Rest and Relaxation - Hanmer Springs

Rest and relaxation in Hanmer Springs.  At the thermal pools.   Altogether very pleasant.

We arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday and collected our rental car, after reading the instructions about safe driving in New Zealand.   Many tourists have difficulty with driving on the left side of the road.   Mind you, we have found many New Zealanders also need to adhere to the rules, especially about cutting corners and tailgating.     But one must not start off on a negative note.

The drive to Hanmer Springs, about two hours north west of Christchurch, was relatively easy, with two stops, one for lunch and one for an ice cream.   Giant ice creams in this country.   We love the hokey, pokey ice cream (honeycomb). 

Walter took the photograph below, of the New Zealand mountains.  The views were amazing as we came over the snow covered peaks.  The Canterbury Plains, however, were covered in heavy cloud.

Hanmer Springs, a small resort set in the lower mountains, and home to thermal pools.  And no doubt plenty of thermal activity underneath the ground too, with fault lines running through the mountains.

The weather is a trifle chilly, low to mid teens I think.  After all it is mid spring.

 It is so strange to come from autumn, with leaves turning many colours and falling, to spring, with its bright green colours and spring blossom.  

Flowering cherry trees in full bloom.

We have spent many hours, yesterday and today, languishing in the many thermal pools at the resort.   So much choice in temperature and style, everything from 30 degrees to 41 degrees, to water jets, bubbles and hydrotherapy, and still warm water.  No heads under water though, due to bacteria loving the warm conditions, and the danger of it getting up people's noses.  Most of the pools do have a small amount of chlorine in them.

The three small sulphur pools, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 41 degreees, accompanied by a smell of rotting eggs.  The absolute ultimate in relaxation, although I do find I can only sit in them for 10 minutes at a time.  Very hot.

I also love the pool in the photograph below, pleasantly warm at about 36 degrees, and to sit on the concrete benches, fully submerged in water, is just bliss.

On one side of the complex there is a normal swimming pool, with water slides. An area that is a favourite with children.

There is also a restaurant and cafe, with great food.  Plus sun loungers, not in use today though.  A little too chilly.

We booked a motel on line, months ago, which has turned out to be very substandard, although the website showed quite a different angle.  Larchwood Motel.  Avoid it.

We have a narrow apartment with the bed on a mezzanine floor, and a seventies decor.  Walter is sitting on a couch with springs that have disappeared some years ago I think.

Despite the poor quality of accommodation, we are enjoying our stay in Hanmer Springs.  A great place to unwind, with beautiful scenery, warm thermal pools, delicious food and a friendly atmosphere.