20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Hanmer Springs 🛎️ [2024]

Where to Find the Best Hotels and Alternative Accommodations in Hanmer Springs

The alpine village fed by natural hot springs is a pretty dreamy destination on the South Island, but don’t expect to find a range of international hotels. The small village is made up of lodges, chalets and attractive apartments to conserve the charming alpine ambience. Nevertheless, you’ll still find the odd international hotel chain wrapped in a heritage building and fabulous lodges offering hotel-standard rooms and services. Just to cover all of your bases, we list alternative styles of accommodation to consider as well in this list of hotels and places to stay in Hanmer Springs.

While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss your dream experiences with our 20 Best Things to Do in Hanmer Springs.

1. Hanmer Springs Hotel – The Best (and Only) Hotel in Hanmer Springs

Evoking historic charm in the renovated heritage Hanmer Lodge building, Hanmer Springs Hotel combines character and international hotel services. The hotel offers both well-appointed rooms across its heritage lodge and manicured gardens. During your downtime, do laps in the outdoor pool in summer, get competitive on the tennis or petanque court, and dine at the elegant on-site restaurant serving Italian cuisine.

Check the Hanmer Springs Hotel out:

2. The St James Premium Accommodation – Luxury Accommodation in Hanmer Springs

Now that we have already exhausted the offering of hotels in Hanmer Springs, let’s get onto the town’s top alternative accommodations. For the apartment-hotel experience, consider The St James Premium Accommodation. The complex offers rooms sleeping two to six people with deluxe additions, such as bathrooms with underfloor heating, king and super-king beds, spa baths, gas fires, and breakfast delivery available. The full kitchens in each apartment make self-catering a breeze. What’s more, there’s never likely to be a dull moment with a DVD library, board games and a barbecue area available. For alternative upscale stays, be sure to also check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Hanmer Springs.

Check The St James Premium Accommodation out:

3. Drifters Inn – Affordable Boutique Accommodation Near Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

For those looking for affordability, check out this comfortable boutique lodge just 80m (262ft) from the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. Drifters Inn has 19 ensuite rooms with your typical hotel facilities, such as Sky TV, coffee/tea-making facilities and WiFi. Guests can also cook for themselves in the communal kitchen and relax in the dining room or by the log fire. There is a range of room layouts available, including king rooms, family suites and ensuites with a spa bath.

Check Drifters Inn out:

4. Braemar Lodge & Spa – Accommodation in Hanmer Springs with a Spa

Braemar Lodge & Spa offers a boutique lodge experience with hotel services. Not only does the lodge have a range of stylish rooms with king beds, signature bathrooms and living areas, but there’s also a day spa to treat yourself to. Unwind with a facial, massage or body treatment. The lodge also has its own restaurant with cuisine showcasing New Zealand produce complemented by wonderful views of the Amuri Basin.

Check Braemar Lodge And Spa out:

5. The Chalets Motel – Self-Catering Accommodation in Hanmer Springs

Stay in a stand-alone chalet just 600m (656 yards) from the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools at The Chalets Motel. Each chalet offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and features such as Sky TV, a designated car park beside the chalet, a full kitchen, separate bedrooms, daily newspaper delivery and more. You’re sure to find something to suit your party, with chalets in a number of layouts and sizes sleeping two to six guests. We also list this motel in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Hanmer Springs.

Check The Chalets Motel out:

20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Hanmer Springs

6. Amuri Estate Luxury Bed & Breakfast – Romantic B&B in Hanmer Springs

Get away from it all at this enchanting bed and breakfast set on a 26-acre property surrounded by farming stations, mountains and the braided Waiau River. Choose from either a bed and breakfast room within the main house or your own private retreat in “The Wallace Peak Cottage” in an established olive grove. Luxuries include underfloor heating in the ensuites, large sumptuous linen on the beds, and continental breakfast included in the room rate. Check out alternative couple-centric stays in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Hanmer Springs.

Check Amuri Estate Luxury Bed & Breakfast out:

7. Stash Palace Holiday Apartment – Popular Holiday Home in Hanmer Springs

If you were looking for your own piece of alpine village paradise, the Stash Palace Holiday Apartment awaits! This two-bedroom holiday home offers an idyllic retreat on the outskirts of town with an expansive deck soaking up the views and equipped with a barbecue. There’s also a small kitchen with a stovetop connecting to a quaint breakfast bar and lounge making for a sociable place to relax. With modern design choices and art displayed throughout the home, it’s a place you’ll struggle to pull yourself away from.

