Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Hanmer Springs to open New Zealand’s first snow room wellness retreat

A new wellness experience featuring a snow room where guests can experience real falling snow is set to open at the Hanmer Springs thermal resort.

Guests at a new Hanmer Springs experience will move from sauna warmth into real falling snow made on site. The Hanmer Springs hot pools are usually a place to warm up - now the popular thermal resort is offering New Zealand’s first “snow room” as part of a new wellness experience. The thermal resort is one of the region’s top tourist attractions, with more than half a million people visiting every year. Now, from August, “Elemental by Hanmer Springs” will combine a sauna, steam room, snow room and private geo-thermal pools experience. The new, adults-only offering has been designed to provide something for visitors seeking an immersive alpine escape. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa general manager Sarah Wiblin said Elemental introduces a full contrast therapy experience not found anywhere else in New Zealand . Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. “We’re bringing together heat, steam and cold in a way that hasn’t been available in New Zealand before,” Wiblin said. “Guests will move from an enveloping warmth into real falling snow, feeling the contrast instantly as cool flakes settle on their skin and the alpine chill sharpens the senses.” A high point at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa provides a wintry view of the alpine town. The introduction of a snow room as part of the experience is similar to what can be found in Europe , where such facilities form part of a wider, growing trend. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. The space has been purpose-built, with a custom-designed snow machine producing fresh, powder-like snow from above, allowing it to settle throughout the room. The snow room will give guests the chance to step into sub-zero conditions and stand beneath a snowfall created in real time. “Elemental is about creating a journey for our guests,” Wiblin said. “It’s deliberately paced, immersive and designed to support relaxation and recovery – something that complements the energy of an alpine village winter in Hanmer Springs .” A new experience at Hanmer Springs combines warm geo-thermal pools and sub-zero temperatures. The announcement comes as the MainPower Alpine Winter Festival returns from July 4-18, building on last year’s event that attracted more than 30,000 visitors. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. “Between the festival and Elemental, there’s a real sense of energy in the village this winter,” Wiblin said. “You can be out enjoying everything the festival has to offer, then when the festival is over, you can step into a completely different experience focused on relaxation and resetting. “It’s that balance that makes Hanmer Springs so special.” Save Share Latest from New Zealand New Zealand Power of positive thinking: 10-year-old's national competition winning speech 26 Sep 05:00 PM

Read full article at NZ Herald