New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

Auckland

Rotorua

Taupo

Tongariro National Park

A little thermal town about 1hr 30min from Christchurch and a place where New Zealanders come to enjoy its hot springs. 

Oceania

New Zealand

Hanmer Springs

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

profile

New Zealand family holidays

travel-type

New Zealand road trips

occasion

Honeymoon in New Zealand

activity-type

Hiking in New Zealand

environment-type

Lakes in New Zealand

Whilst traveling through New Zealand, lots of locals told me about the joys of visiting Hanmer Springs and said that whatever I did, I shouldn't miss out on this during my tour of South Island. So I left Christchurch and headed to Kaikoura to spend half a day wallowing in hot, thermal waters. On arriving at Hanmer Springs, the weather wasn't great but at least the springs were warmer than the air. The complex is huge - several pools at different temperatures, a bit of greenery, some water jets and steam baths designed to attack cellulite. It was certainly an enjoyably, relaxing experience. All the same, I'm not sure that it's really worth making a detour for. It was just like being at an elaborate swimming pool complex, nothing more, nothing less. Downtown there are a few restaurants and bars and an agency offering jetboat tours. Apart from that, I can't recall anything else being on offer.

Hanmer Springs Holidays

Visit Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs: How to get there?

Hanmer Springs: See when to go?

Hanmer Springs: For how long?

Hanmer Springs: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your holidays