The drive was very interesting since the scenery reminded us so much of areas of Canada. Often we drove through flat agriculture land but in the distance we could see the mountain range of Southern Alps. As we headed back inland from Christchurch we started to find ‘foothills’ as we moved towards the mountains.
We arrived in Hanmer Springs early afternoon and decided that we wanted to sit in the springs but not until evening. The sun was in full blaze and the pools are all outside so we would be sitting in the hot pools with the sun heating us even more.
We arrived in Hanmer Springs early afternoon and decided that we wanted to sit in the springs but not until evening. The sun was in full blaze and the pools are all outside so we would be sitting in the hot pools with the sun heating us even more.
After checking out options we decided to see about taking a horse trail ride. We went to the Information Center where they called to see if we could join the afternoon ride. As it turns out we had about 20 minutes time before the ride was to leave the ranch but they were willing to take us. We headed off following the directions to the ranch with Karen’s instructions. We turned off the main road to travel on a gravel road. When we arrived at the first creek ford on this road we really wondered if we had misunderstood the instructions and if Karen had the right address. By the time we got to the 2nd creek ford with the car we really felt we needed to turn back but decided to go a bit farther just in case. Good thing we did since this really was the way to the ranch.
I got to ride Ted and Wes was assigned Ozzie. What characters these horses were with Ozzie being anti-social and tried to nip the horse in front and kick at the horse behind. Ted wanted to be social so walked close behind Ozzie unless I did not keep him back. At one point we were talking and we got a bit close and Ted got a hoof to the chest but fortunately no damage. After that Ted was happy to stay back a bit.
As it turns out Wes and I were the ONLY guests on the ride so we actually ended up having a private horse trail ride. We started the ride by leaving the ranch and following the forestry road around through a small forest. This road wound up between two mountains working around to the backside. We eventually left the forestry road and started taking a horse trail through the woods heading upward. There has been a lot of rain lately so the trail actually was muddy and slippery. Wes’ horse seemed to prefer to skate and did some fancy steps as we climbed upward. This was also evident when we came down any slippery slopes of which there were several. Our guide did not seem to worry so we just relaxed and enjoyed the ride. (and no one fell)
We finally reached the top to enjoy a fantastic view in all directions. With the sunshine and the nice breeze we really felt special. The fields around us were covered with ranging sheep and we got to see some wide rabbits and numerous birds. We had chances to trot and I was invited to take Ted for a gallop. He was a really pleasant ride. We returned to the ranch completing the riding trail and were really pleased we had done the ride. We were also a bit sore!
The plan to head to the hot springs was reinforced by the time we returned to the campsite so after a shower, happy hour (20 minutes actually), and dinner we headed back to the springs for the last two hours (7 – 9). The springs have been well developed and there are numerous pools of various temperatures spread out in the complex. The Thermal Pools & Spa has a range of pools - twelve open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and six private indoor thermal pools, as well as a sauna/steam room. And with a bounteous supply of the thermally heated spring water, the pools range in temperature from 28-42° Celsius - perfect for soothing away aches and pains caused by horseback riding. The Hanmer Springs geothermal water is drawn from a bore adjacent to the reserve complex, providing natural water of the highest quality.
We found so many of the people at the pool very sociable so we did have lots of good conversations. In particular there was one family we talked to where the mom has her hands full with 5 boys and a husband who seemed to act like one of the boys. They were really good fun to chat with. At one point while sitting in the pool, the sun dropped enough to highlight the pine trees in behind. With a dark cloudy sky (steely grey color) the brightness of the green was spectacular. Since I was in the hot pool, I did not have my camera which bothered me a bit. It really was very unique and spectacular.)
We found so many of the people at the pool very sociable so we did have lots of good conversations. In particular there was one family we talked to where the mom has her hands full with 5 boys and a husband who seemed to act like one of the boys. They were really good fun to chat with. At one point while sitting in the pool, the sun dropped enough to highlight the pine trees in behind. With a dark cloudy sky (steely grey color) the brightness of the green was spectacular. Since I was in the hot pool, I did not have my camera which bothered me a bit. It really was very unique and spectacular.)
We returned to the campground feeling like we had a full day and happy to call it a day early. However, I noticed the sky as we drove in and grabbed my camera to try to capture some of the colors. Pictures sometimes just do not do justice.
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