Hanmer Springs

It's been absolutely wonderful to discover lovely Hanmer Springs. We've not stayed this long before so we're happy.
This charming town is built around the pools and is definitely a hot spot for tourists and holidaying families. We happened to be here during school holidays so it was busy! We had two sessions in the pools, one in the main area where there's a myriad of options for all and one in a private pool to avoid the hundreds of kids that descended on the pools. David was happy to recognize the updated but original cafe area as the place where he and his family enjoyed hot milkshakes after they'd spent the day in the, then, segregated pools where no swimming attire was required. Highly recommend this as a must do activity. You can join the Hot Pools Club online to get good discounts.
We discovered the great network of walks and experiences in the Heritage Forest area that's just out of town. We walked up Conical Hill, puff puff puff, discovered the wonderful sculpture walk and the Forest walk which followed the perimeter of a large park space. There are lots of options for walking and biking here. It's a great facility.
I enjoyed by birthday while here and had a very good morning tea at Power House Cafe. It's also well worth a visit.
We spent 5 nights at the NZMCA Park then moved across the road to the Hanmer Reserve park which is great. There's limited parking, max 10 vehicles, but loads of space and a river walk up a deeply rutted track but we enjoyed it.
We have moved onto Kaikoura via the inland road to Mt Lyford.
David was chuffed to discover Rodin racetrack where he watched cars out doing their thing. He loves the back story of this place and what they're trying to achieve. Google it to find out.
We stayed at the very quirky, Terako Downs POP, where we quite literally bush whacked our way down the river. David was a hero and forged a crossing for us. Ever the Boy Scout! All was going well until 3 horses approached us st a very fast gallop so the well built crossing was dispensed with and wet, soggy shoes, socks and pants were dealt with back at the MH. It did not take nearly as long to get back.....adrenaline a plenty saw to that!
The drive to Kaikoura was great. The road is really winding but we discovered deep river valleys and north Canterbury high country farms. This is rugged country. We loved it. Czytaj więcej