Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa | History of the Hanmer Springs pools

History of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

The Maori were the first to discover the thermal springs when passing through the South Island to settlements at Kaikoura, Oaro, Omihi, Tuahiwi, Kaiapoi and on the West Coast. However, there was never a permanent Maori settlement in the area.

In 1883 the Government Lands Departments took over development of the Thermal Pools area and so began the wonderful history of what is today a multi-award winning tourist attraction .... read more of our highlights below.

1859		William Jones - a farm manager from the Culverden area - discovered the pools when he noticed a strange fog near the track he was walking. On investigation he found some holes filled with water varying from luke warm to almost boiling. News of the discovery spread quickly.
1864		The construction of the Waiau Ferry Bridge provided easier access to the area and in turn, the visitors to the area increased dramatically. The bridge was later demolished by galeforce nor-wester winds in 1874.
1871		A dressing shed was built next to the pools, by the manager of the Jollie's Pass hotel.
1883		The Government Lands Department excavated the main bathing springs to create swimming pools; one was fenced for privacy and protection from the wind. An area of two hectares was enclosed around the springs. Segregated nude bathing was the order of the day in the early years and hoisting the appropriate clothing (skirt or trousers) up a pole to indicate the gender of the moment controlled this. Later, of course, separate pools were introduced and, finally, mixed bathing – clothed of course! The first bathhouse was built. It consisted of four private baths 2.4 x 0.6 metres.
1893		Dr C Little was appointed visiting medical officer at the Hanmer Thermal Sanatorium. An eathernware pipe was placed over the hole on top of one of the hottest pools so persons could inhale the full strength of the steam - this proved to be extremely popular.
1897		The Government built an accommodation house described as a sanatorium. There were eight first-class rooms; 50 second-class visitors were put in tents. A hotel called The Lodge was also opened close to the springs. It contained two suites and 17 other rooms, and was very grand. A massage room opened in the bathhouse.
1911		The sanatorium grew to accommodate 18 patients, but was destroyed on the day that World War One began. After 1918, Hanmer Springs was confirmed as a tourist resort and a hospital, but the functions were separated as the hospital did not use the water anymore.
1960		The Thermal Pools complex was purchased by the local community and gifted to the local council.
1978		Three hexagon pools and a freshwater pool were put in place.
1985		A new entrance way was constructed in the south east corner and new changing rooms were built.
1992		The entranceway was shifted to the visitor information centre. The men’s and women’s changing rooms extended, and the rock pools were constructed. Private Sauna and steam rooms were constructed and improvements made to the Private Thermal Pools.
1993		A new massage and beauty centre was developed (Health Body and Mind). The Teahouse was converted into the Department of Conservation information centre and Garden House restaurant.
1998		The Waterslide and Children’s Activity area and plant room was built. The Waterslide end changing room was installed and the existing changing rooms were done up. The café deck was extended and the service yard and engineering depot constructed.
1999		The current sulphur pools were developed.
2004		Two new pools (Rainbow Pools) were opened at the front of the complex.
2007		The Spa at Hanmer Springs was opened improving substantially the offering of Health and Beauty services.
2008		A new Entranceway, and i-SITE Information Office with retail shop were opened in February.
2010		Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and The Spa keeps going from strength to strength with it's busiest month on record.