Hanmer Springs, New Zealand

Friday, 25 January 2008

On our way back to the east coast, we stop in Hanmer Springs. We have read about its thermal springs. However it doesn't turn out quite as expected. Instead of soaking our weary bones in something akin to a remote Icelandic geyser, we find that the springs are in the middle of town and are more a water park for kids. Huddled in a few sulphur-smelly mineral pools, the beleaguered adults look on anxiously as children hurtle around the place screaming and cannon-balling into the pools. We last for all of 45 minutes and leave in a huff on learning that to go on the water slide costed an extra $5 on top of the $12 entrance fee. This is not Shangri La.