Bella Vista's Blog

As a popular family and short break destination, the thermal spa town of Hanmer Springs boasts an impressive range of eateries to relax and refuel at, after a day on the slopes, quad biking, rafting or hiking. We’ve done the hard yards and rustled up the best places to eat in Hanmer Springs, whether you’re seeking fine dining, a wine tasting or a hearty meal and brew.  

Best all-day cafés in Hanmer Springs 

And the award goes to the Roasted Bean! Start your day with one of the best lattes or steaming white chocolates in town, because this spot roast their own beans on-site from Colombia, Brazil and Papa New Guinea.  Look out for the specialty banana waffles drenched in maple syrup and the bubbling-cheese doorstopper sandwich, both hugely popular with visitors and locals. If you’re peckish after a soak at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools or need to feed scratchy kids early, the pizza oven fires up from 5pm. Order a starter of an 8-inch crispy pizza bread with garlic spread, mozzarella and olive oil. Then choose a fully loaded pizza or two, from Moroccan Lamb, Smoked Chicken or the veggie-friendly Pear and Blue Cheese, with caramelized walnuts. With real bases made from scratch and keto-friendly options, everyone will leave full to the brim.   

The Powerhouse Café, set in a repurposed hydroelectric power station building is another a great place for breakfast and lunch offering an array of homestyle food which caters to vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. 

Best Hanmer Springs vineyard  

You’re spoilt for choice on the 2-hour drive north from Christchurch with a few wineries to choose from. The Waipara wine region is awash with cellar doors and some of the highest altitude vineyards in the country, so add a wine trail to your ‘things to do in Hanmer Springs’ list. With its expert wine makers, drop into the Waiau River Estate over summer, to sample their Hells Gate Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. They grow a range of varietals including Riesling too. If you’re more of a red drinker, indulge in a tasting of their small-vintage Pinot Noir. You won’t be disappointed as you savour top class wine and take in stunning views up the Waiau Gorge towards Hanmer Springs and the Southern Alps foothills.  

Best sweet treats 

If you’re a big kid with a sweet tooth, or want to delight the little kids, one of the best Hanmer Springs attractions are its boutique sweet makers. From mouth-watering squares of creamy fudge at The Fudge Shop to big gob-smackers, New Zealand made brittle, and other childhood favourites at The Lolly Pot, these sweet spots are one of the best things to do in Hanmer Springs with kids. 

Best family-friendly dining 

With an on-site playground, a spacious indoor area and alfresco seating, the Fire & Ice Cafe Restaurant and Bar offers a great spot for families to relax or couples to find a quiet corner. Its bistro-style menu will suit the pickiest or fussiest little diner. Enjoy a seafood or antipasto platter while the kids chow down on junior servings of fish and chips, pasta carbonara or a chicken salad wrap. The ‘Farm on a Plate,’ a virtual meat grazers fantasy of pork, steak, chicken, ham, and sausage, topped with fried egg, and a side of fries might just beat the heartiest of appetites. 

Best fine dining experience  

With a swag of New Zealand beef and lamb awards, and an award-winning head chef, No.31 Restaurant is a great dining destination for gourmet meat-lovers. Experience premium New Zealand eye fillet and other local specialities like Fiordland wild venison or duck, in a lovely cottage courtyard in summer or besides a cosy open fire with a candle-lit table in winter. Save room for their warm sticky liquorice pudding, served with salted caramel sauce, candied walnuts and vanilla bean ice cream. With an extensive wine list, treat yourself to an evening of memorable food and warm yet deferential hospitality, befitting an eatery of this standard. This spot is a deserving contender for ‘Best Restaurant Hanmer Springs.’  

Best cheap eats Hanmer Springs 

From highbrow to high five burgers, check out the menu at PJ’s for great takeout. With a range of tasty burgers and fish and chips to go, visitors consistently rate PJ’s as one of the best burger places to eat in Hanmer Springs. 

Guests often ask the Bella Vista team about the best places to eat in Hanmer Springs. We’ll not only recommend popular Hanmer Springs attractions but where best to whet your appetite. 

Close to the hot pools and ample great eats Bella Vista is a great choice in Hamner Springs motel accommodation. Book now and start your holiday off right!