Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs from Mount Isobel
Coordinates: 42°31′S 172°49′E / 42.517°S 172.817°E / -42.517; 172.817
Country	New Zealand
Region	Canterbury
District	Hurunui
Community board	Hanmer Springs Community Board[1]
Ward	West Ward
Electorates	Kaikōura Te Tai Tonga
Government
• Territorial Authority	Hurunui District Council
• Regional council	Environment Canterbury
• Mayor of Hurunui	Marie Black
• Kaikoura MP	Stuart Smith
• Te Tai Tonga MP	Tākuta Ferris
Area [2]
• Total	4.01 km2 (1.55 sq mi)
Elevation (NZHR, Airport)[3]	338 m (1,109 ft)
Population  (June 2024)[4]
• Total	1,180
• Density	290/km2 (760/sq mi)
Postcode	7334

Hanmer Springs is a small town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. The Māori name for Hanmer Springs is Te Whakatakanga o te Ngārahu o te ahi a Tamatea, which means “where the ashes of Tamate’s (sic) fire lay”, referring to Tamatea, the captain of the canoe Tākitimu.^[5]

Hanmer Springs is located 130 km (81 mi) north-west of Christchurch and 65 km (40 mi) south-west of Kaikōura (135 km (84 mi) by road), in the Hurunui District. The town lies on a minor road 9 km (5.6 mi) north of State Highway 7, the northern route between Christchurch and the West Coast via Lewis Pass. The township lies at the base of Conical Hill. Mount Isobel (1,324 m (4,344 ft)) looks over Hanmer Springs.^[6] Jacks Pass and Jollies Pass provide access to the Molesworth and Rainbow roads.

The town is named after Thomas Hanmer, an owner of Hawkeswood Station near the Conway River during the 1850s.^[7] Thomas Hanmer was born in Hanmer, Wales. He arrived at Port Lyttleton in 1852. While searching for suitable farming land, he joined a party of surveyors working in the Amuri District. During this period he was linked with Hanmer Springs, although he never lived there. He was the manager of the St Leonards Station near Culverden from 1855 to 1857. He then moved to Queensland, Australia.^[8][9] There is a statue of Thomas Hanmer in the centre of Hanmer Springs.

The locality was discovered for its hot springs by William Jones in early 1859.^[10] Access to the general area was provided by a bridge over the Waiau Uwha River in 1864 constructed by a Mr Handisides of Nelson for NZ£2,000 to a design by John Blackett. The bridge lasted only ten years before it was blown over by a Nor'west wind.^[11]

John Turnbull Thomson surveyed the land for the township in 1879, with the total area comprising 2,500 acres (1,000 ha), of which 300 acres (120 ha) were for the township itself. The hot springs were not included within that area. The springs themselves were still in their natural state at that time, with only steps and a changing shed provided.^[10] The member for Ashburton, Edward George Wright, brought up the question of developing the township in the New Zealand House of Representatives in June 1882. The Minister of Lands, William Rolleston, replied that it was important that the public should retain access to the springs.^[12] Surveyor Walter Kitson was instructed with laying out the site of the hot springs including an accommodation house.^[13] Construction of a bath house began in January 1884.^[14] The fifty year jubilee was held in 1933, stating that Hanmer had been a government resort since 1883, but the centenary book pointed out that the jubilee was held a year too early.^[15] The government investing significant funds into Hanmer Springs without a bridge crossing the Waiau Uwha River caused considerable controversy.^[16] Blackett designed a new bridge and John Anderson from Christchurch won the contract to erect it, and built a foundry at the site. This second bridge opened in 1887 and gives access to Hanmer to this day, with the structure registered as a Category I heritage item since 1983.^[17] The opening celebrations held by Anderson's sons at the site were rather liberal to the extent that the site is still known as Champagne Flat.^[18]

Hanmer Springs is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement and covers 4.01 km² (1.55 sq mi).^[2] It had an estimated population of 1,180 as of June 2024,^[4] with a population density of 294 people per km².

