Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools to reopen next week

One of North Canterbury’s most popular tourism attractions, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, will be reopening next Tuesday (26th May), in advance of the Queen's Birthday Weekend public holiday.

Closed since 22nd March, and forced to lay off 18 of its 120 staff earlier this month, Hanmer Springs General Manager Graeme Abbot says it is a relief to be able to fire up the bore again and refill the pools with the natural thermal waters.

Speaking last week, Abbot advised "the last two months have been tough. It is great to be able to reopen, albeit in a reduced capacity. It will be great to see visitors back in the village – we’ve been told lots of people are looking forward to getting a dose of our fresh alpine air and a soak in our mineral-filled waters.”

Advising that the complex is working on the finer details of how they will adhere to the new Level 2 restrictions, Abbot noted “the main impacts on us are the limit on numbers and the social distancing rules. We’re looking at how we can manage that.”

The complex will have new signage guiding social distancing and a new entry process, to ensure the safety of all customers while pools will operate at reduced hours, opening at 10am and closing earlier at 6pm (instead of 9pm).

The team is still working on cementing the reopening date for The Spa.

Commenting on this, Abbot added "we are just asking for patience during this time, as we know there will be some delays in people being able to enter the complex.

“We are now solely reliant on the domestic tourism market. Luckily, we have a long history as one of South Islanders’ favourite holiday spots and we can’t wait to see them back at our place soon.”

Abbot is urging New Zealanders to get back and support all of the reopening Hanmer Springs businesses including accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and shops.