Christchurch people have long been escaping to this little oasis of pampering up in the mountains. There are, of course, the thermal pools, but there are also spa treatments, massages, plus in the tiny town of Hanmer, you'll find wineries, great walks, bike tracks and adventure activities all around. It sits right on a faultline, and the town's famed healing waters bubble right on up through the crack. Luckily there's this beautiful pool complex so you don't have to sit on a crack to get the benefits. With relaxing rock pools, sulphur pools, freshwater pools and hydroslides, it's a pretty incredible experience.
Hanmer Springs
Relax into the thermal rock, sulphur and freshwater pools at this picturesque complex complete with a sauna, steam rooms, a day spa and even a lazy river.