The town is named after Thomas Hanmer, an owner of Hawkeswood Station near the Conway River during the 1850s. The locality was discovered for its hot springs by William Jones in early 1859. Access to the general area was provided by a bridge over the Waiau River in 1864 constructed by a Mr Handisides of Nelson for NZ£2,000 to a design by John Blackett. The bridge lasted only ten years before it was blown over by a Nor'west wind. John Turnbull Thomson surveyed the land for the township in 1879, with the total area comprising, of which were for the township itself. The hot springs were not included within that area. The springs themselves were still in their natural state at that time, with only steps and a changing shed provided. The member for, Edward George Wright, brought up the question of developing the township in the New Zealand House of Representatives in June 1882. The Minister of Lands, William Rolleston, replied that it was important that the public should retain access to the springs. Surveyor Walter Kitson was instructed with laying out the site of the hot springs including an accommodation house. Construction of a bath house began in January 1884. The fifty year jubilee was held in 1933, stating that Hanmer had been a government resort since 1883, but the centenary book pointed out that the jubilee was held a year too early. The government investing significant funds into Hanmer Springs without a bridge crossing the Waiau River caused considerable controversy. Blackett designed a new bridge and John Anderson from Christchurch won the contract to erect it, and built a foundry at the site. This second bridge opened in 1887 and gives access to Hanmer to this day, with the structure registered as a Category I heritage item since 1983. The opening celebrations held by Anderson's sons at the site were rather liberal to the extent that the site is still known as Champagne Flat. In order to provide timber for the Christchurch market, reserve land was set aside between 1900-1901. The planting of exotic trees began in 1902, and in 1903 prison labour was used. The prisoners who took part in the planting resided at a nearby prison camp which operated until 1913.
Economy
The town is built around hot springs which originate in the fractured rock bed along the Hanmer fault. Hanmer Springs' Queen Mary Hospital, formerly the South Island's leading rehabilitation centre for sufferers of drug addiction, was closed in 2003. The premises were purchased by the Department of Conservation in 2008.
Hot pools
In 2009, a 4600 square metre extension to the hot pools complex was proposed including "a second water-slide, ice-skating rink and relocating and reconfiguring the freshwater pool." During the consent process oppositions were made to it by, among others, the Queen Mary Reserve Trust concerning the expansions effect on noise levels and visual impact. Concerns were also raised by former hospital superintendent, Dr Robert Crawford, about the change the development might have on the village's brand of "slow tourism and relaxation, not wet’n’wild." After a hearing from independent Commissioner Robert Batty, on Monday, 18 January 2010 the proposal was approved. "The freshwater pool, new buildings, water slide/super bowl and the aqua play/ ice skating area are all to be on land from the subdivision of Queen Mary Hospital land."
Other tourism
Hanmer Springs is a tourist destination, and the town's population swells during holidays. Bungy jumping, jet boating, mountain biking and bush walking are common tourist activities, and there is an airline service available for the viewing of the town's alpine surroundings. A Visitor Information Centre next to the hot springs provides information about the area and booking facilities for transport. Trampers can obtain weather information, maps and guidance from the Department of Conservation. Budget accommodation includes a youth hostel.
Transportation
Two daily shuttle bus companies travel from Hanmer Springs to Christchurch and back. The town is the gateway to the Molesworth station, Lake Tennyson and Rainbow station. During summer months, gravel roads through the Rainbow Valley to St Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes National Park, and through the Molesworth Station to Blenheim, Picton, and the Marlborough region are frequented by travellers, four-wheel drivers, and guided tour groups. There are two skifields in the Hanmer Springs area: the Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mount Lyford.
Education
Hanmer Springs School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of.