Historical population
for Hanmer Springs

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2006	729	—
2013	840	+2.05%
2018	960	+2.71%
Source: [19]

Before the 2023 census, Hanmer Springs had a larger boundary, covering 4.23 km² (1.63 sq mi).^[2] Using that boundary, Hanmer Springs had a population of 960 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 120 people (14.3%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 231 people (31.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 375 households, comprising 480 males and 480 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.0 males per female. The median age was 41.9 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 150 people (15.6%) aged under 15 years, 177 (18.4%) aged 15 to 29, 483 (50.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 150 (15.6%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 86.9% European/Pākehā, 5.9% Māori, 0.6% Pasifika, 8.8% Asian, and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 29.7, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 56.6% had no religion, 31.2% were Christian, 1.2% were Hindu, 0.9% were Muslim, 0.6% were Buddhist and 4.1% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 168 (20.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 96 (11.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $35,300, compared with $31,800 nationally. 114 people (14.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 498 (61.5%) people were employed full-time, 147 (18.1%) were part-time, and 6 (0.7%) were unemployed.^[19]

In 2018, there were 402 occupied private dwellings and a further 603 unoccupied private dwellings.^[19]

The statistical area of Hanmer Range surrounds but does not include Hanmer Springs. It covers 3,609.13 km² (1,393.49 sq mi).^[2] It had an estimated population of 290 as of June 2024,^[4] with a population density of 0.08 people per km².

Historical population
for Hanmer Range

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2006	216	—
2013	249	+2.05%
2018	261	+0.95%
Source: [20]

Before the 2023 census, Hanmer Range had a smaller boundary, covering 3,608.96 km² (1,393.43 sq mi).^[2] Using that boundary, Hanmer Range had a population of 261 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 12 people (4.8%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 45 people (20.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 102 households, comprising 141 males and 123 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.15 males per female. The median age was 45.3 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 51 people (19.5%) aged under 15 years, 42 (16.1%) aged 15 to 29, 126 (48.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (16.1%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 95.4% European/Pākehā, 6.9% Māori, 2.3% Asian, and 1.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 19.5, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 51.7% had no religion, 37.9% were Christian and 3.4% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 42 (20.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 33 (15.7%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $37,100, compared with $31,800 nationally. 33 people (15.7%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 123 (58.6%) people were employed full-time, and 39 (18.6%) were part-time.^[20]

Hanmer Springs has warm summers relative to rest of New Zealand, with an average of 50 days exceeding 25.0 °C (77 °F) every year, with some years having days that exceed 35 °C (95 °F). ^[21][22][23] Winters are cold and frosty, with an average of 116 nights dropping below freezing every year, with subfreezing temperatures occurring in all seasons. ^[24] Snow falls in Hanmer Springs and often closes the road into Hanmer Springs.^[25][26][27]

Hanmer Springs has one of the highest diurnal air temperature ranges in New Zealand, with an average daily range of 14.5 °C (26.1 °F), peaking in February with a range of 16.2 °C (29.2 °F). ^[28]

In 1960 the local community purchased the hot pools and gifted them to the local council. The three hexagonal pools which are still in use currently and a fresh water pool were built in 1978. Changing rooms and a new entrance way were constructed in 1985. The rock pools were built in 1992 and further sulphur pools constructed in 1999.^[31]

In 2009, a 4600 square metre extension to the hot pools complex was proposed including "a second [16m high] water-slide, ice-skating rink and relocating and reconfiguring the freshwater pool."^[32] During the consent process oppositions were made to it by, among others, the Queen Mary Reserve Trust concerning the expansions effect on noise levels and visual impact. Concerns were also raised by former hospital superintendent, Dr Robert Crawford, about the change the development might have on the village's brand of "slow tourism and relaxation, not wet’n’wild."^[33]

