Hanmer Springs Sightseeing Tours & Activities

Sightseeing around Hanmer Springs means gorge views from a jet boat, alpine bush from a quad bike and the Southern Alps foothills from a thermal pool, all within a short drive of this North Canterbury village. Our Hanmer Springs sightseeing tours cover jet boating, quad biking, bungy jumping and more across the wider Waiau and Hurunui river valleys.

Sightseeing by Jet Boat

Jet Boating Waiau Gorge threads a narrow canyon a few minutes from the village, spinning close to rock walls most visitors never see from the road. Further afield, the Energizer and Riverside BBQ with Energy Jet runs a two hour trip on the Hurunui River from Hurunui Bridge on State Highway 1, finishing with a barbecue of fresh produce from the family farm on the riverbank.

Sightseeing on Wheels

The Quad Biking tour covers forest trails and river flats around the village at a pace that takes in far more scenery than a walking track allows, with views back toward the surrounding hills from angles the road does not reach.

Sightseeing with an Adrenaline Edge

Bungy Jumping off the historic Ferry Bridge gives a brief but full view of the Waiau River gorge on the way down, a different kind of sightseeing for anyone who wants their scenery with a dose of adrenaline. Ground based options such as Claybird Shooting and Paintball Adventures run through native bush settings just outside the village, a scenic backdrop for a more active afternoon.

Sightseeing from the Thermal Pools

The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools Entry offers its own kind of sightseeing, with open air mineral pools set against the foothills of the Southern Alps. It is the easiest way to end a day of jet boating or quad biking without leaving the village.

Why Book Your Hanmer Springs Sightseeing with Everything New Zealand

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to see the Waiau Gorge? A jet boat trip is the easiest way to see the Waiau Gorge up close, running through the narrow canyon walls a few minutes from Hanmer Springs village.

Is there a jet boat trip that includes a meal? Yes, the Energizer and Riverside BBQ pairs a two hour jet boat trip on the Hurunui River with a barbecue of fresh produce from the operator's family farm.

Can I go sightseeing at Hanmer Springs without an adventure activity? Yes, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools Entry offers scenic mineral pools set against the Southern Alps foothills, a relaxed way to take in the surroundings.

Is bungy jumping at Hanmer Springs worth it for the views? Yes, the Ferry Bridge bungy jump gives a full view of the Waiau River gorge on the way down, offering scenery most visitors only see from a distance.

What sightseeing options are there on land near Hanmer Springs? Quad biking covers forest trails and river flats around the village, while claybird shooting and paintball run through native bush settings nearby.