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Hanmer Springs
Outdoor sports

Outdoor sports
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Top activities in Hanmer Springs

Our most recommended Hanmer Springs Outdoor sports

Hanmer Springs: Thermal Pools Single or Return Entry Ticket

1. Hanmer Springs: Thermal Pools Single or Return Entry Ticket

Discover Hanmer Springs, a resort town known for its natural hot pools, only 90 minutes from Christchurch. Soak in the famous, mineral-rich waters in thermal pools surrounded by native gardens with mountain vistas. Book a single entry ticket or a return entry ticket to access twice in 1 day. Indulge in various pools, including rock pools, soothing sulfur pools, water jets, and bubbles. Feel like a kid with access to an activity pool, lap pool, lazy river, water slides, garden picnic areas, and the Tea Kiosk Cafe & Grill. Book your tickets in advance to drop in at any time and avoid the disappointment of getting turned away, especially during the pool’s busy weekends. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a natural wonder created many years ago in the underground.

Hanmer Springs: Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour

2. Hanmer Springs: Waiau Gorge Rafting Tour

Experience the grade 2 rapids of the Waiau River on a rafting experience in Hanmer Springs. Make your own way to the rafting base on the main road into Hanmer Springs and overlooking the river and Waiau Ferry Bridge. Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as bungy jumps, quad bike safaris, and much more. Upon arrival, get a safety briefing from a fully-qualified rafting guide, and marvel at the surrounding rock formations, fault lines, and crystal-clear waters of the river. The water is so clear that you can often see trout or salmon swimming by. Navigate the grade 2 rapids for a soft rafting adventure that is perfect for families. Return to the base by jet boat and enjoy the surrounding mountains and forests from another perspective.

Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Quad Bike Safari

3. Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Quad Bike Safari

Discover the beautiful mountains and forests of Hanmer Springs on an exciting 2-hour Quad Bike safari. Make your own way to the Quad Bike base, located on the main road into Hanmer Springs and overlooking the river and Waiau Ferry Bridge. Upon arrival, take control of a 4WD Quad Bike, and cross the challenging terrain and river crossings. Drive along roads of mud, dust, and dirt. Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as bungy jumps, white water rafting, and much more. Your Quad Bike guide will take you to some of the back country roads of the area, passing farms, sheep trails, sand, and bush. Ride your own bike, (subject to age restrictions) and enjoy the freedom of the challenging trails (within the safety boundaries) as you soak up the beautiful mountain environment.

Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Adventure Tour

4. Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Adventure Tour

Marvel at the Alpine landscapes of Hanmer Springs, and experience the adrenaline thrills of a jet boat adventure. Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as quad bikes, bungy jumps, white water rafting, and much more. Make your way to the jet boat base for a safety briefing. Then, travel the narrow gorges, braided shallows, and water rapids by jet boat. Your time on the water will last at least 30 minutes, but allow one hour for the whole experience (including thorough safety briefing). Soak up the spectacular scenery as you travel the entire length of Waiau Gorge. Hold on tight as you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin!

Hanmer Springs: 35-Meter Bungy Jump off Waiau Bridge

5. Hanmer Springs: 35-Meter Bungy Jump off Waiau Bridge

Experience the adrenaline thrills of bungy jumping with a bungy jump off the Waiau Ferry Bridge in Hanmer Springs. Located less than 2 hours from Christchurch, the Alpine mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as jet boats, quad bikes, paintball, white water rafting, and much more. Make your way to the bungy jump base for a briefing on how to jump off the 135-year-old Waiau Ferry Bridge. At 35 meters high, the jump is perfect for first time jumpers, or those looking for a lighter jump. Launch yourself into thin air as you plunge down towards the river. Your jump over, a jet boat will collect you and return you safely to shore. Experience a range of emotions, from an instant of fear to pure elation, in the seconds it takes you to fall down towards the river. The entire jump experience will be over in approximately 20 minutes, but the memories should last a lifetime.

Hanmer Springs: Guided Stargazing Tour

6. Hanmer Springs: Guided Stargazing Tour

Enjoy an incredible evening under the stars. Your tour begins with a free shuttle pickup from within the Hanmer Springs Village. Travel to the local dark sky location where you will be greeted with complimentary hot drinks and snacks. Your guides will take you on a tour first using the naked eye, where you will discuss different stars and constellations such as the Southern Cross as you learn to navigate the night sky. Then get up close with the quality, electronically guided telescope. This scope is great for looking at deep sky objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as the Omega Cluster, or Sombrero Galaxy. There is also a range of manual telescopes that are available for a free roam experience. Astro binoculars work great on our lounges, where you can lie back fully and gaze up at the wonders above. Pair these with an interactive star finder and test your navigation skills! Your guides will be available to help you on your journey.

Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike Combo

7. Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike Combo

Take in the magnificent scenery, then hold on while you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin. This beautiful alpine river features narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids. Travel over 30 kilometres of exciting jetboating and spectacular scenery. Your journey on the water lasts at least 30 minutes and you should allow 1 hour for the whole experience including the safety briefing. The focus above all else is safety, customer service, and value for money. Fun and thrills in the beautiful natural environment of Hanmer Springs. Put yourself in control of a four-wheel quad bike. Challenge the terrain, with river crossings, mud, dust, dirt and excitement. This guided Quad Bike tour will show you some of the real back country New Zealand as you pass through farmland, sheep trails, rivers, sand and bush. You can choose to ride your own bike (subject to age restrictions). Your guide will give you the freedom to challenge yourself within the safety boundaries. Two hours of adventure in the beautiful natural mountain environment of Hanmer Springs. 

Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat, Quad Bike and Bungy Jump Combo

8. Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat, Quad Bike and Bungy Jump Combo

Enjoy a beautiful day in Hanmer Springs exploring the Waiau River Gorge by jet boat, Quad Bike and bungy jump! Travel the entire length of the magnificent Waiau River Gorge, and take in the scenery along the way. Hold on tight as you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin. The beautiful alpine river features narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids. You will traverse over 30 kilometers through spectacular scenery on a jet boat ride of at least 30 minutes. Allow 1 hour for the entire experience, including a safety briefing as your guide's focus is above all else safety, along with customer service and value for money. Jump from the 135-year-old Waiau Ferry Bridge at the Hanmer Springs bungy jump. Experience a range of emotions, from sheer terror to pure elation, in the seconds it takes you to plummet 35 meters towards the river. Perfect for those who don’t want to try a high bungee jump, including first timers, the older and the young, the experience includes pick-up by jet boat at the bottom after your jump to take you safely back to shore. Put yourself in control of a 4-wheel Quad Bike and challenge yourself to a mountain terrain of river crossings, mud, dust, dirt and excitement. Discover the real backcountry of New Zealand on a 2-hour tour through farmland, sheep trails, rivers, sand and bush. Get to ride your own bike (subject to age restrictions), and get the freedom to test yourself within the safety boundaries on an adventure that is perfect for families, groups or individuals. 

Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat and Bungy Jump Combo

9. Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat and Bungy Jump Combo

Enjoy a beautiful day in Hanmer Springs exploring the Waiau River Gorge by jet boat and bungee jump! Travel the entire length of the magnificent Waiau River Gorge, and take in the scenery along the way. Hold on tight as you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin. The beautiful alpine river features narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids. You will traverse over 30 kilometers through spectacular scenery on a jet boat ride of at least 30 minutes. Allow 1 hour for the entire experience, including a safety briefing as your guide's focus is above all else safety, along with customer service and value for money. Then, jump from the 135-year-old Waiau Ferry Bridge at the Hanmer Springs bungee jump. Experience a range of emotions, from sheer terror to pure elation in the seconds it takes you to plummet 35 meters down towards the river. Perfect for those who don’t want to try a high bungee jump, including first timers, the older and the young, the experience includes pick-up by the jet boat at the bottom after your jump to take you safely back to shore.

Immersive experiences

Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs

Frequently asked questions about Hanmer Springs Outdoor sports

What are other things to do than Outdoor sports that are worth visiting in Hanmer Springs?

The other unmissable things to do in Hanmer Springs are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Hanmer Springs

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What people are saying about Hanmer Springs

It was great start to finish. at least 8 plus spins and a lot of thrills. saw a lot of different rock formations and the guide gave us info on them and the river. trip lasted just over an hour. well worth the money.

Second time in this jet boat but trip was totally different as the river was very different to last time. Highly recommended

A leisurely ride across the river with great views and the opportunity to jump from a rock into the water. Very refreshing!

We had a great day at the Thermal pools. Lots of fun for the hole famly.

Well organized, good equipment, friendly helpful guide