3. Relax yo' self
Known as the unofficial spa capital of New Zealand, Hanmer is most famous for its thermal baths and spa, but you can seek out a range of treatments, from reiki and acupuncture to herbalism and pascha therapy (Google it). There's no excuse for taking some time out for you, to relax and enjoy this beautiful place.
4. Get to know the locals
A few minutes out of town you'll find some unusual Hanmer residents, namely Tex the Texan longhorn cow, George the snoring boar, Gary the goat who had his head stuck in the childrens' fort when we visited in early autumn, and wallabies Hop, Skip and Jump. We also met a Tibetan yak, three hungry donkeys, alpacas and llamas, ducks and chickens, emus, deer, a wallowing water buffalo, sheep, other cattle and horses, and rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs. Owners Kirsty and Tim move the animals into their enclosures each morning, and the whole park is clean for the littlies to roam around safely. There's also an on-site cafe, where you can pick up a couple of bags of pellets to feed the animals. Great fun for young and old alike.
5. Get on yer bike
Apart from the pools, Hanmer is most famous for its mountain bike and walking tracks in the surrounding Hanmer Forest Park and the nearby St James Conservation Area. You can hire a bike from the Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre in town, and within 10 minutes you'll be in among thousands of hectares of forest, part of which was first planted in 1901. Tracks are designed for all skill levels.
