My partner and I went recently to the springs. First thing I would say is it is a bit pricey (over $30 if including the slide pass) especially as you only get really short "pass-outs" & can't leave for longer than 15 minutes at a time. The pools aren't really that hot except for the three sulfer pools at the top. Other than the first two points, the pools layout is awesome, the slides are awesome, the facilities are modern and first class & the staff are pretty good at not letting you put your head under water :P I'd go again, but I'd try other ones first.
Rating: 8/10
Nicholas Wisniewski - Ashburton
08th June 2016

Welcome to DisneyLand. Expensive, loud, you can't buy a ticket for a day, 22 dollars for one way, everything is about money. I have been in many hotsprings all around the world, This is the WORST experience and waste of time and money of my life. I talk with some kiwis about it. This thermal was good in the past but is now a tourist trap. ESCAPE
Rating: 2/10
Jonathan - FRANCE
13th March 2016

what a lovely place it was freezing the night we went but what a perfect end to a great weekend. The staff were very nice and helpful what a great attraction Thanks
Rating: 8/10
Diane - NZ
29th April 2012

We visited in January during the peak of the NZ holiday season. This is a very commercial outdoor swimming park. It was very crowded, but seemed to be run well. The reception staff were young and not unfriendly but not particularly helpful or forthcoming with information, considering that a lot of people there would have been first-timers. I was impressed with the facilities, they are very modern, clean and pleasant. There's a great wave pool, lots of other pools for just soaking in, and a couple of hydroslides. There are plenty of safety lockers for valuables which cost $2 from memory. We had a drink in the bar/cafe and easily found a table. Our 9 and 7 year olds totally loved it which is the main thing for us!! I would highly recommend Hanmer but suggest going at off-peak times if possible!!
Rating: 9/10
Maz -
13th April 2011

First the BAD - Hot Springs reception staff very UNfriendly and UNhelpful. Wouldn't let us re-enter despite the fact that we had a weekend pamper package. Very EXPENSIVE - now $18 to enter. Add another $5 if you want to be able to re-enter during the day. Add another $10 if you want to use the 3 water slides. Total $33! Per Person!!! Now the OK - The pools themselves and the grounds are looking pretty reasonable after the recent makeover. The GOOD - The Aqua spa pools (where the swimming pool used to be) are a great addition. The lifeguards seem friendly and helpful. The GREAT - This is really the Spa next doors - wonderful service, very well looked after here.
Rating: 6/10
David - Christchurch
23rd January 2011

Pools fantastic. Lady that served us on Monday night was friendly & helpful. Lady that served us on Tuesday night was rude and complained that I swiped eftpos card too fast before I had even swiped it. Toilets/changing rooms dirty, locks didn't work on 2 toilets & showers are cold... disappointing but at least the pools were great.
Rating: 7/10
Josie Leckie - Wellington, New Zealand
19th June 2009

I love this place. It is great in the evenings over summer, but also when it is snowing in the winter. Lovely tall trees and mountains surround the area. It is so relaxing.
Rating: 10/10
Adam - Melbourne, Australia
11th May 2008

Love it, cant wait to go back. So clean !!!
Rating: 10/10
Sophie - Christchurch
11th May 2008

love this place! the family area is great for the kids, while the parents can relax in the many pools that are in the complex.
Rating: 9/10
Rhonda - New Zealand
18th April 2007

Brilliant. we were driving from Auckland to Dunedin & decided to spend afternoon unwinding at the pools complex. Around Xmas 2004 - it was busy - but we found it extremely enjoyable - with some very private areas alongside large open pool areas for all the kids & a really nice flowing stream area with rocks etc. The perfect place to spend the day - I see why the Canterbury rugby team use it for some R & R. Really nice cafe / restaurant / bars. (Waiwera in Auckland should really take a lead from Hanmer which specialises in quality, fair- pricing & great friendly staff - in contrast Waiwera is utterly commercialised, like sitting in the playground at Macdonalds - except that the staff at Waiwera seem oh so grumpy ). Gotta hand it to you Mainlanders - you know how to relax in style...
Rating: 7/10
David Woodhouse - Auckland, NZ
13th August 2005