A Relaxing Spa / Travelling with Scenic Views?

Both!
Over 2 days.
Looking at the leaflets and New Zealand guide books you have so much choice.

A 90 minute camper van journey from Christchurch is one of many things a traveller must do.

Do you need a perfect place to "Rebalance and unwind?"

Then as we decided Hanmer Springs thermal Pools is the place to go, I am quite sure there will be other springs and thermal pools we will visit, this is the first.
A great drive up to Hanmer it took us 1.45 hours, driving up through the mountains and pine forests when we were within 5k there is a single vehicle only wooden bridge over a gorge, just before the bridge there is an adventure activities centre, were the more adventurous can partake in White water rafting, rock claiming, bungy jumping, jet boat ride and Horse riding, Ps, there also a ski centre in this area as well.

Hamer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has been around for 125 years, The place is great and everything you would want is available, even as a spectator at a cost of $2 (£1), it makes the New Spa in Bath a rip off, sorry Bath City Council.
Now to make Bath Spa look inferior on value for money and facilities, We decide that we would do the Thermal pools only, even though they do the whole pampering thing like Facials, Spa Treatments, Massage, Hot Stone therapy and Hands and Feet, this is not all, but the one I have highlighted, the Ladies will love.






Chocolate Regenerative Care.
Enjoy a delicious break from daily life. This chocolate fondue treatment gives softness and suppleness to the skin as well as improving the brightness of your complexion.


 The Thermal pools entry cost us $18 each $5 for towels and $2 for a locker, you can spend all day here.

Guess?

Set in the heart of the village and snow top mountains for a back ground we had a choice of 15 thermal pools ranging from Aqua Therapy pools, Rainbow Rock pools, hexagonal pools, lap pool, children's aquaplay pools with slides and not forgetting the 3 Sulphur pools "smelly" these pools are great, water temperatures ranged from 40c - 42c our skin felt really soft after being in these pools, the Sulphur pools contain unfiltered thermal water, so no ducking your head in!!!

We are going to do this again in other of the many hot springs around New Zealand, keep you updated.                                                                                             

Trans-Alpine Train Journey Christchurch To Greymouth

On Tuesday 6th September we went on the transalpine train trip to Greymouth, we had to leave the campsite early, so booked a taxi to collect us at 7am..the train was due to leave at 8.15am but had to be there 20 minutes before to have seats allocated.

We sat in A B seats on the outward leg, these were really good seats as you were facing the right way, the first part of the journey took us through small towns that were not very highly populated..a place for peace and relaxation!!!!

We saw lots of wide open spaces on our way to Arthur's Pass, sheep, cows, alpaca's and ostriches, plenty of birds of prey and the occasional herds of deer..as it was lambing season loads of baby lambs running and jumping about. The sun was shining and everyone in the carriage seemed happy. 

We had a young family opposite us and the two small boys were enjoying their journey with mum and Grandpa!!! the youngest one got a little tired and started to cry and roll about on the floor.(.been there , done that) some of the other passengers where somewhat rude and intolerant of small children and made rude remarks to the family...I feel that if they wanted silence they should have booked a seat in the luggage carriage!!!!!  Trains are for everyone!!!!

Our journey took us over death defying viaducts metres high over some what dry river beds..just a small trickle, but probably a raging torrent in the rainy season!!!  High mountains with remnants of snow on their peaks, some covered in trees their size was amazing!!  We went through the longest tunnel in the southern hemisphere 8k in length and 20 minutes to go through..

There was an open carriage where those that cold brave the wind could stand and take photographs, and return to the carriage, cold and wind swept...they kept doing this throughout the journey..Mark was gone for so long that i thought he might have been blown away, but he did eventually return, cold and in need of a hot drink, but also happy with all the photos he had snapped!!!!

Once through the long tunnel, on the other side the difference in the view and weather was noticeable, a lot cooler, more cloud and not much sign of the lovely sunshine, if felt like we had emerged into a different world. But the views were just as spectacular!!! 

Once we reached our destination we decided to have a walk up the main street, which had a variety of shops, cafe's and banks. Greymouth town is not huge, but a place we can say we have been too!! Next to the station there is also a supermarket and subway shop!! We were advised to take our own snacks as these places can get really full, from the people alighting from the train. Anyway the train had a carriage H for hungry for drinks etc, so we had no need to buy anything here!!! 

Our time went fast and before we knew it we were waiting on the platform for the train ride to return to Christchuch... the return journey was no less impressive as the sun was shining differently, and leaving shadows on the mountains..yet again the viewing carriage was as busy as the first time.

We arrived back at Christchurch caught the bus back..for FREE as the driver guessed we were tourist and gave us a free ride back on his bus...magic.  a brilliant end to a long tiring and exciting day!! Thank you......