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hanmer
Picture a family-oriented forest park where
every conceivable adventure and recreation activity is
conveniently at hand.
Hanmer Forest Park has it all, with a unique complementary
attraction that few resorts can offer holidaymakers - blissful
relaxation in steaming therapeutic hot mineral pools at the end
of each day. Hanmer Springs township and spa, close by the
forest, is the South Island’s main thermal resort.
The range of activities in and around the forest park is quite
daunting, so it’s a good idea to explore your options at the
visitor centre. Short walks through the exotic forest are a good
starter. The pleasant Woodland Walk enters the forest 1 km from
town on the Jollie’s Pass Road, and passes through Douglas
fir, poplar and redwood stands. It joins a network of walks,
which include the Conical Hill Lookout and the 41 metre high Dog
Stream waterfall. More ambitious tramps follow marked forest
tracks and poled routes on open tussock to Mt Isobel (1,324
metres), starting from either Jollie’s Pass Road or
Jack’s Pass Road.
Other activities in and around the park include horse treks in
the exotic pine forests and trout fishing in local rivers and
lakes. Thrillseeker’s Canyon near the Waiau Ferry Bridge is
the venue for jet-boating, rafting and bungy jumping.
In autumn the forest park is especially beautiful as the soft
orange and gold hues of the poplars, birch, sycamore and rowan
trees create a colourful dappled landscape. In winter the
emphasis shifts to skiing and snowboarding at the Hanmer Springs
Ski Field. Heavy snowfalls bring the added bonus of an après ski
soak in the thermal pools surrounded by a blanket of white powder
over the surrounding rocks and gardens.
One ‘must see’ coach tour takes you over Jack’s
Pass behind the forest to Molesworth Station, the biggest sheep
and cattle farm in New Zealand. A highlight is the visit to the
historic Acheron accommodation house at the confluence of the
Acheron and Clarence rivers.
Sample everything Hanmer has to offer. It is a dream holiday
destination.
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