This Info Pack has been designed to help educators plan and coordinate field trips to Hanmer Springs, for students focusing on key aspects of Tourism or Hospitality in their studies. Information has been provided about available and discounted accommodation and food options for groups, as well as interactive sessions at operational business and activity sites. Sessions include a combination of talks from industry professionals, on current and relevant business and tourism topics, as well as discounted activity options, for those looking to combine practical learning opportunities with time spent in an operational environment. More information on Education and Training options in your region can be found at www.tourism.net.nz

Activity And Talk Options

Hanmer Springs Attractions

Since 1992, Christchurch and Hanmer Springs Attractions group has welcomed over 7 million customers from around the world. They offer qualified and professional staff, a strong commitment to health and safety and Qualmark Silver and Adventure Mark accreditation. Students will get to learn about flora and fauna, history, culture, farming and tourism – all while having fun in the great outdoors. Whatever your groups’ requirements, Hanmer Springs Attraction offer a range of experiences from a 1-hour jet boat ride, to a full day of hands-on activities. Catering can also be provided to fit your schedule.

Talk Topics:

• Tourist attractions and customers
• Flora and Fauna
• History and Culture
• Farming and Agri-Tourism

Activity Options: Choose from 7 activities, including:

• Jet Boating: 1hr, with 40mins on the water
• Bungy Jumping: 30mins for up to 4 jumpers, 35m freefall
• Rafting: 2hrs, including gearing up, spent on a Grade 2 river
• Quad Biking: 2hrs
• Canoeing: 5 hour safari on the Waiau river, including a picnic lunch
• Clay Bird Shooting: 15mins
• Paintball: as long as you want

Timings: Vary, dependent on activity choice. Please visit FAQ’s, for more details

Location: 839 Hanmer Springs Rd (1.5hrs from Christchurch)

Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Daily

Contact: Caryn Stevens; Sales Manager - [email protected] / 0800 661 538

Cost: Costs vary based on activity/ies chosen. Contact Caryn to enquire about group discounts

Other: Hanmer Springs Attractions can provide a Shuttle Service from Christchurch or Hanmer Springs Village to transport students to their river base, if required. All outdoor adventure activities are fully guided by licensed, qualified guides and highly trained staff. All safety equipment required is provided and Hanmer Springs Attractions are AdventureMark Safety Audit Certified to ensure they meet industry safety standards.

Hanmer Springs Hot Pools

With a range of pools, including relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools, lazy river and water slides, the pools are one of Hanmer’s biggest attractions. The newest ride is Conical Thrill – NZ’s largest aquatic thrill ride at 13.5m high, attached to the Superbowl Flume.

Talk Topics: Contact Milly to arrange a talk on either the business, or Hamner Springs as a tourist town.

Activity Options: Pools and Slides

Timings: Allow at least 1.5hrs, longer if possible

Location: 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours: Usual hours: Summer, 10am - 9pm, daily; Winter, 10am - 7pm, daily. Please check website for updates to opening hours, based on Alert Level restrictions.

Contact: Milly Smith; Marketing Coordinator - 03 315 0000 / [email protected]

Cost: Discounted rates below are available for NZ school groups. Waterslides (min. rider height 1.2m are included in entry price). Towel hire, locker hire and re-entry passes can be purchased too. Visit the website for more information.

• Adult (16+) $24
• Child (5 - 15) $14
• Spectator (non-swimmer) $3
• Actively supervising adults (non-swimming) FOC

Other: There are large garden picnic areas and the Tea Kiosk Cafe and Grill as eating options in the complex, which are open 10am – 7:30pm daily. Please see FOOD section, for more details.

A-Maze-N-Golf

An iconic local attraction that combines a maze with mini golf

Activity Options: The Lost Temple mystery maze and 18-hole Gold Rush themed mini golf

Timings: Allow at least 1hr

Location: 1 Fraser Close, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours: 10am – 4:30pm daily

Contact: Merv Sutherland; Operations Manager - 03 315 7272 / [email protected]

Cost: Prices for school groups of 10+

• $8 per activity
• $12 for Lost Temple and Gold Rush Mini Golf combo

Hanmer Springs Animal Park

Set on 20 acres, with a beautiful mountain backdrop, drop by and hand feed a range of farm and exotic animals, including sheep and lambs, goats, pigs, pony, donkeys, llamas and alpacas, cows, Texas longhorns, ostriches, emus, wallabies, water buffalo and deer. Wander amongst the ducks, geese and chickens and see guinea pigs, chinchillas and giant Flemish rabbits.

