5 Stars as a couple or single without small kids. 3 Stars as a family, mainly because they treat you like Gestapo, when you have little kids with you. When swimming in the family, we were told several times to keep our 3rd boy (3y old) "at arm lenght" He was maybe 2-3m from us and we were watching him. Every lifeguard will tell you what you can't do. Unpleasant. Hope will change. Otherwise good facilities.
What can I say that you don't already know? Hanmer Springs is one of the standout locations in NZ, beautiful little town surrounded by mountains with plenty of things to do. But the best by far is spending all day sitting in a lovely pool looking over mountains with snowy peaks. Always clean and well maintained, always serene. A wonderful place to get away from life for a while
The best place in New Zealand for thermal pools! Perfect little town for a romantic short stay. Romantic pro tip, hire a private pool so you can get changed in the warm after your swim, you also get outside pool access included. Remember to leave your jewellery at home as the water will tarnish.
Just rocked up on a Sunday afternoon and was able to book half an hour in the private spa rooms. It was a lovely experience and half an hour was more than enough. The outdoor pools were not too busy and plenty of choice too. Great setting even though it was raining.
We pulled up 45 mins to closing and just snuck in a private pools sessions! Very, very appreciative to the friendly accommodating staff. The private pools are amazing and the outdoor pools are massive, lovely big facility and lots of choice to dip in and out. Highly recommend to attend in the evening because of the ambience.
Great place for couples or family! Had a great time with my 3 year old. Lots of pools even though some were being cleaned and good food at the cafe. Great place to stop and relax while in the long journey up north 👍
Some pools are nice and some less nice because of a weird smell (must be the mud?). The pools start at 36/37° and some are 42, which is very nice when you walk to them in the cold. As adviced, we took our flip-flops with us ;). There's not really a private place to get dressed unless you take the family one. The showers have a hanger for your towel but it gets wet.
Very nice view of the mountains!!
Hanmer has really developed over the past decade to become a premier family hotsprings and spa facility. The range of pool types and activities for kids is outstanding and there is a full range of services, such as bar and cafe on site serving great meals and snacks. Thoroughly recommended!
The jewel of North Canterbury, Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve is a sanctuary for relaxation or, if you prefer, a Mecca for energetic kids who love water. Great facilities including a Cafe, beauty treatents and massage round out the offering of different types of thermal pools, all heated to perfection!
It can get very crowded in peak times, however always still worth it. The Hanmer Springs township itself is a great wee town with plenty to keep tourists entertained.
Great place to take the family on a cold or hot day. Amazing if it snows when you are in the pools. Open all year round. Different temperature hot pools and a cold pool if you need to cool down. Sun lounges for sun bathing. A massage place within the venue. Food places and dairy across the road and shaded street parking. Around and hour and 45min from chch.
This place is GREAT for families. It's like a kid's paradise: water slides, a floating river, hidden pools to swim in, and a seemingly endless amount of bodies of water to play in. With that said, it isn't very impressive as far as the hot springs are concerned. The water is not very hot, even in the hottest pools. The springs have a very manufactured, polished feel to them -- so don't expect a rustic escape for adults. because it is great for families, there are children everywhere. The private pools don't get as hot as the hottest pools, and thus are a tad luckluster as well. The spa however, is fairly decent from my understanding (I did not personally pay to use the facility but a fellow traveler I was with did).
Bottom line: Great for kids and families. Slightly above average for adults and those looking for a relaxing thermal soak.
Terrific Fun for the Family. A great day out, good value. Staff could be a little friendlier but it must be hard work watching everyone else have a good time. A great variety of facilities with plenty of different pools, temperatures and environments. Loads for the kids as well with exciting rides and fun activities. Leisure and fun pools at a good temperature for fun. Lots of food on offer, the donuts were a highlight.