12 Of The Best Hanmer Springs Stays For A Cosy Cantabrian Getaway

Fancy dialling up the romance during your Hanmer Springs getaway? This couples’ accommodation just a five-minute wander from the village blends breathtaking forest views with handy convenience.

This Airbnb tempts whatever the weather, thanks to its underfloor heating and triple glazing, plus it has a light and bright living space with pendant lights and a soaring ceiling so you get to see that sunlight from the comfort of the couch.

Bring the comfy shoes because you’re going to want to head out to explore the nearby trails. There’s big decks back at base too to relax on, and a sunny mezzanine level where you can curl up with that crime novel you brought. Later, we reckon it’s time to hit the outdoor hot tub—with your special someone a splash of local vino no less.

Oh hello, adults-only chalet a ten-minute toddle from town. This Hanmer Springs home is a tempting choice for couples looking for a private space where they can meander between Queen-size bed and outdoor bath with no danger of being disturbed. 

Inside, your Airbnb has quirky touches (we’re looking at you, Statement Wallpaper), and it’s got a cosy wood-burning fireplace for cranking up when the weather gets cool. The full kitchen is perfect for chopping while chatting, thanks to its open-plan layout. But with cafes and eateries within walking distance, and hiking trails on your doorstep, we reckon you’ll spend more time outside than in.

There are so many reasons why we’re lowkey obsessed with The Shepherd’s Hut. For starters, you can revel in the sunset from a hot tub. Now that’s got ‘Grammable stamped all over it. Additionally, there’s loads of lovely deck space for morning asanas and sunbathing, plus outdoor seating for cute breakfast dates, yarns or just generally topping up your vitamin D.

And then we get to the actual interior of your Hanmer Springs accommodation, which is absolutely adorable. A kitchenette, a breakfast bar, a comfy bed with beautiful forest views, and a wood-burning stove. This Airbnb has been designed meticulously well. We’re in love, and we think you probably will be too. 

Looking for a quaint cottage-in-the-woods situation? Two, even? Perfectly forested, Woodbank Park Cottage comes as a standalone single or dreamy accommodation pair. Just 4km from Hanmer Village, you get all the joys of rural relaxation without being in where-nobody-can-hear-you-scream territory.

The cottage is self-contained with a log fire and outdoor barbecue for hot deliciousness, and a king-sized bed for other types of hot deliciousness. There’s a TV for movie nights, a coffee maker so you can start the morning right, and a helluva lot of nature for the ultimate reset.

Day spa action here we come! At Luxury Alpine Villa, you not only get your own private villa with a sunny deck to roam, but your hosts have a luxe day spa on-site in the main lodge and you’ll receive a generous discount for any bookings you make (couples’ massage  anyone?)

Your Hamner Springs accommodation has everything you need for a comfortable stay: a full kitchen for snack-making, a cosy living space and a Super King bed in the bedroom, which opens out onto that deck no less. There’s something else out here that’s pretty darn special too—the outdoor hot tub where you can soak and stargaze come nightfall. 

Did we mention that your hosts can arrange a two-course organic brekky for you too? Just ask for details.

If location, location, location’s your thing, then spare a thought for this epic Hanmer Springs stay. It is - quite literally - in the perfect spot on the doorstep of the town. Your accommodation is a top choice for families or groups of friends, with a mountain vista and four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms so there’ll be no arguing over the shower-time schedule.

Make your morning cuppa in the open-plan kitchen and dining space, and you can pad on out to the balcony to sip it while taking in the picture postcard views. There’s a playground across the road if the littlies in the group need entertaining, and helpfully the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is within spitting distance so a pamper sesh for the bigger humans is a must too.

Roll on into the centre of town in less than ten minutes from this spacious Hanmer Springs stay that gives you some serious views towards Jacks Pass from its living space and balcony.

If you’re looking for a top spot, no matter the season, this Airbnb has you sorted: it’s got a gas fire heat pump and radiant heaters for cosy winter stays, and big bi-fold doors that open on to the mega deck for summertime bliss.

Guess what else is out there on the deck of this accommodation? Only a wood-fired hot tub for soaks with a stunning view. (In summer, fire restrictions may mean this becomes a welcoming plunge pool, so make sure you bring those bathers whatever the weather).

You’ll be relieved to know there are no black bears at Black Bear Lodge. There is, however, all the hygge vibes. (For the uninitiated, ‘hygge’—pronounced hoo-ga—is the Scandinavian concept of cosiness and togetherness.)

Nestled in forested surrounds, it’s hard to believe the centre of Hanmer Springs is within walking distance from this accommodation but it is, 15 minutes to be exact. The deck of the Airbnb acts as a marvellous suntrap, for warming up regardless of season; there are ample, heatable indoor living spaces for during the colder months, parking for two cars and lockable storage for bikes and any other exciting holiday equipment you’ve hauled with you.

This is the perfect spot for people looking for adventure base meets peaceful retreat vibes.

Families take note. If you’re after a Hanmer Springs stay where there’s enough fun stuff to keep small peeps entertained, this is it. Your three-bedroom cottage sits in a central location, just a stroll from the hot pools and local bars and eateries, and yet back at your Airbnb you’ve got a helluva lot of kid-friendly extras.

First up, let’s talk about the dedicated games room. It’s got a pool table for comps with the crew, table tennis and table football for when that’s done, plus an arcade machine that you’ll be struggling to tear the kiddos (and adults?) away from.

Throw in the Smart TV with Netflix and Disney+, the portacot, high chair and toys, and the fact there’s no extra cleaning fees and we think you’ll see why this accommodation is among the best in the area.

Okay, so this place isn’t in Hanmer Springs, it’s in Lyford but that’s not too far away and we think you’ll agree this oh-so-cosy, luscious Lockwood with mountain views is definitely still worth considering for your next New Zealand vacay. Cabbage Tree Cabin is snug, which is exactly what you want when it’s cold outside; huddle around the log burner and live the dream.

In saying that, it’s absolutely worth venturing outside though, too. The Airbnb is on a 4000m2 section of native bush which is ripe for nature bathing but, and here’s the pièce-de-resistance, a private sauna is but two minutes away, and if that sounds like a bit of you (it does), be sure to enquire prior to booking.

Fantastic all year round, this is a particularly great choice for skiing holidays, with the skifield just 8km away.

Looking like a picture-perfect postcard for a wintery Christmas in some far-flung destination, this is the place you’ll want to be when it’s cold outside and, also when it’s summer. In fact, we’d happily book into this spot any time of year.

Another Lyford-based accommodation option, situated less than an hour’s drive from Hanmer Springs, Charlie’s Cabin has spectacular forest and mountain views with a great deck and hot tub from which to soak up both.

Bring your kids, your mates, even your pooch, and get set for a rip-roaring holiday, complete with Netflix-fuelled movie nights, lowkey competitive boardgame face-offs and roadies into Hanmer. 

Serving Wes Anderson vibes at a reasonable pricepoint, this 1960s A-frame house in Hanmer Springs has us frothing at first glance. Pottery Corner was once the site of Hanmer Pottery which makes us adore it even more.

It’s a 15-minute walk to the Thermal Reserve and town centre and, if you’re keen to stretch your legs there’s a fairy walk and a sculpture walk about a kilometre away.

In terms of amenities, you’ll have full reign of a dishwasher, washing machine and TV, plus, there’s coffee because the owners are legit like that, and if you’re partial to a splash of milk from time to time, be sure to request it prior to arrival and Sandi and Adam will provide.