The Honeymoon Guide to Hanmer Springs© NZPocketGuide.com
The Honeymoon Guide to Hanmer Springs

The Honeymoon Guide to Hanmer Springs

© NZPocketGuide.com
Article Single Pages© NZPocketGuide.com
Article Single Pages© NZPocketGuide.com
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Plan a Romantic Getaway, Anniversary or Honeymoon to Hanmer Springs

Break the mould of romantic getaways by retreating to the high country, rather than to yet another beach. After all, Hanmer Springs breathes romance from its name to its endearing mountainous surrounds. The alpine resort is named after the hot springs that feed into its icon hot pools and spa attraction, which makes Hanmer Springs a prime destination for relaxation. That’s not to say that adventure is not also a core part of what the town has to offer. Mountain biking, hiking and even bungy jumping are all on the cards to add more excitement to a romantic getaway, anniversary or honeymoon.

Plan yours with this complete honeymoon guide to Hanmer Springs.

Honeymoon Activities in Hanmer Springs

  • Tackle a tandem bungy jump
  • Hit the mountain biking trails together
  • Peddle around town on a romantic quadricycle
  • Indulge in a couple’s massage
  • Enjoy a romantic stroll in the Hanmer Forest…
  • … Or a challenging hike up Mt Isobel
  • Do some wine tastings
  • Treat your loved one to a romantic dinner at Hanmer’s romantic restaurants.

For more details and the locations of each activity, head to the 8 Romantic Activities in Hanmer Springs for Couples.

The Honeymoon Guide to Hanmer Springs© NZPocketGuide.com

Romantic Adventure Activities

In the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, of course, adventure is on the menu. Because they are best shared, here are some of the best adventure activities in Hanmer Springs for couples.

Start off your visit with an adrenaline-high produced by a freefall bungy jump 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 before taking the plunge 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.

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.

Alternatively, if you want to just get silly and grab a fun photo op, hire a two-seater “Rocket Bike” from the Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre or a “Village Cruiser” from the Alpine Crazy Putt mini golf course. Either way, they’re cheap and cheerful fun to enjoy with your loved one.

And 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. For something more challenging, the Mt Isobel Track is a stunning mountaintop hike with views that say it all. The latter takes about five hours to complete.

Find out more in the 8 Romantic Activities in Hanmer Springs for Couples.

The Honeymoon Guide to Hanmer Springs© NZPocketGuide.com

Romantic All-weather Activities

When it comes to rainy day alternatives, couples are encouraged to relax at one of the village’s spa experiences. The most famous, of course, is the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Either pay admission to the main pools, which is a huge complex of various hot pools scattered between nature-inspired landscaping where it’s usually easy to find a quiet corner (the quietest time to visit is usually around 5:30pm). Additionally, upgrade to one of The Spa at Hanmer Springs’ couple’s treatments, from the 60-minute aromatic massage to the 80-minute Couple’s Retreat package with an exfoliating clay body mask wrap, Hydrostorm Capsule and more.

Yes, there are more spa options in Hanmer Springs, so you might want to opt for the boutique spa of the 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 with the lodge.

For more rainy day inspiration, check out the 10 Things to Do in Hanmer Springs on a Rainy Day.

The Honeymoon Guide to Hanmer Springs© Braemar Lodge And Spa

Romantic Restaurants in Hanmer Springs

Complement your romantic getaway with evening meals to excite the senses at Hanmer Springs’ most romantic restaurants. While it may sound cliché, the nearby wineries are an obvious go-to, such as the Waiau River Estate (2254 Mouse Point Road) open for tastings and gourmet cuisine from Friday to Sunday (bookings advised). On your way into Hanmer Springs, stop by for tastings at the various 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.

For romantic dining in town, 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 (3/24 Conical Hill Road) amidst an elegant interior with masterpieces of contemporary European cuisine.

And for a bit of spice, head to the elegant Indian restaurant, Spice Village (5 Conical Hill Road). Get cosy in one of the comfortable booths or dine alfresco in the courtyard under the fairy lights while enjoying authentic Indian curries that are beautifully presented.

For more recommendations, head over to The Foodie 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:

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.

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