New Zealand trip Day 15 - Hanmer Springs

Turns out our trip to Hanmer Springs coincided with a long weekend and half of Christchurch was there at the same time. It had taken a few phone calls to find accommodation but we lucked out with The Drifter's Inn, which happens to be across the road from the thermal pools complex. The room was small but pleasant and the staff were just lovely.

This being the final day of our holiday we didn't mind too much when it rained. Put on the raincoats and hired some mountain bikes for a ride through the century old exotic forests planted around Hanmer Springs. There are massive redwoods, firs, larch, pine, spruce, sycamores, alders and more.

Good little tracks. Didn't even fall off my bike!

Fly agaric, the classic don't-eat-me toadstool.

Yellow blossoms - laburnum?

In the more open areas, wildflowers such as these aquilegias



A very pleasant couple of hours, followed by lining up at the Hanmer Springs Bakery for a good lunch,

and after that, another long excursion to the springs. This is the "Aquatherapy Pool" that features massaging jets and sprays of water. We spent ages in there. Just wonderful. Warm, relaxing. Children not allowed. They are well catered for in  other areas of the complex.

This is one of the rock pools. There are 15 different pools in total, plus an associated spa complex where you can have massages and other treatments.

The Waiau River, on the way out of Hanmer Springs, heading back to Christchurch. Since you ask, no, we did not attempt a bungy jump off that platform in the middle of the bridge. Therefore, we are still attached to our retinas. But, I was tempted by a ride in that little red jet boat, I must admit. We had to keep moving though.

Red Post Cafe

Final photo of lovely South Island scenery. Then we were back in Christchurch for our last night. Had a pretty good Thai meal, went back to our hostel and crawled into our (two) little wooden beds for a few hours of fitful sleep. Up at 3am.