Hanmer Springs Health Centre, owned and managed by the Hanmer Springs Community Trust, requires a General Practitioner for four days a week. With the possibility of a fifth day a Hurunui Health Centre.
Hanmer Springs alpine village is a popular year-round holiday destination. Situated 385 metres above sea level in a north Canterbury high country basin, the picturesque town is best known for its thermal springs, which have attracted visitors seeking to relax and unwind since 1859. Today the thermal springs complex is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions, featuring a range of hot pools and spa resort.
The town, with a population of around 1000 permanent residents, is surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. The alpine climate has warm summers and cool winters. Two winter ski fields – Hanmer Springs and Mt Lyford – are located within 30 minutes drive. Mt Lyford has wide-open spaces, views of the Pacific Ocean, and is suitable for all levels, while Hanmer Springs, also suitable for all levels, has a more expansive intermediate level. The Hanmer Springs area also boasts 40 kilometres of biking tracks and 56 kilometres of walking tracks. Horse trekking, salmon and trout fishing and golf are popular local activities, in addition to active sports clubs (squash, tennis, rugby and cricket) and tourist activities, such as bungy jumping, also available.
Several other South Island attractions are accessible in a day trip from Hanmer Springs. Ninety minutes drive to the east is the coastal town of Kaikoura, known for its marine pursuits including whale, dolphin and seal watching, surfing and sea fishing. Each year Kaikoura holds the Kaikoura Seafest, featuring wine and food from the Kaikoura region. Vineyards can also be found at Waipara, 50 minutes from Hanmer Springs, where a café culture has built up in conjunction with the viticulture. Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city, is 138 kilometres to the south east of Hanmer Springs.
As would be expected, there is a range of quality accommodation available in Hanmer Springs and several restaurants and cafes to choose from. The town has a modern and progressive feel, with much recent construction, reflecting the growing popularity of the region as a place to reside as well as visit. A new library complex hosts regular art exhibitions and there is an active drama group in town.
Hanmer Springs is the local primary school, and the town has its own preschool. Older children take the school bus to the area school 25 minutes south at Culverden. Culverden Area School also has an attached Academy for Learning, which provides courses in the agriculture and tourism industries, and runs evening courses for adults in a variety of subjects.
For further information please refer to:
www.hurunui.com which provides information and images of the region, including a section on the local schools
www.stats.govt.nz (statistics by area/community profiles/alphabetical list/h/hanmer springs) for statistical information about the population of Hanmer Springs
www.ero.govt.nz for an official performance evaluation of each New Zealand school
The information on these pages was accurate at the time of listing. As some detail may have since changed, NZLocums recommends the information be used as a guideline only.
Hanmer Springs alpine village is a popular year-round holiday destination. Situated 385 metres above sea level in a north Canterbury high country basin, the picturesque town is best known for its thermal springs, which have attracted visitors seeking to relax and unwind since 1859. Today the thermal springs complex is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions, featuring a range of hot pools and spa resort. 
of Hanmer Springs.