Hanmer Hot Springs

**Delphinus** · 24th October 2007, 15:31

Go to Maruia instead. Its just a short ride down the road, far nicer place, better less commercial pools. FTW.
I've been to both places.

http://www.maruia.co.nz/

**scumdog** · 24th October 2007, 16:29

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Go to Maruia instead. Its just a short ride down the road, far nicer place, better less commercial pools. FTW.
I've been to both places.

http://www.maruia.co.nz/

Maruia- less crowded, less accomodation choices (expensive hotel or cheap tent-site next door)
And best attack pit-bull sand-flies I've seen yet.

Bloody nice ride, bloody nice scenery.

Hanmer - more busy/crowded, more choice of accomodation/eateries - and touristy stuff (mountanbike rides, jet-boat rides etc)

Cb and I have been to both while touring on bike - we like both but way less to do at Maruia (Use to be pronounced Mar-0o-weea when I was living in Murchison - now trendily pronounce Maroo-weea.)

**Big Dan** · 24th October 2007, 16:53

Thank you all for your info and feedback i'm looking at going towards the end of marchso a autum trip

**HenryDorsetCase** · 24th October 2007, 16:55

you'll appreciate the hot pools then ..... it can get pretty chilly up there that time of year. Alpine and that. Ive got a client who can sell you a section there for lots of coin if you fall in love with the place.

**Big Dan** · 24th October 2007, 16:59

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

you'll appreciate the hot pools then ..... it can get pretty chilly up there that time of year. Alpine and that. Ive got a client who can sell you a section there for lots of coin if you fall in love with the place.

I've looked up flights for that time and its pretty cheap $350 return for 2 adults and i've already fallen in love with the resorts website

http://www.hanmersprings.co.nz/

Got to start saving now

**merv** · 24th October 2007, 17:41

You need some trail bikes to ride over Jollie's Pass and up to Lake Tennyson. Over the pass is where the Rainbow and Molesworth Roads start.

Also make sure you go down to the Hurunui pub for lunch just for the fun of it.

Hanmer is a great place to visit.

**Big Dan** · 24th October 2007, 17:44

Originally Posted by merv

You need some trail bikes to ride over Jollie's Pass and up to Lake Tennyson. Over the pass is where the Rainbow and Molesworth Roads start.

Also make sure you go down to the Hurunui pub for lunch just for the fun of it.

Hanmer is a great place to visit.

are there place down there that you can hire trail bikes or quads

**Beemer** · 24th October 2007, 21:00

Only been there twice and both times in winter on bikes so the hot pools were very welcome. Bliss, makes me feel all nostalgic for a winter trip on the bike just thinking about it!

**Laava** · 24th October 2007, 21:09

There is a Top 10 holiday park in Hanmer with some nice cabins. You will have to book tho. Down the road from there is a huge pub that does good food and you can do minigolf on the walk down there. I let my Jo win there twice!

**merv** · 24th October 2007, 21:11

Originally Posted by Big Dan

are there place down there that you can hire trail bikes or quads

Not sure, South Islanders might know otherwise do a net search. Only been there with our own bikes.

**pritch** · 24th October 2007, 22:04

I was impressed with the Top 10 park - once I found it.

It's only a short walk from the Top 10 to the pub. When I was there (March) there was a busy "family" atmosphere and a big fire. The meal was good and not too expensive, the beer was $6.00 a pint though.

There is a little cafe in the "village" where I had the nicest presented flat white I have ever seen :-)

I'm looking forward to my next visit...

**Mikkel** · 24th October 2007, 22:05

Originally Posted by Laava

There is a Top 10 holiday park in Hanmer with some nice cabins. You will have to book tho. Down the road from there is a huge pub that does good food and you can do minigolf on the walk down there. I let my Jo win there twice!

That food is average at best TBH!

If you want something a bit more manly you can battle the sandflies at Sylvia Flats... there are natural hot pools (if the river isn't too flooded) and they are quite free of charge. It's just of the left of the road going towards Maruia from Hanmer - not signposted or anything.

**scumdog** · 24th October 2007, 22:07

Originally Posted by Mikkel

That food is average at best TBH!

If you want something a bit more manly you can battle the sandflies at Sylvia Flats... there are natural hot pools (if the river isn't too flooded) and they are quite free of charge. It's just of the left of the road going towards Maruia from Hanmer - not signposted or anything.

How far off the highway? - like a walk or a ride?

**MyGSXF:Me** · 24th October 2007, 22:17

Originally Posted by Mikkel

If you want something a bit more manly you can battle the sandflies at Sylvia Flats... there are natural hot pools (if the river isn't too flooded) and they are quite free of charge. It's just of the left of the road going towards Maruia from Hanmer - not signposted or anything.

Yep.. they're ooook.. If ya like gravel up ya bum & mozzi bites the size of dinner plates!

Originally Posted by scumdog

How far off the highway? - like a walk or a ride?

The parking/camping area is like right beside the road.. & the walk to the pools takes all of 1 minute. But there is "nothing" else there apart from a smelly longdrop!

so unless you are camping there, or in a car, you will need to take all your gear with you & just strip on the side of the river.. but ya gotta strip REAL QUICK & get in the water before the sandflies/mozzies smell the fresh meat!!