A quick overnight stop between Kaikoura and Christchurch finds us in Hanmer Springs.  At first glance it reminds me of a Centre Parcs village, and second glance too!  We are here for the thermal springs, along with half of Christchurch it seems - not knowing it's the weekend can really be a pain sometimes! 

After a quick look around town we head to the main attraction.  Having found a particularly good voucher in one of my many acquired leaflets we book ourselves a free steam room.  As it's not available for a few hours we head off to find something to amuse ourselves - crazy golf wins!  After an amusing half hour and some well needed hot drinks we head back, now suddenly aware that it's beginning to get dark, and cold.  Hmm, maybe this isn't such a good idea - the springs are all outdoors!  Nevertheless we've paid so we're going.  The pools are all amazingly hot (35' +) and we lay around relaxing in them before heading off for our steam room - I could get used to this! 

Unfortunately our time is soon up and the dash to get changed is not a pleasant one.  We head back to our campsite for a nice hot meal!!!