After a hearing from independent Commissioner Robert Batty, on Monday, 18 January 2010 the proposal was approved. "The freshwater pool, new buildings, water slide/super bowl and the aqua play/ ice skating area are all to be on land from the subdivision of Queen Mary Hospital land."^[34] Development had continued since then and Hanmer Springs currently has 22 pools and four water slides with the most recent: The Conical Thrill being opened in November 2019.^[35] The Hot Pools were further extended in November 2020 with a new area for younger children to play on including a new waterslide. The Hanmer Springs Hot Pools also was the winner in the Luxury Hot Springs category at the 2020 World Luxury Spa Awards.^[36][37] At peak times, the hot pools can play host to 5000 people each day.^[5]

Hanmer Springs is a tourist destination, and the town's population swells during holidays. Hanmer Springs has around 520,000 visitors each year.^[5] Bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, mountain biking and hiking are common tourist activities, and there is an airline service available for the viewing of the town's alpine surroundings. A Visitor Information Centre next to the hot springs provides information about the area and booking facilities for transport. Trampers can obtain weather information, maps and guidance from the Department of Conservation.

Accommodation options include hotels and various motels. Budget accommodation includes a youth hostel. Holiday homes are commonly rented out in Hanmer Springs.^[38]

The Hanmer Forest provides many walking trails. The Conical Hill walk ascends to the 550 metre summit and provides a panoramic view of Hanmer Springs. Western hemlock, Lawson’s Cypress, Japanese cypresses, giant fir, Atlas cedar, and laburnum can be seen on this walk all of which were planted around 1910. The Shelter at the summit provides protection from the weather.^[39] A plaque at the shelter commemorates the role of Duncan Rutherford (1853–1917) has had in Hanmer Springs. Longer walking trips up Mount Isobel are possible via a variety of tracks.^[6]

The Hanmer Springs Rugby Football Club plays in the North Canterbury Rugby Union. They often hold a preseason game between the Canterbury and Tasman Makos sides.^[40] A variety of other endurance sporting events are annually held in Hanmer Springs including the Mount Isobel Challenge, The Alpine Marathon, the 4 hour and 8 hour mountain bike races, Hanmer Half Marathon^[41] and the Christchurch to Hanmer Springs road cycling race run by the Pegasus Cycling Club.^[42]

Mini golf is popular in Hanmer Springs. There is a variety of restaurants in Hanmer Springs.^[43][44] An animal park is located in Hanmer Springs. It provides experiences aimed at younger children.^[45][46]

Hanmer Springs is a gateway to the St James Conservation Area for hiking, biking, water sports, skiing, hunting and horse riding. In July 2020,

The New Zealand Government announced that it is investing more than $2 million to build a family-friendly twisting 850-metre long flying fox in Hanmer Springs. The ride is expected take nine minutes to complete and construction is expected to be finished by September 2021^[47] The flying fox is expected to create 25 new jobs and provide $4 million revenue over the first five years.^[48] In May 2021, the resource consent application was suspended as planning showed that the ride would have to be modified due to the undulating hill side.^[49] Local residents objected to it in September 2021 saying that it "will ruin everything that is special about Conical Hill".^[50]

In order to provide timber for the Christchurch market, reserve land was set aside between 1900 and 1901. The planting of exotic trees began in 1902, and in 1903 prison labour was used. The prisoners who took part in the planting resided at a nearby prison camp which operated until 1913.^[51] A variety of trees were planted including black pines, Norway spruce and deciduous larch, with alders in wet areas, and oaks and silver birches planted as amenity species. The oldest area of the forest (203 hectares) is protected under a Crown covenant. Many woody species have invaded this forest from the township’s gardens.^[52] In 1964 pupils of Hanmer Primary School planted a 0.6-hectare (1.5-acre) block of pinus nigra in order to commemorate Arbor day. A number of walking trails now go through this mature forest.^[53]

