Hiking

Hanmer Springs attracts many walkers and hikers with its abundance of walking tracks.
From short leisurely strolls along forest paths to day hikes up Mt Isobel. Hanmer Springs offers varied and scenic walking options for everyone.
Some of the tracks traverse the Heritage Forest Area where the exotic trees were planted over 100 years ago. Other tracks pass through pockets of native Mountain beech while the hikes to Mt Isobel are mostly in sub alpine scrub.
A detailed map of the Hanmer Springs Walks can be purchased from the Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre

Short Walks

The three short walks through the beautiful Heritage Forest Area begin at the Herdsman’s Avenue gate on Jollies Pass Road. They are the Forest Amble, the Forest Walk and the Forest Journey, taking from 30 mins to 1¼ hours. For further information on the Heritage Forest visit the Hanmer Forest Trust Website.

The three short walks north of Jollies Pass Road are called the Nature Trail, the Fir Trail and the Upper Dog Stream/Timberlands Circuit. These walks are on more undulating terrain and travel through a variety of habitats.
From the village there is easy access to the Conical Hill Walk, the Woodland Walk, the Majuba Walk and the Dog Stream/Tarndale Reserve. The top of Conical Hill provides good views of the Hanmer Basin while the Woodland Walk is popular with families as it passes a pond and has clear views of Mt Isobel.

The Hanmer Springs Walks brochure is available at the i-SITE  Visitor Centre and provides detailed descriptions and maps of all the walks and hikes in the area.

Half-Day Hikes

There are two choices for those hikers with half a day to spare. The Waterfall Track and the Chatterton River Track are beautiful walks through Mountain beech forests.

Day Hikes

If you have a day to spare do not miss the opportunity to climb Mt Isobel where the views from the top are breathtaking. Mt Isobel can be climbed via four different routes - the most popular being from the car park along Clarence Valley Road. It can also be climbed from the Waterfall Track, from Jacks Pass or from Jollies Pass. It is possible to combine these routes to make a day circuit.

Hanmer Springs is also a good starting point for experienced hikers to climb the numerous peaks around the Clarence River.

St James Conservation Area

Hanmer Springs is the gateway to the St James Conservation Area and the Lewis Pass National Reserve with both areas offering a range of day and multi-day tramps. For further information visit the DOC website.

Walking in Hanmer SPrings, New Zealand: Information & Safety

• Sturdy footwear is essential for walks longer than two hours.
• Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, particularly above the bushline.
• Snow is common in winter.
• Entry on foot is unrestricted in the Hanmer Springs Village area, except in times of fire danger or forest harvesting or for public safety reasons. 
• Please respect the information signs, for your own safety. 
• Please respect the environment and take your rubbish out with you.  

For more information on walking and hiking in Hanmer Springs Village contact the Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre:
Email: info@visithurunui.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 315 0020 or 0800 442 663 (toll free within NZ)