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8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the Hanmer Springs Pool & Spa to relax and rejuvenate in the hot thermal pools. You will also get to ride an exhilarating jet boat through Waiau Gorge and enjoy a cafe lunch in Hamner Springs.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for infants
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Please bring swimming costume, towel & comfortable walking shoes
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Driver/guide
Lunch
Transport by private vehicle
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Canterbury Region
Picked up from your Central Christchurch accomodation and transfered through the rolling countryside of Northern Canterbury to Hanmer, peppered with farming townships and boutique wineries.
Arrive at the Waiau Bridge for your exciting Jet Boat Ride on the Waiau Uwha River (if option selected). Experience the exciting twists and turns of the jet boat as you ride through the gorge.
Pickup included
Hot Pools
Lunch
Pickup included
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Greg L,
Dec 27, 2023
- Review from Viator
The Jet boats and their Captains are AWESOME. Total knowledge of the river system resulted in an excellent experience. The Thermal pools experience was a great ending to the day helping to relax those muscles that were given a workout on the Jet boats,
CatharineH24,
Aug 7, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
If you love water, you will love this. A great range of water options including private pools and therapeutic pools. Wonderful location, great staff, thermal spring water which is not too sulphurous. Must do if you are in the area. All ages and ranges.
Michelle M,
Sep 23, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a great place to visit, quite an unexpected pleasure to go swimming in such a cold place. Highly recommend the private pools and look for vouchers in the local free tourist magazines, we managed to get a free upgrade to the private pools which saved us some money. I only wish we had stayed longer and planned an overnight visit so we could have seen more of the town around the springs. Well worth the drive from Christchurch even if it is for just a day.
32brucebeach,
Mar 19, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
We loved the thermal pools. There re lots to choose from. The sulphur pools are nice and quite hot. The mineral pools are lovely. The best for us was the jet pools....lots of jets gives you a nice massage. There are three of them, and the middle now had a central area with super jets....you had to hang on to the bar so you don't shoot away! Heavenly! We did not do the family pool or the water slide.
Jennifer H,
Feb 18, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband & I were in New Zealand for our honeymoon and would highly recommend this day trip from Christchurch! It was equal parts adventure and relaxation with the exhilarating jet boat ride, followed by a leisurely afternoon in Hamner Springs.
screensareus,
Jan 22, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent place to take picnic lunch and spend the day. Enjoyable for all ages, lines go through quickly so you can enjoy your time there.


Alexandra G,
Jan 21, 2017
- Review from Viator
Did not have time for thermal pools but jet boat experience was another highlight of our holiday. Enjoyed the trip round Christchurch.
Edward P,
Feb 7, 2014
- Review from Viator
Jetboating was fun, but I would have loved to bungi jump - not sure if that was also an option.
Anonymous,
Jun 27, 2012
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our Hammer Springs Day Tour started with a trip to a sheep farm for a very brief tour and a sheep shearing demonstration. We then moved on to Thrillseekers Canyon for an exciting jet boat ride. After the jet boating we had lunch at the Garden House Cafe at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort Pools. On the journey back to Christchurch we made a brief stop at a North Canterbury Winery for wine tasting. Overall the trip was fine, we enjoyed the driver and the other guests on the tour. We did note that our arrival appeared to be a shock to each of the places we visited other than the sheep farm, I suspect that the tour company did not inform the Thermal Reserve or the winery that we would be stopping by. Our lunch was supposed to be ready for us when we arrived at the Garden House Cafe but due to a mixup we had to re-order when we got there and lost an hour that we could have spent in the pools or walking around the adorable town. Overall, the trip was fine but better planning would have been helpful.
Thelma L,
Jul 26, 2011
- Review from Viator
The driver was really nice and helpful throughout the whole day. Also got to hand shear the sheep's ourselves which was awesome!!!! Only slightly negative thing is: Wished that the Hot Springs were 'real' ones not man made - But they were still fun to see and go in :)
Operated by Leisure Tours