On my recent adventures overseas, I took time out to go and visit Hanmer Springs with a friend. Although it wasn't winter there, which is evidently the high point of the season there for the ski-fiends, I found Hanmer Springs to be great fun, even for someone like me who has a bit of a limited ability getting about.

Located about two hours drive northeast of Christchurch, New Zealand, Hanmer Springs is located on an eastern edge of the South Island's Southern Alps. It's not a very big town, centered on Amuri road as you first enter into the area. On the western side of the road is the large Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve, once the site of the Queen Mary Hospital, but now open to the public for a fee and providing a nearly year-round spot to relax and soak.

By all means indulge yourself at the springs and take advantage of the various pampering packages offered by the spa that is attached to the complex. The prices are very reasonable, the staff is courteous and professional, and it feels great to be pampered for a while. They offer packages from luxuriating in a spa or steam room to be followed up by a massage, or facial and pedicures, and even aromatherapy sessions. I went for what was called a 'Pamper Pack' for a friend and I, which included overnight accommidations at a Bed and Breakfast, unlimited entrance to the thermal pools, a half-hour session in a private thermal pool, private time in a sauna or steam room, and to be followed up by a massage at the spa. The cost was negiliable, less than a 100$US for each person, and the sheer luxuriousness of it was wonderful. I hadn't felt that good in a long time.

The pools themselves had all sorts of variety to them, from a wide range of soaking pools at various temperatures, several sulpher pools, a freshwater pool for swimming, and an activity area for children. Towels and swimsuits could be rented for a minimal fee, and there were spacious and clean changing areas. Lockers could be had for 2$NZ for 2 hours, and there was a cafe on site that offered a wide variety of options.

Depending on the time of the year, finding something to do at Hanmer Springs was not a hard task at all. In the summer there's bungee jumping at a local high bridge, jet boating and rafting on the nearby Waiau River, hiking and biking in the magnificent forests and Mt. Isobel, along with golfing, guided hikes, and in the winter, just about any sort of skiing or snowboarding that you could fancy. I also spotted quantities of hikers and motorcyclists along with busses filled with elderly tourists, giving the impression that there was plenty to do no matter what your skill or activity level was.

Finding a place to stay was easy -- there's all sorts of places to stay, and within every sort of budget. Luxury lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, campgrounds, and backpacking hostels were available, along with plenty of eateries and local shopping, mostly geared for the tourist trade. Everything was well within walking distance of both the lodge we stayed at and the springs.

Two restaurants that we tried were Robbies, a restaurant and tavern style eatery that was themed around a sports bar. The other was a small cafe that had hands-down, one of the best hot chocolates I have ever had in my life -- evidently in New Zealand, chocolate of all sorts is taken very seriously. The prices were quite reasonable and the food was plentiful and good.

Getting there is easy. There is a regular bus service from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, with a round-trip ticket costing about 45$NZ per person, and a service as well to Kaikoura on the coast. The trip passes through magnificent countryside, and the driver of our minibus was very helpful in pointing out various sites of interest. The trip itself takes about an hour and a half to two hours depending on weather and how crowded the road is. I passed through numerous farms and pastures, mostly inhabited by sheep, and scenery that took my breath away.

The town itself is quite scenic, filled with pine trees and clean air and skies of a remarkable shade of blue. It was probably the most relaxing stage of my trip, and just the right thing to let someone else do the decision making. The staff at the information center that set up the package deal were most helpful and those at the springs polite and helpful. It was terrific and a must-see bargain for anyone touring through the South Island.

For a general overview of what is available at the thermal springs, and various packages for spa treatments, and accomidations, check out www.hotfun.co.nz, http://hanmersprings.co.nz/thermal/home/, or your travel agent.

Recommended: Yes

Level of Experience Needed: All