Things to do in Hanmer Springs

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Hanmersprings is the fairy valley where the elves live in The Lord of the Rings. The town's spa area has been open since 1897. Here, you can soak in the geothermal mineral springs of Hanmer Springs, while admiring the starry night sky of the magnificent Southern Alps and breathing the fresh alpine air.

Hanmer Springs Attractions

Hidden within a lush green valley, Hanmer Springs Attractions is the ideal destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle and find peace of mind. Surrounded by mountains and murmuring streams, with the faint scent of sulfur in the air, it feels like stepping into a secluded paradise. The hot springs are the most captivating treasure of Hanmer Springs Attractions. Numerous natural springs are scattered along the forest paths, with clear, transparent water rich in various minerals beneficial to the human body. Stepping into the hot spring pool, the warm water gently brushes against your skin, washing away fatigue and worries, leaving only comfort and contentment. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, Hanmer Springs Attractions offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike along mountain trails to experience the wonders of nature, or go fishing by the lake to enjoy the tranquility and leisure. Furthermore, the area features hot spring spas, massage services, and more, allowing visitors to achieve complete physical and mental relaxation while enjoying the beauty of nature. With its unique natural scenery and abundant hot spring resources, Hanmer Springs Attractions attracts numerous visitors to come and experience it. Here, you can temporarily forget the noise of the city and let your soul truly be released and restored. Whether it is a family trip or a gathering with friends, Hanmer Springs Attractions is an ideal choice you won't want to miss.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Whale Watch Kaikoura is an iconic marine experience in Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island. What makes the Kaikoura waters unique is a submarine canyon approx. two kilometers deep that runs close to the coast, creating a rich marine food chain that keeps sperm whales in nearshore waters year-round—making it one of the few places in the world where wild sperm whales can be viewed up close throughout the year. After setting out to sea by boat, a common sight is a massive male sperm whale surfacing to blow a spout, then raising its tail flukes high and diving deep into the sea, with a single dive typically lasting several tens of minutes. Along the way, there is also a chance to encounter pods of dusky dolphins, known for their acrobatic flips and leaps, with a single pod numbering up to several hundred; Hector's dolphins are a small dolphin species endemic to New Zealand, appearing in small groups near the coast and are quite rare; New Zealand fur seals also often rest on the rocks along the route. Migratory cetaceans such as humpback whales and killer whales occasionally appear, mostly in the winter months. The landscape of Kaikoura, backed by snow-capped mountains and facing the sea, is itself an impressive sight during the voyage. Weather at sea is changeable, and trips may be canceled when the wind and waves are strong, so checking the day's sailing conditions before you set out can save you an unnecessary trip.

Alpine Holiday Apartments & Campground

Alpine Adventure Holiday Park

Hanmer Springs Animal Park

A-Maze-N-Golf

Conical Hill Lookout

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences take you soaring over Mount Cook National Park, offering breathtaking aerial views of vast glaciers and snowfields. Feel the majestic embrace of towering mountains from high above as your helicopter navigates through narrow ridges before landing on alpine terrain, where you'll marvel at the park's spectacular scenery. During this unforgettable journey, you'll witness natural wonders like the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Valley from above, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Under the guidance of professional pilots, you'll enjoy low-altitude flights for close-up observations of glacial crevasses and ice caves while learning about glacial formation processes. More than just a visual feast, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences offer a profound spiritual awakening amidst nature's grandeur.

Dog Stream Reserve