After pickup by private vehicle from your centrally located hotel, relax on the 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch to the tranquil enclave of Hanmer Springs, a picturesque resort village tucked into into a mountain valley.
On arrival, start with an exciting jet-boat ride through Waiau Gorge at the aptly named Thrillseekers Canyon. Burst through narrow gorges and white-water rapids and skim over braided shallows on a high-speed ride with thrilling 360-degree spins.
Then head to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa for a provided lunch at the on-site Garden House Cafe. Relax in the volcanic sulphur pools fed by natural thermal springs, and soak your tension away against the massage jets. Dip into various pools offering a range of temperatures. Rich in minerals including chloride, boron, calcium and carbonate, the waters are known to treat a variety of conditions and injuries.
Enjoy views of towering redwoods and have time to explore the village of Hanmer at your leisure before departing for your accommodation, arriving back in Christchurch in the evening. Returning by private vehicle allows you to fully absorb the effects of the mineral baths without troubling yourself with the inconvenience of arranging transportation.