Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs is a relaxed mountain village built around its thermal pools, an easy detour off the inland road north of Christchurch. Soak in the hot pools, wander the forest tracks or ride the bike trails, all ringed by the Southern Alps.

It's a soft-adventure base that's just as good in winter as summer, and a comfortable first or last night on a South Island loop.

The thermal pools are the reason most people stop, and they are open late — going in the evening after everyone else has left is a better experience than the middle of the day. Hanmer is a ninety-minute detour off the main route north from Christchurch, which puts a lot of people off, but it also means the forest walks around the village are quiet.