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Things to do in Hanmer Springs

Our most recommended things to do in Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs: 35-Meter Bungy Jump off Waiau Bridge

1. Hanmer Springs: 35-Meter Bungy Jump off Waiau Bridge

Experience the adrenaline thrills of bungy jumping with a bungy jump off the Waiau Ferry Bridge in Hanmer Springs. Located less than 2 hours from Christchurch, the Alpine mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as jet boats, quad bikes, paintball, white water rafting, and much more. Make your way to the bungy jump base for a briefing on how to jump off the 135-year-old Waiau Ferry Bridge. At 35 meters high, the jump is perfect for first time jumpers, or those looking for a lighter jump. Launch yourself into thin air as you plunge down towards the river. Your jump over, a jet boat will collect you and return you safely to shore. Experience a range of emotions, from an instant of fear to pure elation, in the seconds it takes you to fall down towards the river. The entire jump experience will be over in approximately 20 minutes, but the memories should last a lifetime.

Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Quad Bike Safari

2. Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Quad Bike Safari

Discover the beautiful mountains and forests of Hanmer Springs on an exciting 2-hour Quad Bike safari. Make your own way to the Quad Bike base, located on the main road into Hanmer Springs and overlooking the river and Waiau Ferry Bridge. Upon arrival, take control of a 4WD Quad Bike, and cross the challenging terrain and river crossings. Drive along roads of mud, dust, and dirt. Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as bungy jumps, white water rafting, and much more. Your Quad Bike guide will take you to some of the back country roads of the area, passing farms, sheep trails, sand, and bush. Ride your own bike, (subject to age restrictions) and enjoy the freedom of the challenging trails (within the safety boundaries) as you soak up the beautiful mountain environment.

Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Rafting Tour

3. Hanmer Springs 2-Hour Rafting Tour

Experience the grade 2 rapids of the Waiau River on a 2-hour rafting experience in Hanmer Springs. Make your own way to the rafting base on the main road into Hanmer Springs and overlooking the river and Waiau Ferry Bridge. Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as bungy jumps, quad bike safaris, and much more. Upon arrival, get a safety briefing from a fully-qualified rafting guide, and marvel at the surrounding rock formations, fault lines, and crystal-clear waters of the river. The water is so clear that you can often see trout or salmon swimming by. Navigate the grade 2 rapids for a soft rafting adventure that is perfect for families. Return to the base by jet boat and enjoy the surrounding mountains and forests from another perspective.

Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Adventure Tour

4. Hanmer Springs Jet Boat Adventure Tour

Marvel at the Alpine landscapes of Hanmer Springs, and experience the adrenaline thrills of a jet boat adventure. Located approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch, the mountain town is a Mecca for fans of adventure activities, such as quad bikes, bungy jumps, white water rafting, and much more. Make your way to the jet boat base for a safety briefing. Then, travel the narrow gorges, braided shallows, and water rapids by jet boat. Your time on the water will last at least 30 minutes, but allow one hour for the whole experience (including thorough safety briefing). Soak up the spectacular scenery as you travel the entire length of Waiau Gorge. Hold on tight as you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin!

Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike Combo

5. Hanmer Springs Jetboat & Quad Bike Combo

Take in the magnificent scenery, then hold on while you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin. This beautiful alpine river features narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids. Travel over 30 kilometres of exciting jetboating and spectacular scenery. Your journey on the water lasts at least 30 minutes and you should allow 1 hour for the whole experience including the safety briefing. The focus above all else is safety, customer service, and value for money. Fun and thrills in the beautiful natural environment of Hanmer Springs. Put yourself in control of a four-wheel quad bike. Challenge the terrain, with river crossings, mud, dust, dirt and excitement. This guided Quad Bike tour will show you some of the real back country New Zealand as you pass through farmland, sheep trails, rivers, sand and bush. You can choose to ride your own bike (subject to age restrictions). Your guide will give you the freedom to challenge yourself within the safety boundaries. Two hours of adventure in the beautiful natural mountain environment of Hanmer Springs. 

Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat, Quad Bike and Bungy Jump Combo

6. Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat, Quad Bike and Bungy Jump Combo

Enjoy a beautiful day in Hanmer Springs exploring the Waiau River Gorge by jet boat, Quad Bike and bungy jump! Travel the entire length of the magnificent Waiau River Gorge, and take in the scenery along the way. Hold on tight as you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin. The beautiful alpine river features narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids. You will traverse over 30 kilometers through spectacular scenery on a jet boat ride of at least 30 minutes. Allow 1 hour for the entire experience, including a safety briefing as your guide's focus is above all else safety, along with customer service and value for money. Jump from the 135-year-old Waiau Ferry Bridge at the Hanmer Springs bungy jump. Experience a range of emotions, from sheer terror to pure elation, in the seconds it takes you to plummet 35 meters towards the river. Perfect for those who don’t want to try a high bungee jump, including first timers, the older and the young, the experience includes pick-up by jet boat at the bottom after your jump to take you safely back to shore. Put yourself in control of a 4-wheel Quad Bike and challenge yourself to a mountain terrain of river crossings, mud, dust, dirt and excitement. Discover the real backcountry of New Zealand on a 2-hour tour through farmland, sheep trails, rivers, sand and bush. Get to ride your own bike (subject to age restrictions), and get the freedom to test yourself within the safety boundaries on an adventure that is perfect for families, groups or individuals. 

Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat and Bungee Jump Combo

7. Hanmer Springs: Jet Boat and Bungee Jump Combo

Enjoy a beautiful day in Hanmer Springs exploring the Waiau River Gorge by jet boat and bungee jump! Travel the entire length of the magnificent Waiau River Gorge, and take in the scenery along the way. Hold on tight as you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin. The beautiful alpine river features narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids. You will traverse over 30 kilometers through spectacular scenery on a jet boat ride of at least 30 minutes. Allow 1 hour for the entire experience, including a safety briefing as your guide's focus is above all else safety, along with customer service and value for money. Then, jump from the 135-year-old Waiau Ferry Bridge at the Hanmer Springs bungee jump. Experience a range of emotions, from sheer terror to pure elation in the seconds it takes you to plummet 35 meters down towards the river. Perfect for those who don’t want to try a high bungee jump, including first timers, the older and the young, the experience includes pick-up by the jet boat at the bottom after your jump to take you safely back to shore.

Other Sightseeing Options in Hanmer Springs

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What people are saying about Hanmer Springs

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 33 reviews

Fantastic, fun experience. Our guide Tom was great, easy to talk to and made us feel at ease. We had a lovely cruise down the river, jumped off rocks, and then a fun jet boat return - would definitely recommend!

Everything was seamless from the pre event comms / pick up on the day and activity Briefing - we We’re 3 Generations and all us a ball ! As for the experience itself , we all loved it !

Great staff and very organised, they make jokes and make you feel calm before your jump. Also very helpful with any worries you have have, nothing is a problem. Wonderful experience.

Great fun. Instructors were first class. Good value for money. Highly recommend.

Well organised and felt safe at all times. Excellent guide ( Tom)