Talk Topics: Please contact the park to enquire about a talk option

Activity Options: Animal viewing, petting and feeding

Timings: Allow at least 1hr, more if bringing lunch.

Location: 108 Rippingale Road, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours:

• Nov – Mar, Wed - Sun 10am-5pm. Last entry 4pm. Closed Christmas and Boxing Day
• Apr – Oct, Wed - Sun 10am - 4pm. Last entry 3pm

Contact: 03 315 7772 / [email protected]

Cost: From $8 / student(dependent on group size and ages). Standard package $10/child including animal feed bag and group information gathering exercise.

Other: There is an onsite Café but groups are able to bring their own food, to enjoy in the park on outdoor tables. The site also has trampolines and is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Alpine Crazy Putt and Village Cruisers

Themed Mini Golf and Village Cruisers; using pedal power groups can cruise around the village on bikes that seats 2-6.

Activity Options: Crazy Putt Mini Golf and Village Cruisers. Scavenger Hunts can also be offered for school groups

Timings: Allow 1.5 - 2hrs for mini golf and 30mins for cruisers

Location: 1 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 10am - 5pm. Weekends and holidays, 9am - late

Contact: [email protected] / 03 315 5177

Cost: Discounts are available for school groups on request. Contact for combo pricing deals for both activities.

• Mini golf – from $8 (5 - 14yrs)
• Mini golf - $9 (student)

Hanmer Springs Ski Area Amuri Ski Club

The Amuri Ski Club was founded in 1957 by a group of farmers keen to have somewhere in North Canterbury to ski. The Ski Club runs the Hanmer Springs Ski Area (formerly Amuri Ski Field) and is affiliated to the Canterbury Snowsports Association. Affordable group bookings are available for skiing/snowboarding, rental, lessons and accommodation, to suit your needs.

Talk Topics: Please contact the ski field to enquire about availability of talk session

Activity Options: Ski Only or Stay and Ski packages available

Timings: Half or full day snow sports lessons and mountain passes available, as well as overnight stays

Location: Mt St Patrick, Hanmer Springs, 7334 – 17km from the village

Opening Hours: Usually 9am-5pm but check local weather/ski report

Contact: Sarah Sleight, Manager – (during Winter season phone only) 027 434 1806 / [email protected]

Cost: Check website for prices and contact Sarah for group deals.

• Student day pass $45

Other: There is no rental gear on the mountain, all equipment rental must be organised in town from Hanmer Adventure Centre. Robinson Lodge has 4 bunkrooms which each can sleep up to 9. The Lodge caters for a max. of 64 and supplies fitted sheets, pillows and pillowcases and a battery powered lamp, if needed after generators are turned off at night. All guests need to bring their own warm sleeping bag and towel. There is no shop on the mountain, all groups must bring their own food. Full kitchen with gas stove and cooking utensils available.

Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre

Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre offer quad bike trips, scenic flights, ski hire and transport to visitors to Hanmer. For school groups they offer archery and mountain biking.

Talk Topics: Contact Ross to see if someone is available to talk to students about the business, activities, or the local area.

Activity Options:

• Archery: This guided activity takes approx. 2hrs and includes safety instruction, equipment briefing and demonstration, 30 mins target shooting in the safety lanes, balloon target shooting and a champion archer shoot-off.
• Mountain Biking: Great for confidence building, this activity is fully guided by a team with over 10 years’ experience in providing guided adventure programs to schools. The 2hr package takes school age students through Hanmer Forest, exploring the tracks, with opportunities to see native and exotic flora and birdlife while enjoying the great outdoors. Riders are fitted with approved cycle helmets and bikes to suit their size. A full briefing is given covering bike and road safety and there are opportunities for short breaks during the ride.

