Hanmer Springs is a small town and mountain paradise located in the region of Canterbury in New Zealand. It is the perfect place for those looking to relax and unwind in the great outdoors, year -round. This resort town is located in the foothills of...more
Hanmer Springs is a small town and mountain paradise located in the region of Canterbury in New Zealand. It is the perfect place for those looking to relax and unwind in the great outdoors, year -round. This resort town is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps and hosts a plethora of thrilling activities that range from bush walking, hiking, bungee jumping, trekking and mountain biking to jet boating, white-water rafting and golfing. Another thing that makes the town well-known is the fact that it was built around a popular hot spring and is surrounded by forests that were planted several hundred years ago. Muslim tourists should note that there are no known Halal Restaurants or Mosques in Hanmer Springs.
Hanmer Springs is located just an hour and a half north of Christchurch and is definitely a must-visit. It is a small town, so tourists are advised to put on their walking shoes and see the sights on foot, while taking in the fresh mountain air. With its beautiful alpine setting, there are several tracks on which tourists can take guided or unguided walks. These tracks range from easy to challenging. One popular area ideal for a trek is Conical Hill. What makes it popular is the incredible view that visitors get to experience and the lush green trees that are planted in the area. Other popular walks include the Majuba Walk, the Woodland Walk, the Forest Walk and for panoramic views of the Hanmer Basin and beyond, tourists should climb Mount Isobel. For those looking for something that will allow them to enhance their Hanmer Springs experience even more, in terms of viewing the town’s alpine surroundings, there is an airline service available.
Another place that tourists must visit is the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. This is a complex set in a natural alpine landscape and has a selection of activities for the entire family that include; pools that range from thermal mineral to freshwater, sauna and steam rooms, and a variety of fun activities for kids.
During the winter season, tourists will be able to take part in some fun winter activities, which include skiing and snowboarding, at the Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mount Lyford Alpine Resort. These are the two main ski fields in the Hanmer Springs area.
The closest airport to Hanmer Springs is Christchurch International Airport. Since Christchurch is only 90 minutes away from Hanmer Springs, traveling to and from won’t be much of a problem. There are also a few other international and domestic airports located quite a distance away from Hamner Springs such as Wellington International Airport and Woodbourne Airport. Tourists can use public transport, which includes buses and taxis, when driving to Hanmer Springs and then back again to Christchurch.
There are no Halal restaurants or eateries in Hanmer Springs. Muslims visiting the alpine town will have to stick to vegetarian options served in local non-Halal restaurants. Another option would be to travel back to Christchurch for meals, since it is home several Halal restaurants and is only 90 minutes away.
There are no Masjids or Islamic Centers located in Hanmer Springs. Again, there are a couple of mosques located in Christchurch that Muslim visitors can use on Fridays for Jumu’ah prayers. It is therefore best for tourists to perform their prayers in the hotel room, if possible.
Prayer times for Hanmer Springs,New..