- Hanmer Springs
Location map
New Zealand
label=Hanmer Springs
lat_dir=S | lat_deg=42 | lat_min=31
lon_dir=E | lon_deg=172 | lon_min=49
position=right
width= 150
float=right
caption=Hanmer Springs (often misspelled and mis-pronounced Hamner Springs) is a small
town in the Canterbury region of theSouth Island ofNew Zealand . It is located inland, 65 kilometres southwest fromKaikoura , on a minor road 10 kilometres north of State Highway 7, the northern route between Christchurch and the West Coast viaLewis Pass . Hanmer Springs is in theHurunui District .The town is built around a popular
hot spring which was discovered in the late 19th century. According to the 2006 census the usually-resident population is 729.The town's other main claim to fame, the
South Island 's leading rehabilitation centre for sufferers ofdrug addiction , Queen Mary Hospital, was controversially closed in 2003. A protracted battle over the protection of the building and surroundingarboretum ensured. The premises reopened as a luxury spa in 2007. [cite news|url=http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/BusinessNews/NewattractionopensatHanmerSprings/tabid/421/articleID/38573/Default.aspx|title=New attraction opens at Hanmer Springs|publisher=TV3|date=November 2007|accessdate=2007-11-10]There are two
skifield s in the area, Hanmer Springs Skifield andMount Lyford .Hanmer Springs is a popular tourist destination, and the population swells greatly during holidays. The town has a scenic airline to show off its alpine surroundings, as well as a variety of adventure activities such as bungy jumping, mountain biking and bush walks. There is a Visitor Information Centre (VIC) located next to the hot springs that provides comprehensive information about the area and booking facilities for transport. Trampers can obtain weather information, maps and guidance from the Department of Conservation. Budget accommodation includes a new
Youth Hostel .There is a daily shuttle bus connection to and from Christchurch. The VIC can book transport for visitors to the
St James Walkway , located in the Lewis Pass area.Hanmer Springs is also the gateway to the Molesworth station, Lake Tennyson and Rainbow station. During summer months travellers can follow gravel roads through the beautiful Rainbow Valley to St Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes National Park, and through stunning Molesworth Station to Blenheim, Picton and the Marlborough region. These are popular 4WD routes. Guided tours are available.
Notes
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.