Hanmer Springs

Thermal Pools & Spa

New Zealand's largest geothermal hot pool complex — 22 outdoor pools, four hydroslides, and luxury spa treatments surrounded by alpine scenery.

Overview Pool Types Waterslides Spa Tips Prices

Overview

Soak in the Heart of the Alps

The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is New Zealand's premier alpine hot-pool complex, drawing visitors year-round to its 22 outdoor geothermal pools. Fed by natural mineral waters heated deep beneath the Southern Alps, the pools range from a refreshing 28°C up to a deeply relaxing 42°C.

Open 10 am – 7 pm daily, 365 days a year, the complex sits in the heart of Hanmer Springs village with free on-site parking and additional parking at 14A Amuri Ave. Whether you're after a therapeutic soak, a family hydroslide adventure, or a full-day spa retreat, the pools deliver an experience unlike anything else in Canterbury.

Beyond the thermal waters you'll find a freshwater lap pool, a lazy river, a family activity area with four hydroslides and a SuperBowl ride, private hot tubs, and a full-service spa offering massage, beauty treatments, and hydrotherapy.

The Pools

22 Pools, Endless Relaxation

From steaming sulphur springs to gentle family pools — there's a temperature and a mood for every visitor.

Rock Pools

Nestled among landscaped boulders with mountain views, these are the signature Hanmer experience — hot mineral water in a natural alpine setting.

38–42°C

Sulphur Pools

Rich in therapeutic minerals, the sulphur pools offer a distinctive soak known for easing muscle tension and promoting skin health.

38–40°C

Hexagonal Hot Pools

Iconic six-sided pools offering a more intimate soak. Smaller groups, higher temperatures, and a beautifully geometric design.

38–42°C

Aqua Therapy Pools

Designed for gentle rehabilitation and relaxation, with warm water jets and a calm, soothing atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

36–38°C

Freshwater Lap Pool

A 25-metre freshwater pool for those who want to swim laps or cool off between hot soaks. Perfect on warm summer days.

28°C

Lazy River

Float gently along the warm, winding lazy river — a family favourite that meanders through landscaped gardens and rock features.

32°C

Garden Pools

Set among native plantings and sheltered alcoves, the garden pools offer a peaceful, semi-private soak away from the busier areas.

35–38°C

Family Pools

Warmer than the lap pool, cooler than the hot pools — the family area is designed for kids and parents to enjoy together safely.

34–36°C

Private Hot Tubs

Book your own secluded hot tub for a truly private experience. Ideal for couples or small groups seeking total relaxation.

40–42°C

Family Fun

Waterslides & SuperBowl

The family activity area is home to four thrilling hydroslides, including the SuperBowl ride — a giant funnel that spins riders before splashing down into the pool below. From gentle enclosed slides for younger kids to high-speed open flumes, there's a rush for every age.

The activity area also includes a dedicated kids' pool, interactive water features, and the lazy river — making it easy to spend an entire day here.

4 Hydroslides

1 SuperBowl Ride

All Ages Welcome

Wellness

Spa & Wellness

The on-site spa offers a full menu of luxury treatments, from deep-tissue massage and hot stone therapy to facials, body wraps, and hydrotherapy. Trained therapists use premium products in purpose-built treatment rooms overlooking the mountains.

Spa access is separate from general pool entry, so you can enjoy a quieter, more refined experience. Bookings are recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Massage Deep Tissue & Hot Stone

Beauty Facials & Body Wraps

Watch

See the Pools in Action

Get a real look at what the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools have to offer before you visit.

Are the Hot Pools Worth It?

An honest visitor review of the thermal pool experience.

Inside the Hot Pools

A full walkthrough of every pool and facility in the complex.

Before You Go

Visitor Tips

What to Bring & Know

Bring your own towel or hire one on-site for approximately $5 NZD.
Secure lockers are available in the changing rooms — bring a coin or use the card system.
Weekends, school holidays, and public holidays are the busiest times — visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience.
Book spa treatments in advance, especially during peak season (December–February) and winter weekends.
Free parking is available at the main entrance, with overflow parking at 14A Amuri Ave.
The complex is open 10 am – 7 pm daily, with last entry one hour before closing.

💡

Pro tip: Visit in winter when steam rises from the pools against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. Arrive mid-afternoon for the best light, and stay through sunset for a magical experience.

🌧️

Weather note: The pools are open rain or shine. In fact, soaking in hot mineral water while rain or snow falls around you is one of the most memorable Hanmer experiences.

At a Glance

Pool Comparison

Pool Type	Temperature	Best For	Notes
Rock Pools	38–42°C	Couples, relaxation	Mountain views, natural stone setting
Sulphur Pools	38–40°C	Therapeutic soaks	Rich in minerals, strong sulphur scent
Hexagonal Pools	38–42°C	Intimate groups	Smaller capacity, iconic design
Aqua Therapy	36–38°C	Rehabilitation, gentle exercise	Water jets, calm atmosphere
Lap Pool	28°C	Swimming, cooling off	25m freshwater, unheated by geothermal
Lazy River	32°C	Families, all ages	Gentle current, scenic meander
Garden Pools	35–38°C	Quiet relaxation	Sheltered, surrounded by native planting
Family Pools	34–36°C	Kids and parents	Shallow areas, moderate temperature
Private Hot Tubs	40–42°C	Couples, small groups	Must be booked, additional charge