Timings: Both activities take 2hrs

Location: 20 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 10am - 5pm. Weekends and holidays, 9am - late

Contact: Ross Carter; Owner - 03 315 7223 / email

Cost:

• Archery: Students $20, accompanying Adults FOC
• Mountain Biking: Students from $20, accompanying Adults FOC (1 free : 10 paying students)

Other: Riders are advised to wear closed toe shoes

Visit Hurunui North Canterbury

The i-SITE is located at the hot pools main entrance and the knowledgeable, local team can provider a talk for groups, if they are contacted in advance,

Talk Topics:

• The local area
• Hanmer’s multiple attractions

Activity Options: the i-SITE can help arrange a number of local activities and provide assistance with food and accommodation booking

Timings: Allow 30mins for talk

Location: 42 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 10am - 5pm. Weekends and holidays, 9am - late

Contact: Marina; Guest Services - [email protected] / 03 315 0000 / 0800 442 663

Cost: FOC, no min. group size

Activity Hanmer

The team of trained staff will deliver a safe, challenging and stimulating program tailored precisely to suit your group and budget. They work alongside other companies in Hanmer Springs to deliver the activities to school groups.

Talk Topics: Contact Mike to tailor a session to suit your class needs

Activity Options: All of the following activities can be adjusted for all ages and abilities. Trained staff will create a program specifically designed to meet your learning intentions and to make sure everyone has fun!

• Archery: our Archery sessions offer the chance for every pupil to experience success. Accuracy, control and a steady hand are vital for achieving the best results and many children discover a talent for a new skill. Handling bows and arrows may be a brand new experience for your group and presents a variety of new challenges! We encourage safety awareness from the outset and teach the basic skills at our onsite archery range.
• Crate Stacking: In crate stacking students work together as a team to build the highest tower of crates before the tower collapses or before time runs out. Crate stacking is great fun for the whole team, and helps people to push past their fear of heights as they gradually build the tower higher and higher. How far can you get before you start to wobble? Will anybody beat our crate stacking record?
• The Amazing Race: This is an exciting fast paced event that will require teams to work together to overcome roadblocks and obstacles as they race around the Forest Camp. Teams will need to out-smart and out-race their fellow competitors. At each checkpoint teams will need to complete various challenges to get their next clue. First team across the finish line wins! Such a fun activity!
• Outdoor Puzzle Hunt: Our Newest Activity is now ready to book… The Outdoor Puzzle Hunt is essentially an Outdoor Escape Room experience in the form of a Scavenger Hunt. Each team of 4-6 students will receive an iPad, an action pack and 3 missions to choose from:
• The Last Secret of Albert Einstein, Operation Mindfall and Magic Portal: Teams navigate to various locations where they will work together to solve puzzles, riddles and brain challenges. It requires heaps of team work and tons of creative problem solving. Students will need to think quick on their feet in order to complete their mission before time runs out. 
• These games are designed to develop numerous skills such as, communication, leadership, memory, dexterity, time management and social interaction.

Location: 243 Jollies Pass Road Hanmer Springs 7334

Opening Hours: Office open Mon – Sun, 8am – 5pm

Contact: Mike; Groups Manager - [email protected] / ‪027 522 1701 

Cost: Prices range from $120 per group session. Check the website for the full price list

Other: Full colour PDF brochure and RAMs available on request

Food And Talk Options

Boulder Burgers

Menu: Burgers, hotdogs, fries and sundaes. American, 50’s style dining. The tantalising menu showcases both NZ and American influences and combines old favourites. A major draw card is the customised baked burger buns, fresh handmade meat patties and everything from sauces and chutney to hot fudge sauce.

Best For: Lunch and Dinner

Location: 8 Chisholm Cres, Hanmer Springs 7334

Opening Hours: 5 – 8pm Fri - Sat, 11am – 2:30pm Weekends 

Contact: Peter and Cherie; Owners - 03 315 5104 / [email protected]

Cost: Burgers and Hotdogs range from $10 - $17.50

Other: Talk to Cherie and Peter about deals and the option for a talk

Mr Yunan

Menu: Asian Cuisine. Take-away only

Best For: Lunch and Dinner

Location: 4 Harrogate Street Hanmer Springs, 7334

Opening Hours: 4:30– 9:30pm, Daily

Contact: 0800 679 8626 / [email protected]

Cost: Mains from $19, daily specials $15

Spice Village

Menu: Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes. Dine-in or take-away meals, with both gluten free and vegetarian options available

Best For: Dinner

Location: 5 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours: 4 - 10pm, Daily

Contact: Sukhpreet; Manager – 03 975 1120 / [email protected]

