9 minute read

HANMER SPRINGS & KAIKOURA

MOTHER NATURE AT HER BEST

Relax and indulge yourself in the therapeutic mineral waters at the gorgeous alpine hamlet of Hanmer Springs, then marvel at the amazing sight of giant whales and frolicking dolphins off the Kaikōura coastline.

DRIVING DISTANCES:

KAIKŌURA TO:

Hanmer Springs (Inland route) 129 kms, 2 hrs

Christchurch 185 kms, 2 hrs 30 mins

Picton 160 kms, 2 hrs 15 mins

HANMER SPRINGS TO:

Christchurch 135 kms, 1 hrs 30 mins

Greymouth 218 kms, 3 hrs

» Kaikōura is also famous for its fishing and succulent crayfish.

» The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa have been attracting visitors for over 100 years to relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic waters.

» Visit some cellar doors in the Waipara Valley. 57 kms north of Christchurch, this is one of New Zealand’s fastest expanding grape growing regions and gaining a fine reputation for its pinots, riesling, chardonnay and sauvignon wines.

KAIKŌURA Kaikōura Gateway Motor Lodge KAIKŌURA White Morph

Relax in the charming township of Kaikōura, nestled between the mountains and the sea, in this self-contained accommodation less than 10 minutes’ stroll from the town centre. Offering easy access to attractions and ecoadventures, the motel also features three accessible units, heated swimming pool, BBQ area, guest laundry, and free WiFi.

Luxury waterfront accommodation fully-equipped for your every need, offering quality service and warm hospitality. Rooms are modern and cosy, and enjoy views of the ocean, mountains, or sunny garden. Amenities include free unlimited WiFi, guest laundry, and a BBQ/recreation area. Make the most of iconic Kaikōura with easy access to the best visitor attractions.

KAIKŌURA Sudima Kaikoura KAIKŌURA Bendamere House B&B

With its superb location on the shoreline close to town, Sudima Kaikōura is blessed with stunning views of both the mountains and sea. It also puts the hotel within easy walking distance of Kaikōura activities, shops, restaurants, and bars. This state-of-the-art waterfront hotel has an outstanding in-house restaurant, a bar and conference facilities and infinity outdoor pool. We take care of the little things, so you’re all ready for a big day – of business, sightseeing, or nature watching.

KAIKŌURA Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses

Offering luxurious accommodation on Kaikōura’s rugged coastline, this contemporary country hotel sits snugly at the base of the Kaikōura Seaward Mountain Range. Enjoy the abundance of natural attractions in the area; the region is renowned as an eco-marine mecca. Savour the meals created by the in-house chef, all from premium local produce.

HANMER SPRINGS Clear Ridge Apartments

Offering luxury, indulgence, and exemplary hospitality, these fully self-contained apartments are located next to an 18-hole golf course and less than five minutes’ walk from the thermal pools and town centre. Amenities include an outdoor spa pool, outdoor swimming pool, free car parking, and free WiFi. Two accessible suites available.

HANMER SPRINGS The St James

Located just off the main street in the town centre, this premium accommodation is only a few minutes’ walk from the thermal pools, shops, cafes and restaurants. Architecturally designed and elegantly furnished suites offer private patios and balconies, with spa baths in some units.

guest laundry, BBQ, plus complimentary bath robes and pool towels.

Set among half an acre of rose gardens and lawns, with superb views of the Pacific Ocean and Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range from private balconies/ patios. Ample garden furniture to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds. One fully accessible room available. An easy stroll into the Kaikōura township for shops, dining, and local attractions.

KAIKOURA Pure Pods

Per Pod Oct 22 –Mar 24 1-2 people $605

At PurePods we provide unique, off-the-grid experiences in a network of luxurious glass eco-cabins located in secluded and stunning slices of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. Every PurePod location is distinct with dramatic landscapes, discrete views and a compelling story. The PurePods are solar-powered, operating fully off the grid and are deliberately free of a wi-fi connection. Guests can be assured of tranquillity, and a minimal carbon footprint.

Kahutara PurePod, perched high above the Kahutara River with vast views across to the mighty Seaward Kaikõura mountain range, only 20 minutes inland from Kaikõura, or 2.5 hours from Christchurch. Exact Location kept "secret" to add to the adventure (and help ensure total privacy), with full instructions for locating the PurePod provided on the confirmation of booking.