Check Stash Palace Holiday Apartment out:

8. 8 on Oregon Boutique Lodge – Boutique Hotel in Hanmer Springs

With a unique location on Conical Hill, 8 On Oregon Boutique Lodge offers panoramic views of the surrounding farmland and mountains. Hit the mountain bike trails straight from your doorstep with a network of walks available outside the lodge, or just relax in the guest lounge or library. As for the rooms, the boutique lodge offers three modernly sophisticated guest rooms with either queen or super-king beds, private balcony access, Bluetooth speakers, free WiFi and an ensuite with rain, body and hand-held shower.

Check 8 on Oregon out:

9. Alpine Springs Motel – Motel in Hanmer Springs with Spa Baths

Located in an acre of manicured gardens beside the Hanmer Springs Golf Club, Alpine Springs Motel is a gorgeous setting for a getaway. The boutique motel with 10 tastefully-appointed units consists of a number of layouts for couples, friends and families. Treat yourselves to a spa bath in the “Queen Studio” or one and two-bedroom “Spa Units”. Larger groups will find more space in the three-bedroom “Spa Bungalow”. Facilities consist of Sky TV, free WiFi, DVD players, cooking facilities and free parking. What’s more, the motel also has a barbecue area and a complimentary DVD library.

Check Alpine Springs Motel out:

10. Cheltenham House – B&B in Hanmer Springs

Cheltenham House offers a selection of hotel-style rooms and holiday home cottages in the heart of Hanmer Springs. Each room has its own unique charm, where additions include (depending on the room) a gas fire, a sunroom, super-king beds, a wool duvet and more. The main drawcard for this accommodation is its bed and breakfast experience. There’s an extensive menu for breakfast including eggs benedict, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, freshly-made pancakes and more.

Check Cheltenham House out:

11. Village Lake Apartments – Holiday Apartments in Hanmer Springs

Another apartment hotel worth considering is the Village Lake Apartments. Find elegantly-designed apartments just moments away from the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. Each apartment provides oodles of space (96m²/315ft²), two bedrooms, ensuites and designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances. Keep cosy with the underfloor heating and gas fires, relax with a glass of wine on your private balcony, and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep on king beds with featherbed underlays. Other amenities include free WiFi, Sky TV, a DVD player and more.

Check Village Lake Apartments out:

12. Kakapo Lodge – Cheap Backpacker Hostel in Hanmer Springs

Another accommodation type worth considering is the backpacker hostels. Kakapo Lodge is just a couple of minutes’ stroll from the town centre. Room types include dorms, private double and twin rooms with shared bathrooms, as well as double rooms with ensuites. Don’t expect luxury, but the rooms are comfortable enough for the price. Guests can make use of the on-site parking, a communal kitchen and bathrooms. Find more like this in our 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Hanmer Springs.

Check Kakapo Lodge out:

12. Settlers Motel – Upscale Motel with Spa Baths

Rated five stars by Qualmark (among other organisations), Settlers Motel provides a quality stay in the heart of Hanmer Springs. Two-bedroom units and a one-bedroom unit with the option of a rollaway bed are available for families, while the studios are ideal for couples. Upgrades include spa baths, balconies with a mountain or forest view, and king-sized beds. Your stay also includes free WiFi, access to more than 400 DVDs, free newspaper delivery, Sky TV, access to a barbecue area, free laundry facilities, and free towels for the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools.

Check Settlers Motel out:

13. Tussock Peak Motor Lodge – Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Hanmer Springs

A contemporary motel with all the right fixings, we’re talking about TVs with streaming services and plenty of options with spa baths, Tussock Peak Motor Lodge is a top choice of accommodation in Hanmer Springs. Not only that, but the motel has an impressive list of environmental initiatives in place from using compostable rubbish bags to providing EV charging to supporting the Hanmer Springs Conservation Trust. Rooms either have balconies or terraces soaking in the alpine views, while other in-room facilities include Fairtrade teas, Jed’s coffee and hot chocolate and a choice of fresh or soy milk, electric blankets, a kitchenette with breakfast-making amenities and more.