Cost: Mains from $18

Other: Please contact Sukhpreet via phone to arrange unlimited eats / buffet group deal

Alpine Village Inn

Menu: European style menu. The Apline Village Inn is used to catering for groups and functions, contact NAME, to enquire about available options

Best For: Lunch and Dinner

Location: 10 Jacks Pass Rd, Hanmer Spring

Opening Hours: From 11am – late, Daily. Dinner menu served from 5pm

Contact: 03 315 7005 / [email protected]

Cost: A la carte mains from $17

Other: Gluten free and vegetarian options available. Contact the team to enquire about the option for a talk

Tea Kiosk Café and Grill

Menu: Pizza, sharing platters, various cabinet food and main courses available. Check out the menu

Best For: Lunch and Dinner

Location: Inside Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs

Opening Hours: Usual hours: 10am - 6pm, daily. Please check website for current opening hours.

Contact: Hurunui iSITE - 03 315 0006 /

Cost: Approx. cost $10pp

Accommodation And Talk Options

Hanmer Backpackers

Accommodation Type: Swiss Chalet style backpackers with a variety of rooms to accommodate smaller groups

• Room 1: 3 x singles
• Rooms 2 and 3: 1 x double
• Rooms 4 and 5: 5 x singles
• Room 6: 2 x singles and 1 x double

Location: 41 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs

Contact: Yoko and Tristan Schilder, Owners- [email protected] / 03 315 7196

Cost: Please contact Yokor or Tristan for a tailored group quote and option of a talk

YHA Hanmer Springs Kakapo Lodge

Accommodation Type: Backpackers located just 2 mins stroll from the village centre and famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. YHA Hanmer Springs can cater for up to 45 people across 18 rooms with some flexibility in how some rooms are set up. Talk directly to Carrie about any special arrangements your group might need. Additional keys can be provided for leaders to access all rooms allocated to your group.

Shared room options include:

• 1 x 4 bed room
• 8 x private double/twin with shared bathroom
• 4 x double/twin ensuite

Shared rooms can be allocated exclusively to your group. Shared single sex bathroom facilities are situated along the hall from the shared rooms. All bedding is provided (duvets, sheets and pillows) and towels can be hired for $2 each.

Talk Topics: Contact Carrie to arrange a talk about the YHA

Location: 14 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs

Contact: James Bae and Carrie Chen, Managers- 03 315 7472 [email protected] / [email protected]

Cost: Get an online group booking estimate here

Other: Continental breakfast option is extra $10. Any talks available? Check in after 2pm Check out before 10am. Reception open 8:30am - 8:30pm

Hanmer Springs Forest Camp

Accommodation Type: Forest Camp is a great smoke-free venue for school camps with group accommodation and outdoor activities. There are a range of options available including a disabled-access self-catering lodge plus 24 purpose-built cabins to a lodge for smaller groups, through to camp sites.

Location: 243 Jollies Pass Road Hanmer Springs – approx. 2.5km from the village

Contact: Donna Knight; Camp Manager - 03 315 7202 / [email protected]

Cost: See general groups pricing here or contact Donna for more options

Other: Wheelchair access and RAMS info avail on request. A range of outdoor activities are available on and offsite through their partnership with Activity Hanmer (see ACTIVITY section). Activities include mountain biking, rock and tree climbing, orienteering, problem solving, bush skills, overnight camps and tramps. All activities are challenging and stimulating, set within a rigid safety framework and provided by experienced instructors. Rusty Carrot Catering can help sort all your meal requirements.

Top 10 Holiday Park Hanmer Springs

Accommodation Type: Camping ground with tent sites, cabins and self-contained units available

Talk Topics: Contact Liesel to arrange a talk about the business

Location: 5 Hanmer Springs Road, corner Bath Street, Hanmer Springs

Contact: Liesel; Grounds Manager - 0800 904 545 / [email protected]

Cost: Varies across seasons, contact Liesel for a quote and options for your group
Other: Onsite facilities include:

• Playground, jumping pillow and trampoline
• Mountain bikes for hire
• Fun 2 and 3 wheel bikes for hire
• Indoor basketball hoop
• Games room with pool table and video games
• Board games
• TV room – SKY TV and DVD hire. DVD players are supplied in motels and self-contained units.