The alpine village and forest trails
Private Hanmer Springs Day Tour from Christchurch
Travel from Christchurch to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs with your own private driver, crossing the rolling Hurunui countryside to the mountains. Spend the day soaking in geothermal pools, enjoying a spa treatment or exploring the village and forest trails, then relax on the drive home. Each day is planned around your pace.
Departs from: Christchurch hotel or accommodation, or Lyttelton cruise port
Duration: 8 hours, with pickup usually around 8:30 AM. Times are adjusted to suit your plans.
Group size: Up to 3 guests (Range Rover), 6 (V-Class) or 11 (Sprinter)
Included: Private driver, vehicle, fuel, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, the scenic alpine drive through the Hurunui, drop-off and pickup at the thermal pools, NZ-compliant child seats on request
Not included: Meals, pool entry, spa treatments and activity fees. You'll have free time to enjoy the village cafés and restaurants at your own pace.
Every tour is privately quoted. Tell us your plans and Rebecca will reply within 24 hours.
HANMER SPRINGS THERMAL ESCAPE
Thermal Pools and the Alpine Village
A scenic drive through the Hurunui, a relaxing stay at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, and free time to explore the alpine village, its cafés and forest walks.
Your day is planned around the season, your plans and your pace. Here's how it typically flows.
Morning | Pickup and the Hurunui
Private pickup from your Christchurch hotel or Lyttelton cruise port.
Travel north through the rolling Hurunui countryside, crossing the Waiau River as the mountains close in.
Late morning | Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
We'll drop you at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. Soak in naturally heated pools from 32°C to 42°C, including the mineral-rich sulphur pools, or book a private pool or spa treatment.
Midday | Free Time in the Village
Enjoy free time for lunch at one of the village cafés and restaurants, at your own pace.
Early afternoon | Village, Forest or More Time in the Pools
Stroll the alpine village, walk up Conical Hill for views over the basin, or head back to the pools for a final soak.
Afternoon | Return to Christchurch
We'll collect you from the pools or the village for a relaxed drive home.
Drop-off at your Christchurch accommodation.
MEET LOUIS
Meet Louis, your private Hanmer Springs driver and guide.
With over 10 years of full-time professional driving experience, Louis Adendorff has helped travellers from around the world discover New Zealand in comfort, safety, and style. His local knowledge, attention to detail, and calm, professional approach mean every journey is carefully planned so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
Behind every tour is Rebecca, who coordinates itineraries and special requests to ensure everything runs seamlessly from start to finish.
Louis knows the road to Hanmer well, from the best lookouts through the Hurunui to the quietest corners of the village.
How It Works
What’s included
Your own professional driver, a luxury vehicle, fuel and road user charges, bottled water, door-to-door pickup and drop-off, and child seats on request.
Common Questions
How far is Hanmer Springs from Christchurch?
Hanmer Springs is about 90 minutes' drive from Christchurch. Your driver can add stops on the way through the Hurunui.
Is pool entry included?
Pool entry, private pools and spa treatments are paid separately. We'll drop you at the pools and collect you when you're ready. Spa treatments and private pools are best booked ahead.
How long will we have in Hanmer Springs?
Most of the day. The tour runs for about 8 hours, so there's plenty of time for the pools, lunch and a stroll through the village.
Is Hanmer Springs good for families?
Yes. Alongside the hot pools, the complex has family pools, a lazy river and waterslides. NZ-compliant child seats are available on request, so just include your children's ages when you enquire.
Can you pick us up from a cruise ship?
Yes, from Lyttelton Port. At about 8 hours, this tour suits most port days. Send us your arrival and all-aboard times and we'll confirm what's possible.
Can we add a winery stop?
Yes. The Waipara Valley is on the way, so a cellar door stop can be added on request. See our Waipara Valley wine tour for a full day of wine.
Are meals included?
Meals aren't included. You'll have free time to choose from the village's cafés and restaurants, or the café at the pools, at your own pace.
Plan Your Hanmer Springs Day
Tell us your dates, group size and which option appeals, and Rebecca will reply within 24 hours.
No payment needed to enquire. Rebecca will reply within 24 hours.
More Day Tours from Christchurch
Every tour is private and departs from your Christchurch hotel or Lyttelton cruise port, with vehicles for up to 11 guests. Explore Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Kaikōura and the Waipara Valley.
Go Further
Kaikōura Coastal and Seafood TourSeals, Coastline and Fresh Seafood
More Canterbury Day Tours
Lake Tekapo and the MackenzieFairlie, Burkes Pass and the Church of the Good Shepherd
Exclusive Driver is a Christchurch-based private chauffeur service offering luxury tours and transfers across the South Island.
Travel privately. Travel thoughtfully.