Check Tussock Peak Motor Lodge out:

14. Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel – Hanmer Springs Accommodation with Spa Pools

Travellers have plenty of choice at the Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel. Keep things simple and affordable in the well-appointed Studio or upgrade to a “Spa Suite” or “Spa Bath Unit” with cooking facilities. For families, if the “Two-Bedroom Family Unit” with a full kitchen, gourmet hot drinks, family couch, TV with Sky TV and garden patio isn’t enough, then perhaps upgrading to the “King Family Unit” with three bedrooms will suit? Find this quiet family-friendly accommodation just a short walk from the village centre.

Check Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel out:

15. Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park – Family-Friendly Accommodation in Hanmer Springs

For those on a tight budget, be reassured that you can still find quality self-catering accommodation in Hanmer Springs thanks to the town’s holiday parks. Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park offers modern and affordable accommodation. If you’re not camping, then choose from simple “Kitchen Cabins” or “Standard Units” sleeping four to six guests. Alternatively, upgrade to one of the stylish and freshly-decorated “Self-Contained Units” or “Motel Units” with attractive timber-lined walls. The latter options have their own convenient kitchens and ensuites, while the budget options require you to use communal kitchens and bathrooms. Choose from more family-friendly alternatives in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Hanmer Springs.

Check Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

16. Hanmer Backpackers – Cheap Accommodation in Hanmer Springs

A cosy and homely hostel can be found at the Hanmer Backpackers. This Swiss chalet-style backpackers certainly emphasises the alpine feel of Hanmer Springs, so stay in one of the six rooms where dorms have a mix of single and bunk beds, while there are also private rooms and family rooms available. As well as a kitchen, dining, laundry and lounge areas, other facilities include a massage chair and free unlimited WiFi. For alternative but cheap stays, also check out the 12 Best Budget Accommodations in Hanmer Springs.

Check Hanmer Backpackers out:

17. Alpine Garden Motel – Self-Catering Motel in Hanmer Springs

Just a few minutes’ walk from the hot pools, yet offering its own tranquil retreat across nine inviting units, Alpine Garden Motel is a motel in Hanmer Springs well worth checking for availability. Each unit comes with its own sunny verandah, full self-catering facilities, beds with electric blankets, a TV with Sky TV and DVD players (and a DVD library available) and the all-essential free WiFi. And if they weren’t enough, there’s also the option to upgrade to a unit with a spa bath.

Check Alpine Garden Motel out:

18. Alpine Adventure Holiday Park – Affordable Dog-Friendly Holiday Park in Hanmer Springs

Another fantastic holiday park worth checking out is the Alpine Adventure Holiday Park. The budget accommodation complex set in a bush-clad valley offers a range of camping sites, kitchen cabins and self-contained chalets and tourist flats. Enjoy the convenience of home with most accommodations featuring a full kitchen. Many of the accommodations open up onto large grassy areas and provide access to a children’s playground, TV room and a games room to keep your whole crew entertained. What’s more, the complex is dog-friendly.

Check Alpine Adventure Holiday Park out:

19. Glenalvon Lodge Motel – Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Hanmer Springs

Another fantastic motel on the main street of Hanmer Springs, Glenalvon Lodge Motel is worth checking for availability. The motel offers nine spacious rooms, all of which are on the ground floor and have breakfast-making facilities, three-channel Sky TV and an ensuite. The motel studio units all sleep two to four guests. While you won’t be able to make your own meals in your room, restaurant delivery is available or it’s just a short walk to the local eateries. If you’re travelling with a pet, request a pet-friendly room.

Check Glenalvon Lodge Motel out:

20. Hanmer Springs Retreat – Apartment Hotel in Hanmer Springs

After a day of adventure or simply relaxing in thermal pools, escape to this peaceful motel-hotel hybrid just a 10-minute walk from town. Hanmer Springs Retreat offers a range of rooms for couples, friends and families, plus offers a convenient on-site restaurant. Couples will find value in the “Studio Room” or a spot of pampering in the “Studio Room with Spa Bath”, while the “One/Two-Bedroom Suite” and “Two-Bedroom Apartment” provide ample space for families. All rooms have at least a kitchenette, an ensuite and an open-plan layout.

Check Hanmer Springs Retreat out:

More About Hotels and Places to Stay in Hanmer Springs

That’s it for our list of the best hotels and places to stay in Hanmer Springs, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar travel advice from the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to 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])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

Contact Laura About Our Team