In 2000, the Government sold the North Canterbury Crown Forests to Ngai Tahu as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement. Thus the Hanmer Springs Forests passed into private ownership. In 2008 a memorandum of understanding was signed by Matariki Forests, Hanmer Heritage Trust and the Hurunui District Council that protected the ongoing right for public access to the Hanmer Springs Forest. The Hurunui District Council would now be responsible for the maintenance of the tracks within the forest.^[52]

In 2018 an art trail of animal sculptures made from a redwood tree by Christchurch sculptor Andrew Lyons was opened.^[54]

The 41 metre high Dog Stream waterfall is located in the Hanmer Forest Park.^[55][56]

The town is built around hot springs which originate in the fractured rock bed along the Hanmer fault.

The Hanmer Springs Queen Mary Hospital, formerly the South Island's leading rehabilitation centre for sufferers of drug addiction, was closed in 2003.^[57][58] The premises were purchased by the Department of Conservation in 2008.^[59]

Two daily shuttle bus companies travel from Hanmer Springs to Christchurch and back. The town is the gateway to the Molesworth station, Lake Tennyson and Rainbow station. During summer months, gravel roads through the Rainbow Valley to St Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes National Park, and through the Molesworth Station to Blenheim, Picton, and the Marlborough region are frequented by travellers, four-wheel drivers, and guided tour groups.

There are two skifields in the Hanmer Springs area: the Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mount Lyford. The Hanmer Springs Ski Area is run mostly by volunteers.^[60]

Hanmer Springs is well known for mountain biking. The St James Cycle Trail is part of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail. The trail is located 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Hanmer Springs over Jacks Pass. This mountain bike ride is a 57 kilometres (35 mi) loop that a fit rider can do in a day. It is also possible to turn the ride into a longer adventure with the option of making it a two-day trip, stopping overnight in campsites or one of three huts.^[61] Work is starting in 2020 to extend the St James trail to Hanmer Springs.^[62]

There is an extensive network of mountain bike trails ranging from easy to expert runs in the forests surrounding Hanmer Springs. Alligator Alley, Upper Dog Stream, Detox and the Tank Track are particularly popular.^[63] The network of trails has been extended in 2020 with the addition of the Southern Cross and Tombstone trails. The four kilometre long Tombstone trail includes 185 m of climbing to the highest point and a twisty 240 m descent. The mountainbike trails have been described as "world class".^[64]

The Jacks Pass – Clarence River – Jollies Pass Loop is a 25 kilometres (16 mi) loop which is not technically challenging; however, it takes between two and four hours to complete. It can be ridden in either direction: West over Jacks Pass (869 m) or East over Jollies Pass (850 m). As the entire ride is at high elevation (700 m above sea level) it is subject to extreme and sudden changes in the weather which have caught riders out who were not prepared.^[63]

Hanmer Springs is the starting point (or end point) for both the Molesworth Muster cycle trail^[65] and the Rainbow Trail.^[66] These are also part of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail.

• Notable buildings
• 
  Banana House, Hanmer Springs
• 
  Queen Mary Hospital - Nurses Hostel, Hanmer Springs 2020
• 
  The Hanmer Springs Post Office (now occupied by a restaurant)
• 
  The former Heritage Hotel, Hanmer Springs
• 
  Hanmer Springs Presbyterian Church
• 
  Church of the Epiphany, Hanmer Springs, Built 1901
• 
  St Rochs Catholic Church, Hanmer Springs

The Banana House was donated by FJ Savill who was the owner of St Helen's Station in the early 1920s. It was built in part by Bert Orange also known by some locals as Bertie Bananas. Between this and the shelter being next to a Monkey Puzzle Tree, the shelter became known as the Banana House. The original structure had glass windows but these were removed due to ongoing vandalism. The roof is made of aluminium with moulded corners and joints.^[67]

