Hanmer Springs & The Hurunui Region  Alpine Region a wonderland Best known for its Thermal Pools, Hanmer Springs nestles in a high country basin below the Southern Alps, 385m above sea level and 90mins easy drive from Christchurch or Kaikoura. This popular alpine resort town is a scenic wonderland, bursting with visual splendour, outdoor activities, arts & crafts, accommodation, restaurants, shops & boutiques.   Thermal resources were discovered in 1859. Today the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve boasts a range of open air thermal & sulphur pools as well as activity pools with water slides and a 25m fresh water pool. The complex is open daily from 10am till 9pm (closed Christmas Day). The 'Health, Body & Mind' center features private sauna and steam suites with massage, beauty and pamper treatments available. Fantastic in summer and with a special magic on snowy winter days, Hanmer Springs is the Natural Place to unwind! Driving times Christchurch - 1hr 30 Kaikoura - 1hr 30 Maruia Springs - 1hr Greymouth - 3hr Waipara Wine region - 1hr Blenheim - 3hr Picton/Ferry - 3hr 30 Nelson - 3hr Dunedin - 6hr Queenstown - 7hr Exploring Hanmer Springs Leisure & Pleasure 18-hole Golf: green fees approx. NZ$20, clubs & golf carts for hire Forest & guided nature walks: The largest exotic & native fores Mountain biking: 40km of biking trails for beginners to advanced, trail map & bike hire available Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve & Health, Body & Mind Centre Day Spas & Beauty Clinics offering various treatments & Pamper Packages. Check out Albergo's many own packages and Women's Retreats Shopping from boutique, art galleries, delicatessen to fashion outlets, supermarkets, etc. Restaurants: from take-away to fine dining, there are over 23 to choose from! Cafes: great coffee & food all day long, several with outdoor patios Night Spot with bar & dancing, pizzas - open till late Molesworth Tours: guided 4WD tour to the largest High Country Sheep & Cattle station in New Zealand. The tour guide has a wealth of local knowledge. Soft adventure & Thrillseekers Fishing and Hunting: we can organize everything from licences, where to go & equipment, guides & 4WD/heli excursions. Trout & Salmon fishing, access by helicopter and/or 4WD/guide Adventure Mazes: 'The Lost Temple' and 'Get Lost' Playgrounds & skate park 3 Mini Golf courses and a 'Hole-in-one' Challenge Skiing & Snowboarding: 2 ski-fields within one hour, shuttle bus, ski & snowboard hire & servicing Helicopter & fixed wing plane scenic flights, Heliskiing/ boarding & flight instruction Tennis & squash courts nearby at nominal charges, racket hire Gym & Fitness centre, swipe card entry open 7am to 10pm daily Village Cruisers: quadricycles - the ideal way to explore the village Horse Trekking in the local area & scenic outback tours Bungy Jumping, Jet Boating, Rafting, Off Road Carts, Argo Tours 4WD Quadbike backcountry tours, Kayaking at Lake Tennyson Day trips & Excursions Exploring the scenic 'Alpine Pacific Triangle Route' (driving times from Hanmer Springs) Kaikoura (1hr 30): 'Where the mountains meet the sea'. The complex marine system provides a rich habitat for marine mammals & sea birds. Famous for Whale Watching, dolphin swimming & seal colonies. Visit NZ closest winery to the sea. Underground cellar tours on the hour. NZ's most popular halfday treck on the peninsula to view NZ Fur Seal colony. Kaikoura is the seafood lover's delight. Waipara Wine Region (1hr): Visit one of the most rapidly expanding wine regions located 1hr drive from Hanmer Springs. Wine trails, cafes, restaurants & boutiques. Experience wine tasting and al fresco dining at Pegasus Bay Winery. Waikari Walkway (40mins): Rich in scenic beauty and history, this walkway provides access to Maori rock drawings in the Weka Pass reserve. Combine it with lunch at the Historic Hurunui Hotel: Ostrich farm tours also available and the hotel is in walking distance to a good fishing river. Mt. Lyford (50mins): Dine at NZ's largest Log Building, the Mount Lyford Lodge, with its outdoor spas & petanque. At the base to Mt. Lyford Ski Area & Alpine Village. En route, visit the Hurunui Salmon farm and renowned artist's Corina Hazlett's studio. Try one of her 'day art workshops'. Maruia Springs (1hr) Choose from the traditional Japanese style segregated bathhouse or from one of the private chalets with thermal spa pool. The complex also features a small outdoor rock pool. Luncheon at the casual Hot Rocks Cafe & bar or dine in the 'Shuzan' Restaurant, a la carte & oriental."