Experience the best of Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs sits in a broad basin in the foothills of the Southern Alps, north of Christchurch, and has been a spa resort since the nineteenth century. Hot water rising from deep underground feeds a complex of outdoor and rock pools, and the village's main street of cafés, shops and gardens is shaded by mature exotic trees.

Hanmer Forest Park has walking and mountain-bike tracks through pines and beech, and the short climb up Conical Hill gives a view over the basin and the surrounding ranges. The road west leads over Lewis Pass to the West Coast. South of the village, the Waipara Valley grows Riesling and pinot noir, and the Waiau River cuts through a gorge.

Menus in the village lean on North Canterbury lamb, venison and the wines of Waipara, and after a soak in the pools few people want to do much more than eat. Snow settles on the surrounding ranges in winter, and in autumn the oaks and poplars turn red and gold. It is a quiet place, suited to unhurried weekends.