Hanmer Springs Hotel

Hotel

Surrounded by stunning scenery and nestled amongst beautiful gardens and tall canopies, the Hanmer Springs Hotel is a truly relaxing retreat. Located in the heart of Hanmer Springs near shops, restaurants and attractions, everything you need is only a small stroll away. 90 mins from Christchurch. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, small fridge, hair dryer, Sky TV, free unlimited Wi-Fi. Hotel includes: 24 hour reception, complimentary car parking, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, meeting facilities, in-house restaurant and bar.

Per Room From Oct 22 –Mar 23 Apr –Sep 23 Oct 23 – Mar 24

Classic Room $218 $218 $276

Superior Room $244 $244 $308

Seal Swim

Snorkelling with wild New Zealand Fur Seals, in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula, is truly a unique experience. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Experienced guided, equipped with large floats will accompany each group, of max 11 swimmers. Every tour is different but generally 1 hour is spent in the water. Tours operated from Early Oct until May subject to conditions. Departs: 9.30am and 12.30pm Nov-Apr, plus on demand during Oct-May. Duration 2.5 hr, Accommodation transfers within Kaikōura township available if prebooked.

WHALE WATCH®

Come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures in their own environment aboard vessels designed specifically for this purpose. Giant sperm whales grow to 20 metres long and are present in these waters year round. Other species include migratory humpback whales, orcas, tiny hector's dolphins, high spirited dusky dolphins and fur seals. 4 sailings daily, conditions permitting. Pre-booking essential. Departs 7.15am, 10am, 12.45pm also 3.30pm during summer.

South Pacific Helicopters And Wings Over Whales

Experience Kaikōura’s mighty sperm whale, playful Dusky Dolphins, and majestic scenery from above! With towering mountains, panoramic ocean views and a year-round whale and dolphin population, Kaikōura is a spectacular place. Whale watching by aeroplane offers the unique perspective of viewing the entire whale from head to tail as they breathe on the ocean’s surface. You will have your own window seat and the opportunity to clearly view and photograph Kaikōura’s marine wildlife during your 30-minute flight from the comfort of a high winged aircraft. Wings Over Whales Kaikōura and their friendly, professional team welcome individuals, groups and those with children, infants and limited mobility.

Kaik Ura Encounters

Dolphin Encounter - The dusky dolphins that reside along the Kaikōura coastline are known as the most acrobatic dolphins in the world and whether you choose to swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or stay dry and watch from the boat, the dolphins of Kaikōura will astound you! Departs: Three times a day in the summer and twice daily in the winter. Tours are usually around 3.5 hrs in duration. Note: Advance bookings are essential due to the high demand for this activity. Tours are subject to sea conditions. Min. age to swim 8yrs, min. age to watch 5yrs.

Albatross Encounter - Get up close and personal to the largest wingspan in the world! The Albatross Encounter tour is an intimate boat based tour along the spectacular Kaikōura coastline taking you to visit incredible pelagic birds including the royal and wandering albatross. Departs: This tour operates three times daily in the summer and twice daily in the winter. Tours are usually around 2.5 hrs in duration. Note: This tour is subject to weather and sea conditions. Min. age 5 years.

Kaik Ura Kayaks

Kaikōura’s original kayak operator est. 1998. Paddle with playful fur Seals as they dive and manoeuvre around you while keeping warm and dry in your stable enclosed double sea kayak. Continue around the coastline for chance encounters with dusky dolphins, blue penguins and albatross. Our eco-friendly 1/2 day guided Seal Kayaking tours offer a safe, enjoyable, interactive experience, with little effort and a whole lot of good fun! All equipment provided including dry bags for camera’s, gore-Tex dry pants, jackets and wet shoes over the winter months. No experience necessary, suitable for all ages and abilities, families are most welcome. Operating year round. Voted “TOP CHOICE” by Lonely Planet! Departs: 8:30am, 12:30pm and 4:30pm Oct-March, 8:30am and 12:30pm April-Sept.

Located just 6kms north of Kaikōura in a small area called Hapuku. A well known area with a lot of tradition in food preparation or kai (meaning food in Māori). The Hapuku Kitchen Seasonal Feast is an ever-changing half day experience, focused on uncomplicated and utterly delicious dishes made from ingredients sourced from the gardens and local producers. With help always at hand, you will learn many techniques and tricks on the creation of the dishes of the day.

Nestled in the magnificent South Island high country, just 90 minutes from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is the perfect place to rebalance and unwind. The thermal pools have been attracting visitors for more than 125 years, all seeking the benefits of the natural mineral waters, clear alpine air and uplifting environment. Set in the heart of the village, they offer 22 open-air thermal pools of varying temperatures, private thermal pools, sauna and steam rooms, heated freshwater pools with lazy river, as well as a large family activity pool and children’s AquaPlay area, and three waterslides including NZ’s largest aquatic thrill ride ‘Conical Thrill’. Their international spa, The Spa at Hanmer Springs, specialises in offering spa, body and beauty treatments to enhance the wellbeing of their customers. All of these facilities are set amongst landscaped gardens offering picnic areas and licensed café.

