Hanmer Springs

Location map
New Zealand
label=Hanmer Springs
lat_dir=S | lat_deg=42 | lat_min=31
lon_dir=E | lon_deg=172 | lon_min=49
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Hanmer Springs (often misspelled and mis-pronounced Hamner Springs) is a small town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located inland, 65 kilometres southwest from Kaikoura, on a minor road 10 kilometres north of State Highway 7, the northern route between Christchurch and the West Coast via Lewis Pass. Hanmer Springs is in the Hurunui District.

The town is built around a popular hot spring which was discovered in the late 19th century. According to the 2006 census the usually-resident population is 729.

The town's other main claim to fame, the South Island's leading rehabilitation centre for sufferers of drug addiction, Queen Mary Hospital, was controversially closed in 2003. A protracted battle over the protection of the building and surrounding arboretum ensured. The premises reopened as a luxury spa in 2007. [cite news|url=http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/BusinessNews/NewattractionopensatHanmerSprings/tabid/421/articleID/38573/Default.aspx|title=New attraction opens at Hanmer Springs|publisher=TV3|date=November 2007|accessdate=2007-11-10]

There are two skifields in the area, Hanmer Springs Skifield and Mount Lyford.

Hanmer Springs is a popular tourist destination, and the population swells greatly during holidays. The town has a scenic airline to show off its alpine surroundings, as well as a variety of adventure activities such as bungy jumping, mountain biking and bush walks. There is a Visitor Information Centre (VIC) located next to the hot springs that provides comprehensive information about the area and booking facilities for transport. Trampers can obtain weather information, maps and guidance from the Department of Conservation. Budget accommodation includes a new Youth Hostel.

There is a daily shuttle bus connection to and from Christchurch. The VIC can book transport for visitors to the St James Walkway, located in the Lewis Pass area.

Hanmer Springs is also the gateway to the Molesworth station, Lake Tennyson and Rainbow station. During summer months travellers can follow gravel roads through the beautiful Rainbow Valley to St Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes National Park, and through stunning Molesworth Station to Blenheim, Picton and the Marlborough region. These are popular 4WD routes. Guided tours are available.

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