Haven for health and outdoor sports

Press, 29 December 1986, Page 24

Haven for health and outdoor sports

Best known for its thermal springs, Hanmer Springs has always been a favourite place to visit for those wanting to relax, or get away to the outdoors. Nestled in the middle of Hanmer Forest Park, with an impressive back-drop of mountains, Hanmer can be reached in less than two hours drive from Christchurch.

According to one of the Hanmer Springs motor camp owners, Mrs Pam Richardson, visitors come to Hanmer for three main reasons — to enjoy the

thermal pools, the forest, and outdoor sports such as ski-ing, fishing and hunting. Although the hot springs were the original attraction, Hanmer Springs now offers a number of recreational opportunities either in the town or close by.

The New Zealand Forest Service has worked hard in the area to open up the forest area for public recreation. This resulted in many attractive walkways being set up in the forest. These range from the very easy half-hour Nature track walk to longer three-hour hikes into the surrounding mountain range. The Wheel-chair track is accessible to disabled people.

The rugged western part of the park is negotiable only by fit, energetic and adequately equipped enthusiasts.

A well set up N.Z.F.S. information office in Hanmer provides very informative brochures on the forest and its walkways. The Amuri ski fields — 20km from Hanmer Springs — offers runs for all stages of skiers. The road goes right up to the fields and private rooms or bunk accommodation are available there as well as dinner, bed and breakfast. All accommodation is within walking distance of the lifts.

Rafting on the Waiau Gorge is another favourite pastime for many visitors. This trip is about two and a half hours long and is supervised by very experienced skippers. Trailways Safaris offers something a little different by taking visitors to the scenery and vast expanses of New Zealand’s high country stations . — Molesworth and Saint James — with tour-opera-tor Rick Stirling. Visitors are transported by luxury four-wheel-drive mini coaches. Halfday, full-day and two-day safaris operate daily, and refreshments and meals are provided on most tours. Cameras, sunglasses, and a warm jersey or jacket are essential for exploring these remote alpine areas, which are subject to sudden weather changes. Horse-riding treks are available within the Hanmer Forest Park and a minimum of eight years of age is recommended for the very inexperienced rider.

Treks can range from one-hour trails to overnight campouts. Organisers advise that visitors book ahead for these treks. Trousers, sensible footwear and a warm jersey or jacket are also advisable. Parkas, however, are provided by the organisers free of charge. Cameras are also handy for the treks.