TRAVEL
through the mini golf course looking out
across town and over to the snowed
capped mountains - a nice relaxing way to
be entertained.
Finishing the afternoon by taking out two
of the family village cruisers and cruising
through the village of Hanmer, a relaxing
way to take our friends who have not been
here before, for a tour of the town. Feeling
happily exhausted it was time to head back
to our house at Hanmer Holiday Homes
to have a well deserved Nana nap (and
Marlborough wine!).
Day two starts in true Hanmer adrenaline
fashion. Teenage daughter in tow, we
headed off with Hanmer Attractions on a
two hour adrenaline filled quad bike tour.
Jess was scared and out of her comfort
zone and did awesome! No fear trying to
pick up the pace and keep up with our
guide Gavin. I grew up on two wheeled
motorbikes in flat dry country...yep, I too
was out of my comfort zone, but a little
way in relaxed and was ready to tackle
whatever Gavin aimed to put us through.
The terrain was varied, plenty of rocky
outcrops and river crossings. Not quite
sure what to expect when I saw the little
sign saying Mudrun, which may have made
me hold my breath as I went around the
corner! At the half way point we had some
morning tea, here Gavin got the chance
to give us plenty of insight into the local
landscape and farming life. The trip back
I expected to cover the same terrain and
tracks as on the way out, but there seemed
to be so many other side tracks, that most
was all new terrain and river crossings.
So much fun...and what a great confidence
builder for the teenager that hasn’t had
the opportunity to get out and do this kind
of thing...oh yeah...and the mother that
has become conservative in her old age!
A quick coffee (yes, from Hanmer Bakery
for me!!) and lunch at our Hanmer Holiday
Home...collected th e kids and mates and
headed out for another afternoon of fun!
All trips to Hanmer must include a Hanmer
Springs Thermal Pools visit. The kids spent
several hours up and down the slides and
soaking in the pools to warm up...then
back into the slides, constantly rotating.
So much fun, and what a good energy
buster!! Me...well, I snuck off into the
Spa and was treated by Sarka to an hour
of relaxation massage. She started on my
feet...and that was me sold on an hour
of relaxation and switching off from the
world...ahh bliss. What a lovely set up
the Spa is, beautifully appointed,
professional friendly staff. The relaxation
lounge area where you can sit as long
as you wish sipping tea and reading,
still tucked up in your dressing gown
and slippers. Absolute bliss! My visits to
Hanmer Springs will never be the same...
a trip to the spa is a must!
Sadly, the time had come to part with our
buddies and head back home to reality!
Our Hanmer Holiday Home really was a
home-away-from-home with the ease of
being able to tuck the kids in bed at night,
leaving the adults to sit around the fire
catching up.
The Kaikoura road was closed the day
we came home, but as always the Lewis
Pass is such a beautiful alternate route -
simply stunning.
Susie x
Follow the Unlikely Kiwi and her family travels:
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An iconic estate in
the heart of Hanmer
Springs Alpine Village
ACCOMMODATION • FINE DINING • WEDDINGS • FUNCTIONS & EVENTS • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • LUXURY GETAWAY
1 Conical Hill Road, Hanmer Springs • Ph. (03) 315 0060 • www.heritagehotels.co.nz/hanmersprings
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