2 Best Sights in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand

The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa consists of 22 outdoor thermal pools of varying temperatures, including a heated freshwater pool with lazy river, a family activity pool, and three waterslides. There are also six private mineral-rich thermal pools, as well as adults-only aquatherapy pools, private sauna, and steam rooms. Massage and beauty treatments are available at the on-site spa. The Tea Kiosk Cafe and Grill, a beautifully renovated 1904 building, has bar facilities, and there's a picnic area, too. The heated changing rooms are a real treat.

The scenic gravel drive along Jacks Pass, to the north of the village, crosses the lower slopes of Mt. Isobel before dropping into the upper Clarence River valley, an alpine area 15 minutes from Hanmer Springs. This is the beginning of some serious backcountry. The tiny stream trickling past the road at the end of the pass eventually reaches the coast north of Kaikoura at the rough and rumbling Clarence River—a favorite for rafters and kayakers. This is also the southern end of the Acheron Road through the Molesworth Station and the 4WD Rainbow Road through to St. Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes. There's restricted access at certain times of the year, and the roads can be impassable during winter, so before you go, check with the Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre.