DANNY DE HEK Entrepreneur Decision Maker Connector Podcaster EducatorThe multi award winning Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is no doubt the biggest and brightest attraction for visitors to the Hurunui region. Located in the heart of Hanmer Springs alpine village, the pools offer year round relaxation with views of the forests and mountains with a backdrop of towering sequoia trees.

Hanmer Springs is 380 metres above sea level, therefore the pools are often blanketed in snow during the winter season, creating a truly magical ‘Narnia’ winter ambience as visitors soak in the hot pools with snow at their fingertips.

The Thermal Pools offer the perfect relaxing end to a busy Hurunui day and is an unique way to enjoy some rest and relaxation after a day of ski-ing, biking, hiking or playing golf.

The pools are open daily from 10.00am – 9.00pm which allows plenty of time to enjoy one of the many thermal mineral pools set within native landscaping. The thermal pools contain a wide variety of minerals including sulphur, sodium chloride, calcium, carbonates, magnesium, potassium and others. There are four large outdoor rock pools with a temperate of approximately 36 degrees Celsius and interconnected with thermal streams. While the water is treated, it is only a minimal amount.

The Rainbow pool sits comfortably around 36 – 37 degrees Celsius and features a number of thermal water spouts for bathers to relax under, the spouts are wonderful for soothing the neck and shoulders. Appropriately named, the Rainbow pool comes to life in the evening with a rainbow of colours created with the assistance of clever fibre optic lighting. The sulphur pools are completely natural which gives the water a luxurious soft and silky feel. The temperate in the three sulphur pools ranges from 40 – 42 degrees Celsius.

Popular with visitors, the large concrete hexagonal pools range in temperature from 38 – 40 degrees Celsius.

Families are well catered for at the thermal pools. A separate family activity area and waterslide is popular with the young (and young at heart). Here the kids can enjoy waterfalls, animal slides and heated waterslides.

Private indoor thermal pools are also available for bookings. Each private pool contains a shower and changing area. Temperatures vary between 39 – 40 degrees Celsius.

Other on-site facilities include a 25 metre freshwater heated pool, picnic area and Garden House Cafe with bar facilities, massage and beauty treatments, disabled facilities including an aqualift and stainless steel wheelchair for the beach access pool, coin operated lockers plus towel and swimsuit hire.