The South Island is dominating a survey of the top 10 "must-do's" for Kiwis. Only three places on the AA Tourism list, compiled from 65,000 online responses, are in the North Island. The Bay of Islands, the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, and Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel, did not even make the top three. Number one is Abel Tasman National Park, followed by Hanmer … [Read more...] about Hanmer Springs is 2nd in the 10 “must-do’s” in New Zealand.
Christchurch
Hanmer Springs Mountain Bike Trail – St James Cycle Trail
The St James Cycle Trail near Hanmer Springs - the first of the Government-backed mountain bike trail "great rides" to be fully completed. Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the 64km-long trail had iconic scenery including river valleys, high-country lakes, beech forest and grassland valleys. Of the 18 nationally promoted cycle trails, it requires the highest level … [Read more...] about Hanmer Springs Mountain Bike Trail – St James Cycle Trail
Hanmer Springs Masters Games
Ian Mathieson, at 95 years old, became the oldest person ever to participate in the South Island Masters Games in 2009 near Hanmer Springs. Mathieson, of Picton, did the 5km walk and compete in bowling when over 1700 players congregate in Christchurch to take part in more than 20 events ranging from cycling to netball to shooting. The South Island Masters Games, which … [Read more...] about Hanmer Springs Masters Games