
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 144 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
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 $20 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (17)
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- From
- $20 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
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- Transport by private vehicle
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hot Pools & Lunch (no Jet)
Hot Pools Lunch Pickup included
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch
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






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 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe 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.
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
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
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
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
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
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $20 to $345
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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 $20 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 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". 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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Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
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, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier 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?
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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?
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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.
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