The Queen Mary Hospital for Sick and Wounded Soldiers was built on the site of the government sanatorium in Hanmer Springs. It was designed to encourage fresh air and sunlight. The Soldiers' Block was opened on 3 June 1916 by the Hon. G.W. Russell, the Minister of Public Health. The hospital remained under military control until 1922 when it was handed over to the Department of Health. Dr Percy Chisholm continued as the medical superintendent. The Chisholm Block was opened in 1926 to treat women with nervous disorders. The Nurses' Hostel was built in 1928 in a Georgian style. In the 1960s, it changed its focus to treat alcohol and drug dependency. It closed in 2003.^[68][69][70] In 2004 The Queen Mary Hospital (Former) and Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve Historic Area was designated as a historic site by Heritage New Zealand.^[71] Within that area three buildings, the Soldiers' Block, Nurses' Home and Chisholm Block, were given Category I protection by Heritage New Zealand in 2005.^[72]

The War Memorial Hall was completed in 1961. It has a more recent extension that includes an art gallery, library and district council offices. Just outside it is a Gingko tree that was planted in 1964 by the governor-general, Brigadier Sir Bernard Fergusson.^[73]

The original Hanmer Springs Post Office was built in 1901 and is a Historic Place Category 2, listed in 1983.^[74] It is now used as a restaurant.

The Powerhouse building was built to house a small hydro electric generator in 1926. The water was provided by the nearby Rogerson river. It provided electricity for the Queen Mary Hospital as well as a few street lights. In 1934 mains electricity lines connected Hanmer Springs to the electricity grid via Waipara. The Powerhouse is now a cafe.

The Hanmer Springs Lodge, built in a Spanish Mission style was completed in 1932. It operated as the Heritage Hotel Hanmer until May 2020; when a combination of intense competition for holiday accommodation and Covid-19 meant that it closed temporarily following the withdrawal of the Heritage Hotels Group from management.^[75] The hotel was then purchased by the CPG hotel chain who reopened it in December 2020 with plans to further develop it as a five star resort in 2021.^[76]

Saint Andrews was built in 1892. It had to be rebuilt the following year due to a "hurricane" causing significant damage to it. The manse at Hanmer Springs was completed in January 1902.^[77] It closed on 29 November 2015.^[78] A notice on the building (sited October 2020) states that the Church does not meet earthquake building regulations and warns people not to enter the building.

The Church of the Epiphany is the Anglican Church in Hanmer Springs . It was listed as a Historic Place Category 2 in 1983.^[79] it was built in 1901 by Mr T W Berry of Blenheim.

Saint Rochs is the Catholic Church in Hanmer Springs. It was listed as a Historic Place Category 2 in 1984.^[80]

Hanmer Springs School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,^[81][82] with a roll of 92 as of August 2024.^[83] The school was first established in 1896. The original building was built in 1901 of "wood and iron".^[77]

There are numerous native species living in and around Hanmer Springs. These include keas, black-fronted tern (tarapirohe), banded dotterel (tūturiwhatu), rough gecko (moko kākāriki), South Island pied oystercatcher (tōrea), South Island robin (kakaruwai/ tōtōara), New Zealand falcon (kārearea), South Island tomtit (ngirungiru/ kōmiromiro), grey warbler (hōrirerire/riroriro), fantail (pīwakawaka), bellbird (tītapu/kōpara), New Zealand pigeon (kererū) amongst others.^[5]

There are also numerous introduced predators in and around Hanmer Springs including stoats, ferrets, rats, mice cats and possums for which Te Tihi o Rauhea Hanmer Springs Conservation Trust in partnership with the Department of Conservation are aiming to eliminate in order to support threatened native species.^[5]

Hanmer Springs is part of the Kaikōura electorate. The Hurunui District Council is the local government body responsible for providing services to Hanmer Springs.^[84]

• Ensor, Rosemary (1983). Much Ado... Christchurch: Hanmer Springs Centennial Committee. ISBN 978-0-473-09696-0.

Hanmer Springs travel guide from Wikivoyage