Ready for summer
Huge visitor figures are expected throughout this summer as Hanmer Springs celebrates another major milestone.
For more than 150 years, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has been helping visitors create memories that last a lifetime. In that time, the iconic destination has constantly evolved.
Many Cantabrians will have fond memories of school holidays or overnight trips to Hanmer Springs, where family and friends came together to form memories that spanned generations.
What makes it a top holiday destination depends on who you talk to. For some, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is a great spot to unwind – the 22 pools and luxurious day spa are a restorative paradise. For the young (and young at heart), it is the ultimate playground, filled with fun and adrenaline-pumping hydroslides, an activity pool, and a lazy river.
It’s a site that’s rich in history. The first shed was built on site in 1871 for private use by Mr John Fry. It became a public establishment in 1883 when the Crown fenced it off for the paying public and has been council-owned for the last 60 years, with all profits ringfenced for local parks and recreation areas. A centennial of the pools was celebrated in 1983 with a parade through the village streets, marking the complex’s significance to the village and its residents.
Since that single dressing shed, their footprint has expanded, and today, there are bathing options to suit every preference. The Cascades, five pools connected by a series of waterfalls, were introduced in 2019 and use world-class technology to recycle energy and maximise water efficiency. The pools, which sit at temperatures between 37 and 42 degrees Celsius, are built on timber frames above ground to protect the giant Redwood tree roots below.
The evolution of their hydroslides has made Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool & Spa one of the best spots in New Zealand for aquatic rides too – each considerable investment makes another milestone in the complex’s history. Conical Thrill was unveiled in 2019 – its near-vertical wall earned it a reputation as the largest and steepest slide in New Zealand.
In October 2023, two new hydroslides – the Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder – were added to the collection, featuring state-of-the-art LED technology never used in New Zealand before. Waiau Winder also features visual projections, currently displaying an underwater scene. The investment has been a huge hit with visitors already and is expected to help numbers surpass pre-Covid figures.
In 2022, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool & Spa celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first dressing shed. To celebrate the epic memories that millions of visitors have made, the team gave away a 150-year pass – the ultimate family treasure that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool & Spa will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Cantabrians. They are setting their sights on the future, and who knows what milestones lie ahead in the next 150 years?