Things to Do in Hanmer Springs for Couples
Sure, Hanmer Springs is as endearing as it sounds – an alpine spa resort village surrounded by stunning high country landscapes. A romantic retreat here means experiencing said landscapes via romantic walks, mountain biking or even tandem bungy jumping over a river gorge! It’s not all go, go, go, however, as Hanmer Springs is primarily a spa town, meaning relaxation in the iconic hot pools or with one of the couple’s spa treatments is a must. Check out how to make your time in Hanmer Springs extra special with your loved one using this list of the best romantic activities in Hanmer Springs for couples.
For more romantic activities in Hanmer Springs, as well as honeymoon accommodation, check out The Honeymoon Guide to Hanmer Springs and the 10 Best Romantic Accommodation in Hanmer Springs.
1. Tackle a Tandem Bungy Jump
Start off your visit with an adrenaline-high bungy jumping with Hanmer Springs Attractions! Tackle the jump together with the tandem bungy jump option, where both of your feet will be leaning over Hanmer Springs’ historic Ferry Bridge. When you take the leap, you’ll bounce just above the surging Waiau River below! Although the bungy jump is the smallest in the country at 35m (115ft) you can keep that your little secret. Learn more and book your Hanmer Springs bungy jump on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: 839 Hanmer Springs Road, approximately 9km (6 miles) from Hanmer Springs town.
© Hanmer Springs Attractions 2. Hit the Mountain Biking Trails Together
Another way to adventure together is to hit the myriad of bike trails in the area. This independent activity takes you away from the tour groups to enjoy the great outdoors, just the two of you. Hire mountain bikes and use the shuttle service of Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre who will fit you up and point you in the right direction of your chosen ride or the popular Jack’s Pass and Jollie’s Pass rides. Enjoy vast vistas of tussock land, farms and the Clarence River Valley on the quiet country backroads and bike trails. Learn more about the Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: 20 Conical Hill Road, Hanmer Springs town.
© Hanmer Adventure Centre3. Peddle Around Town on a Romantic Quadricycle
A unique, fun and just plain silly way to cycle around Hanmer Springs is on the two-seat quadricycles that have become a staple of the village. Grab a fun photo op as you peddle around the village together in a two-seater “Rocket Bike” from the Hanmer Adventure Centre or a “Village Cruiser” from the Alpine Crazy Putt mini golf course. Either way, their cheap and cheerful fun to enjoy with your loved one.
Location: Hanmer Adventure Centre – 20 Conical Hill Road. Village Cruisers – 72 Conical Hill Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Indulge in a Couple’s Massage
Whatever the weather, couples are encouraged to relax at one of the spa experiences during their stay in the spa resort town. The most famous spa, of course, is the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Either pay admission to the main hot pools, which is a huge complex of various mineral thermal pools scattered between nature-inspired landscaping where it’s usually easy to find a quiet corner (visit around 5:30pm for one of the quietest times). Additionally, upgrade to one of the spa’s couple’s treatments, from the 60-minute aromatic massage to the 80-minute Couple’s Retreat package. Alternatively, opt for a boutique spa experience at Braemar Lodge And Spa. As well as a sauna and an extensive menu of spa treatments, Braemar Lodge also offers couples’ massages if booked directly.
Location: Hanmer Springs Thermals Pools & Spa – 42 Amuri Avenue. Braemar Lodge And Spa – 283 Medway Road, approximately 11km (7 miles) from Hanmer Springs town.
© Pixabay5. Enjoy a Romantic Stroll in the Hanmer Forest…
To stick to your honeymoon budget, why not try some of the romantic walks of Hanmer Springs? Spot the wooden sculptures together on the Forest Amble Walk down Jollie’s Pass Road or opt for epic views from atop the Conical Hill Walk – both are just a 30-minute stroll. Learn more about our favourite walks in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Hanmer Springs.
Location: Forest Amble Walk – 100 Jollie’s Pass Road, approximately 1km (0.6 miles) from Hanmer Springs town. Conical Hill Walk – End of Conical Hill Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. … Or a Challenging Hike Up Mt Isobel
For something more challenging, the Mt Isobel Track is a stunning mountaintop hike with views that say it all. Located up the scenic Clarence Valley Road, the hike takes about five hours to complete. Take in the breathtaking alpine tussock landscape, views of the Hanmer Basin and expansive mountain views as far as the eye can see. You’re hot pool soak after the hike will feel all-the-more blissful after that.
Location: Clarence Valley Road, approximately 3km (2 miles) from Hanmer Springs town.
© Unsplash7. Do Some Wine Tastings at the Waiau River Estate or the Waipara Valley
Wine and a romantic getaway go hand-in-hand, so make sure there’s wine in your’s and your lover’s hand at the nearby Waiau River Estate! The cellar door and cafe is open for tastings and gourmet cuisine from Friday to Sunday (bookings advised). On your way into Hanmer Springs, stop by for tastings at the wineries of the Waipara Valley or opt for a private day tour to Hanmer Springs and three different wineries from Christchurch with NZSI Tours & Travel, as listed on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Waiau River Estate – 2254 Mouse Point Road, approximately 14km (9 miles) from Hanmer Springs town. NZSI Tours & Travel – Departure from Christchurch Bus Exchange Lichfield Street – Regional Platform, Christchurch Central.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Treat Your Loved One to a Romantic Dinner at Hanmer’s Romantic Restaurants
Complement your couple’s getaway with evening meals to excite the senses at Hanmer Springs’ most romantic restaurants. We list some of your fine dining options like the Braemar Lodge And Spa and No. 31 Restaurant & Bar in The Luxury Guide to Hanmer Springs. Other noteworthy dining experiences for couples, however, include MK Restaurant amidst an elegant interior with masterpieces of contemporary European cuisine. And for a bit of spice, head to the elegant Indian restaurant, Spice Village. Get cosy in one of the comfortable booths or dine alfresco in the courtyard under the fairy lights. For more recommendations, head over to The Foodie Guide to Hanmer Springs.
Location: MK Restaurant – 3/24 Conical Hill Road. Spice Village – 5 Conical Hill Road.
© Braemar Lodge And SpaMore Romantic Activities in Hanmer Springs
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Explore Hanmer and Hurunui (Regional tourism website)
- Hurunui District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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