Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs bought back heaps of memories for me, but it was Harry's first time here.  Our back packers was fairly central so we walked to the pools (and enjoyed a couple of lazy evenings in 38-40 degrees).  And it was here that the rain began.  Walking up Conical Hill was one of those walks that began with the sun at giving us shade but ended up giving us some rain cover.  We were fairly drenched so we waltzed into the fish and chip shop on the way back (comfy two seater couches to sit on and enjoyed our meal while watching the news) and then a dip in the pool to warm us up.

Another day we went for a walk in the Beech forest and took a drive to Acheron.  Firstly, we went up the wrong path which we decided was a test for 4 wheel drives let alone our little Honda Jazz, and so after a few slow kilometres and we decided to turn around.  We later came across some cyclists who had cycled up there - we were impressed - even if they had walked some of the way.  Acheron was a picture, the road swathed in white and blue wild flowers leading us to the old coaching station - where travellers could rest their horses and themselves as it took six days to travel from Nelson to Christchurch.  The house was built in the 1860's and is the oldest of the accommodation along this route.

Not far from our digs was Queen Mary's hospital. But now it stands empty hoping for some new occupants soon.  We thought, perhaps a boarding school, holiday accommodation, great place for afternoon teas and restaurants etc - here's hoping something happens soon.  It was built in 1897 as a Sanatorium - great place right next door to the hot springs.  A few years later the original tents were replaced by a proper building, and nursing staff and doctor were appointed.  In 1914 a fire burnt the buildings.  Two years later the hospital was reopened to treat soldiers suffering from shell shock.  Later on patients who were suffering from hypertension and anxiety lived there for a while and in 1926 the women's block was opened, and then a new men's block  In the 1960's a programme for alcoholics was put in place which was extended to drug addicts in the 70's and their families.  It wasn't until the 1990's when funding began to dwindle that the hospital began to see there might not be a future and in 2003 the doors were closed.  The 6 hectares that the hospital occupies has been put into public ownership - which is great news for the people of Hanmer and the tourists.  Watch this space to see what happens to these great buildings...

T