Activities in North Canterbury
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Thrillseekers Adventures
Bungy off a 35m-high bridge ($169), jetboat the Waiau Gorge (adult/child $115/60) or go white-water rafting (Grade II to III) down the Waiau River (adult/child $149/79). Other activities include quad-biking (adult/child $129/99). Book at the Thrillseekers Adventure centre, next to the bridge where the Hanmer Springs turn-off meets SH7. There's another booking office 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, which fell from the sky after an eruption of Mt Ngauruhoe on the North Island; Maori 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 thermal pools ($25 per 30 minutes) and a restaurant. There are loads of fun for kids of all ages, including a waterslide and the exciting Superbowl ($10). The adjacent Hanmer Springs Spa has massage and…
reviewed
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Waipara Springs
Located in Waipara Valley, Waipara Springs is open daily for wine tasting and sales, and has a restaurant-cafe for a leisurely lunch.
reviewed
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Mud House
In the scenic Waipara Valley, the Mud House is open daily for wine tasting and sales, and has a restaurant-cafe for a leisurely lunch. It also hosts occasional local and international concerts; see www.adayonthegreen.com.au.
reviewed
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Pegasus Bay
Open daily for wine tasting and sales, and has a restaurant-cafe for a leisurely lunch.
reviewed
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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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Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre
Books activities, and rents quad bikes (from $129), mountain bikes (per hour/day from $19/45), fishing rods (per day $25) and ski and snowboard gear. Mountain biking maps are available at the i-SITE.
reviewed
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D
Hanmer Horses
Rides depart from a forested setting 10 minutes from town on Rogerson Rd. Younger children can be led on a pony for 30 minutes ($25).
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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Hanmer Springs Spa
Hanmer Springs Spa has massage and beauty treatments from $70. A recent refurbishment has lifted the spa to international standards, and entry to the pools is discounted to $12 if you also partake of the spa's facilities.
reviewed
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Wai Ariki Farm Park
With more animals than Dr Dolittle's Facebook page, Wai Ariki is a great spot for kids. Lllamas, Tibetan yaks, rabbits, guinea pigs and goats all feature, and many of the critters can be hand-fed; horse treks for the young ones are also available. For mum and dad there's a cafe and craft gallery.
reviewed
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F