Best Activities, Restaurants & Accommodation for Families in Hanmer Springs NZ
Looking for a fun-filled, relaxing holiday in the South Island of NZ? Hanmer Springs is the perfect holiday destination for families travelling around the South Island, offering both relaxation and adventure. Just 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch, this picturesque alpine village has everything from outdoor activities and thermal hot pools to fine dining and scenic attractions for visitors of all types.
If you’re travelling with friends and whānau, make sure you check out the activities that Hanmer Springs Attractions has to offer. After spending an adventure-filled day white water rafting, jet boating, quad biking, or bungy jumping near the Waiau River, you’ll want to check out the local cuisines from Hanmer Springs’ best restaurants. Lucky for you, Hanmer Springs has some exceptional dining options to offer! When you’re ready to kick back and relax, check in to a room at Hanmer Springs Retreat, one of the best accommodations in Hanmer Springs NZ.
Not sure how to plan your holiday in Hanmer? Don’t worry! We’ve listed below some of our favourite things to do, restaurants and accommodation options in Hanmer Springs NZ.
Indulge in some R&R at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Relax and revive in the famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and & Spa. A lush forest backdrop sets the scene as you relieve your aching muscles in the thermal rock & sulphur pools and saunas. There are plenty of freshwater pools to play in with the family too! The temperature of the pools range from 34-42ºC, so whether you’re a hot water lover or not, there’s a pool for you!
Grab a great deal with the Family Fun Pass for 2 adults and up to 3 kids for $99 and enjoy the whole day at the pools. You even get two free pizzas for lunch. If you’re around the town for a couple of days, get the Two-Day Pass and soak in the hot pools after returning from your day’s adventure.
Delight the kids with an animal encounter
Want to surprise your little ones with an unforgettable animal experience? Talk about parent of the year! Visit the llamas at Hanmer Llamas and take a gentle stroll around Hanmer Springs village with a personal tour guide – your very own llama. You won’t find such an unusual, fun experience anywhere else, so make sure you pay these furry friends a visit while you’re in Hanmer Springs NZ.
Another animal adventure to enjoy with the kids is the Hanmer Springs Animal Park. Only a 10 minute walk from the town centre, your tamariki will love the pony rides, feeding the wallabies, and playing with the baby farm animals. The 6-hectare farm park is open all year round and no bookings are needed so pay them a visit today.
Eggs Benny or Pancakes? Brunch at Saints Café, Restaurant & Bar
Saints Café, Restaurant & Bar is an absolute must for lunch or brunch. This popular spot is always busy and with a great selection of local cuisine on the menu, it’s not hard to see why! With a mouth-watering menu with family favourites such as delicious nachos, Portobello mushroom open sandwiches, and their iconic Calabrese pizza, this is a place you must tick off if you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a feast, then you must try their stone grill, where your meal is served on a super-heated natural volcanic stone. Talk about a unique dining experience!
Dine in style at Five Stags Restaurant
If you’re a fan of rustic, hunting-lodge styled design, you’ll love Hanmer Springs’ Five Stags Restaurant. Rustic to its core, Five Stags is famous for the best-cooked meats in town! Come in and relax, put your feet up, and enjoy a fantastic meal by the open fire. Check out their tantalizing menu here and call 0800 315 000 to make your reservation.
Find a home away from home with VR’s accommodation in Hanmer Springs NZ
With so much to do, see and eat, you might need to plan not just an overnight stay – but a whole week in Hanmer Springs! Your itinerary isn’t complete without VR’s luxurious accommodation in Hanmer Springs to recoup in! Check out Hanmer Springs Retreat for all your alpine holiday needs and experience the quality hospitality VR’s known for.
Hanmer Springs Retreat is located within walking distance of Hanmer Springs. You can find all the shops, restaurants and attractions you need right down the road! After a day of forest walks, thrill-seeking activities, and relaxing in the thermal pools, unwind at our luxury 4.5 star hotel. Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to a spa bath in one of our premier suites! The team at VR are more than happy to help make your family holiday everything you imagined, so book your accommodation in Hanmer Springs at Hanmer Springs Retreat today!