Hanmer history

Press, 8 May 1980, Page 23

Hanmer history

Hanmer Springs is 134 km from Christchurch, 491 m above sea level and ringed by mountain peaks up to 1830 m in height. It has long been known for, its 'thermal springs, its invigorating climate and its magnificent setting enhanced by man-made forests. Brown trout are found in the nearby rivers and deer in the ranges. The ski-field is popular in the winter season and the picturesque Hanmer golf course is open all year round. Good motel, hotel and motor camp accommodation is available. The district was named after Thomas Hanmer, who helped to carry out the early surveys, though he never lived here.

The first sheep were driven overland from Nelson via Jollie’s Pass by Joliie and Lee in 1852 and

all this country was soon divided up into huge sheep-runs. St Helens for instance, in the 1880 s, carried more than 75,000 sheep. Hanmer’s fame as a holiday centre goes back to 1859, when William James, of St Leonard’s station, found several hot springs in thick scrub near the Jollie’s Pass Track. The waters are saline and alkaline. The district was isolated by the Waiau River until the present Ferry bridge was built in 1887. Crossing 31m above the water and 69m in length, it is still an impressive engineering achievement. A Government sanatorium was built in 1897, also the original Lodge Hotel. In 1916 the Queen Mary Hospital was opened.