Hanmer Springs

A picture taken just before entering Hanmer Springs. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Our last stay in New Zealand was at Hanmer Springs located in the basin below the Southern Alps, and famous for its thermal resources, first discovered in 1859. It's thermal pools became an important place for returning soldiers from the first and second World Wars seeking rest and recuperation.After discovery it quickly became an important stopping off point for stage coaches.

The surrounding area is also rich in history and has some fine homesteads such as "St Helens", built of limestone in 1915, that was once part of a great sheep station of 250,000 Acres. Originally settled by the French in 1860, the St Helens sheep station property was adversely affected by rabbits,
erosion, severe winters and subsequently was abandoned to the crown in 1949.

Hanmer Springs is 385m above sea level and 90 mins easy drive from Christchurch or on to Kaikoura where we undertook our whale watching cruise

We visited the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve and enjoyed a number of the thermal & sulphur pools and I had a swim in the 25m fresh water pool. We both enjoyed a relaxing massage.
Waipara Wine Region is just 1hr away and I understand it is one of the most rapidly expanding wine regions in New Zealand. We were unable to fit it in on this occasion.

We stayed at Albergo Hanmer Lodge and Alpine Villa .Click here to visit their website

Out hosts were particularly friendly and we enjoyed some good conversations, in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere. The breakfasts were simply stunning.

This was our last stay before departing for Christchurch and returning to Melbourne.

The Holday was a great experience and our thanks to Melissa Anderson OWNER/MANAGER of Harvey World Travel Eltham who organised it for us.
http://www.harveyworld.com/au/eltham