Memories

Personal stories and memories from Hanmer Springs locals and visitors. Share yours — no length limit.

14 memories

A special place

My first trip to Hanmer from Christchurch was when I was about 5 years old ,my mum spent some time in the Hospital. The company that my Dad worked for owned 2 motels out by the old pottery ,it was were the road into Hanmer splits on approach. As teenagers we walked everywhere,played 36 holes of golf a day then walked into the hot pools at night,even jumped the fence on occasions ,nude bathing in those days and made of timber.we would have a dip then walk home ,I think it was about 1 mile . The hotel had a sawdust public bar ,my Dad used to go now and again there were plenty of fights in those days . Growing up in Christchurch and saving and owning a VW beetle Hanmer was a regular get away trip to go fishing play golf or just enjoy the beauty. I got married there 25 years ago I am 74 now and it was number 2 for me and still going strong. I was living in Hawkes Bay at the time but invited about 30 people to our wedding at the lodge and they all turned up.We organised a game of golf on the Friday and had a bbq lunch overlooking the 9th green. I thought my wife to play golf at the Hanmer course ,she now plays off a 15 and I play off 14 at Great Barrier Island golf club. I remember the course well,I must have played it 500 x over the years and hope to be back one day upright and still drawing air. I have some realestate in the cemetery so even when it’s time to go,Hanmer will be my special place.

— Richard wood3 Sept 2026