Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Outty Ranking 56 4.4 · 17 traveler reviews8.5 hoursFrom $143
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch worth booking?

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch is a 8.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $143 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 17 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (17)
Duration
8.5 hours
From
$143 per person

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the Hanmer Springs Pool & Spa to relax and rejuvenate in the hot thermal pools. You will also get to ride an exhilarating jet boat through Waiau Gorge and enjoy a cafe lunch in Hamner Springs.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the Hanmer Springs Pool & Spa to relax and rejuvenate in the hot thermal pools. You will also get to ride an exhilarating jet boat through Waiau Gorge and enjoy a cafe lunch in Hamner Springs.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Driver/guide
    • Lunch
    • Transport by private vehicle

    Not included

    • Food and drinks, unless specified
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Canterbury Region

      Picked up from your Central Christchurch accomodation and transfered through the rolling countryside of Northern Canterbury to Hanmer, peppered with farming townships and boutique wineries.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Arrive at the Waiau Bridge for your exciting Jet Boat Ride on the Waiau Uwha River (if option selected). Experience the exciting twists and turns of the jet boat as you ride through the gorge.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Arrive into the beautiful Hanmer Springs township with its stunning alpine backdrop. Use this time to explore the town and enjoy a delicious lunch at the Kiosk Café.

      30 minutes here

    4. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

      Spend the afternoon relaxing and bathing in hot thermal pools. There's also some additional extras that can be purchased on arrival including theraputic massages and exhilarating hydroslides.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Picked up from Hanmer and transfered back to your Christchurch accomodation.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

      Pickup included

    • Hot Pools & Lunch (no Jet)

      Hot Pools Lunch Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Leisure Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Not recommended for infants
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Please bring swimming costume, towel & comfortable walking shoes

    Photos

    Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from ChristchurchThermal Pools, Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from ChristchurchHotpools at Hanmer, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from ChristchurchWaiau Ferry Bridge, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from ChristchurchWaiau River, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from ChristchurchHanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    17 verified traveler reviews for Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    I7009JPellenc · March 2026

    Hot springs experience

    Graham was an excellent driver and shared information about the area. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We were delighted to skip the jet boat and have more time at the hot springs. We recommend this tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review, your thoughts and comments. And thank you for highlighting Graham.

    via Tripadvisor

    Greg_L · December 2023

    Definitely worth the trip

    The Jet boats and their Captains are AWESOME. Total knowledge of the river system resulted in an excellent experience. The Thermal pools experience was a great ending to the day helping to relax those muscles that were given a workout on the Jet boats,

    Response from the operator: Kiaora Greg and thanks for leaving a review. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed your tour with us!

    via Viator

    CatharineH24 · August 2019

    Water Baby's Paradise

    If you love water, you will love this. A great range of water options including private pools and therapeutic pools. Wonderful location, great staff, thermal spring water which is not too sulphurous. Must do if you are in the area. All ages and ranges.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for the awesome review. It's great to hear you had such a nice time on your Hanmer Springs Day Tour. The thermal pools in Hanmer have a lot to offer its visitors, including therapeutic pools, communal pools, hydroslides, lazy river, spa and massage options, etc. As you said, it's a must do for water babies and anyone in the area. And the staff at Hanmer Springs do a fantastic job with maintaining the pools and keeping their customers happy, so it's nice to see them appreciated. Thanks again for the review and I hope you get to visit NZ again soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    Michelle M · September 2018

    Heaven!

    What a great place to visit, quite an unexpected pleasure to go swimming in such a cold place. Highly recommend the private pools and look for vouchers in the local free tourist magazines, we managed to get a free upgrade to the private pools which saved us some money. I only wish we had stayed longer and planned an overnight visit so we could have seen more of the town around the springs. Well worth the drive from Christchurch even if it is for just a day.

    via Tripadvisor

    32brucebeach · March 2018

    Loved it!

    We loved the thermal pools. There re lots to choose from. The sulphur pools are nice and quite hot. The mineral pools are lovely. The best for us was the jet pools....lots of jets gives you a nice massage. There are three of them, and the middle now had a central area with super jets....you had to hang on to the bar so you don't shoot away! Heavenly! We did not do the family pool or the water slide.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to submit your review, your feedback is important to us to ensure we meet our customers expecations and where possible exceed them. I am pleased to learn that you had an enjoyable day and that your loved the thermal pools. I hope you have the opportunity to visit this very special part of New Zealand again at some future date.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $143 to $345
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Leisure Tours, who run 33 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.6.

    See everything Leisure Tours runs

    Why this scores 56

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)68
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)68
    Local standing (8% weight)33
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.

    How much does Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch cost?

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    Prices start at $143 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch take?

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    Plan for about 8.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.

    Is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch?

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    Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 8.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Christchurch?

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    On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Christchurch?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Christchurch?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch?

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    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Driver/guide; Lunch; and Transport by private vehicle. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 86 listed pickup locations in and around Christchurch. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for infants. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Christchurch. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch?

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    Across 17 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch, Hot Pools & Lunch (no Jet). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch.

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