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7274).

Casual

Alpine Café, Bar & Brasserie (10 Jacks Pass Rd, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7005).
Hot Springs Hotel (Main Rd, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7799).
Pukeko Junction Café & Deli (Main Rd, SH 1, Leithfield, t +64 3 314 8834).

Where to Drink

Cosy Pub

Hurunui Hotel (1224 Karaka Rd, Hurunui, t +64 3 314 4207).
The Old Leithfield (11 Old Main North Rd, Leithfield, t +64 3 314 7230).

Coffee Fix

Nor’Wester Café (Main Rd, Amberley, t +64 3 314 9411) – superb coffee.
Springs Deli Café (Shop 2, 47 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 7430) – small café with atmosphere.
Powerhouse Café (8 Jacks Pass Rd, Hanmer Springs, t +64 3 315 5252) – mouth-watering menu or deli options.

Sights

The thermal pools of Hanmer Springs, especially in winter when the steaming pools are surrounded by snow.

Climb Conical Hill for a lovely vista across Hanmer Springs to the surrounding mountains.

The beautiful rolling hill country south of Hanmer Springs – you’ll pass through this area on your way to Christchurch.

Action

Head to Hanmer Springs for the ultimate in adrenaline pumping activity, you can try jet boating, bungy jumping and much more.

Saddle-up and go horse trekking through lovely forests of Northern Hemisphere trees around Hanmer Springs.

Relax

Wine tasting in the Waipara Valley. This region produces a wide range of varieties including Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Soaking in the beautifully landscaped thermal pools of Hanmer Springs.

THE experience

Take a magical and varied road trip on the Alpine Pacific Triangle, a touring route that links Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and the Waipara Valley. The circuit is 370km in length and is best enjoyed over a few days – there is a lot to see all along the way!