Hanmer Springs
South Island's main thermal resort
A 90-minute drive north from Christchurch will bring you to Hanmer Springs, a great place to spend a night or two.
This is the South Island’s main thermal resort, and while various adventure sports are now available, the town’s big drawcard is still the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, around which the town is based. There’s plenty of accommodation and places to eat.
You’ll have to make the effort to come here, because it’s a bit off the beaten track. It’s a popular destination for Cantabrians.