Per Person

Super Pass (includes towel) - Super Pass offers choice of a 1/2 hour sauna, steam or private thermal pool, use of all outdoor pools and a choice of waterslide pass or return pass (return entry to be used within the same day). Minimum of 2 persons for private thermal pools.

Spa Pass (includes towel) - Choice of private sauna or steam followed by a relaxing full body massage and use of all outdoor thermal pools and freshwater lap pool after your massage.

Alpine Aqua Revitaliser - Begin your treatment with a 30 minute sauna or steam. Followed by a delicious treatment including our Alpine Aqua Refresher facial and an Unwind Your Back relaxation massage. Use of all outdoor thermal and freshwater pools and use of towel included.

Situated 20 minutes south of Kaikoura lies Glenstrae farm Quad and UTV tours on a spectacular coastal setting. Come and experience the breathtaking surrounds of this rugged coastline on a 2.5 hour quad bike ride over the working Glenstrae sheep farm in the Kaikōura mountains. Embark on a ride of a lifetime as you speed through native bush and hill country farm land. Dash through manuka glades on your way to the Haumuri Bluffs where you will see fur seals basking in the sun before reaching a small cabin on the property for tea, coffee and cookies. Prepare for a highlight of your tour and wild ride as you tear up the middle of the creek.

Duration: 3 hrs

Per Person Hapuku Kitchen Half Day $284 Adult Child (5-15yrs) Quad Bike

Yamaha Viking Tour

Super Pass (includes towel) $51

Spa Pass (includes towel) $154

Alpine Aqua Revitaliser $167

Alpine Aqua Vichy $164

Hot Stone Therapy Package $185

Alpine Aqua Vichy - A full hour long treatment with full body exfoliation before the warmth of the Vichy’s rain showers. Our therapist will work in harmony with the soothing waters to gently massage and guide the Vichy to create a perfect peaceful state. Use of all outdoor Thermal Pools before or after your treatment.

Hot Stone Therapy Package - Feel the stress and tension leave your body as heated basalt stones are gently placed then massaged over your body to encourage relaxation using your choice of signature pure essential oil blends to relax and rebalance. A 90 minutes Traditional Hot Stone Ritual massage, use of all outdoor pools, towel hire.

Adult Child (3-15yrs) Family (2AD+3CH)

Pools Single Entry + Towel Hire $41 $26 $91

Hanmer Springs Attractions

Jet the Gorge – A thrilling 30 minute jet boat ride of the entire length of Hanmer’s spectacular Waiau Gorge. Take in the magnificent scenery, then hold on tight while you experience the famous “Hamilton 360 degree jet spin” - excitement plus! Narrow gorges, braided shallows, white water rapids, this ride has it all. Departs: 11am, 1pm and 3.00pm. (Child 3-13yrs)

River Rafting – With lots of flat water and max grade 3 rapids, this is an ideal rafting experience for first timers, those less confident in the water and families. Highly qualified guides provide all training as well as wet suits and all safety equipment. Allow 2 hours, min. age 6yrs. (Child 6-13yrs). Departs: 10am and 2pm.

4 Wheel Quad Bikes – Great fun amongst awesome scenery. Challenge yourself as you tackle river bed creek crossings and muddy farmland trails. Fully guided, no experience necessary as all training is provided. We give you the freedom to ride safely to the conditions and within your ability! Allow 2 hrs. Departs: 10am and 2pm. (Child: 12-13yrs, min. 12yrs riding solo, 6yrs as passenger).

Bungy - Take a blood surging 35 metre leap from the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge, a truly New Zealand experience. We issue souvenir t-shirts, certificates to all who dare to jump and photographs are available from our on site shop and café. Note: jumpers must be over 35kg, at least 12yrs old and must fit safety equipment. (Child 12-13yrs).

Hanmer Spring Canoes - This full day guided river excursion includes a picnic lunch, wetsuit, booties, helmet, life jackets and a return by jetboat to your point of departure. Suitable for all levels and no experience required. This is a real New Zealand experience not to be missed. Departs: 10am. Duration: 5hrs. (Child: 6-13yrs)

Operated by Hanmer Springs Attractions Adult Child

Jet the Gorge $128 $72

River Rafting $173 $102

4 Wheel Quad Bikes $173 $102

Bungy (Per Person) $173Hanmer Spring Canoes $255 $173