Activities in Hanmer Springs
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Thrillseekers Canyon
Thrillseekers Canyon is the adrenaline centre of Hanmer Springs. Bungy off a 35m-high bridge ($145), jetboat the Waiau Gorge (adult/child $110/59) or go white-water rafting (Grade II to III) down the Waiau River (adult/child $145/75). Other activities include quad-biking (adult/child $99/90). You can book at the Thrillseekers Canyon centre, next to the bridge where the Hanmer Springs turn-off meets SH7. Another booking office (Tel: 03-3157346; 37 Amuri Ave; 10am-6pm) is in town.
reviewed
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A
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
Visitors have been soaking in the waters of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools for over 100 years. Local legend has it that the thermal springs are the fires of Tamatea that fell from the sky after an eruption of Mt Ngauruhoe on the North Island; Maoris call the springs Waitapu (Sacred Waters).
The hot spring water mixes with freshwater to produce pools of varying temperatures. In addition to mineral pools, there are landscaped rock pools, a freshwater 25m lap pool, private sauna/steam suites ($24 per half-hour), a restaurant, and a family activity area including a waterslide ($6). The adjacent Hanmer Springs Spa has massage and beauty treatments from $65.
reviewed
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B
Hot Tracks
Hot Tracks takes all-terrain Hagglund vehicles into the forests and hills surrounding Hanmer. If you’re feeling a bit gung-ho, then a self-drive option ($180) is also available.
reviewed
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C
Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre
Books activities, and rents mountain bikes (per hour/day from $19/45), fishing rods (per day $25) and ski and snowboard gear. Mountain biking maps ($2) are available at the i-SITE.
reviewed
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D
Hanmer Horses
Hanmer Horses leave from a forested setting 10 minutes from town on Rogerson Rd. Younger children can be led on a pony for 30 minutes ($20).
reviewed
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E
BackTrax
BackTrax organises guided quad-bike trips up into the hills, and along (and across) the Hanmer River.
reviewed
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Trailways Safaris
reviewed
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F
