Hanmer Springs to open New Zealand’s first snow room as part of new wellness experience

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

An artist’s impression of Elemental, Hanmer Spring thermal pool’s new adults-only facility.

Hanmer Springs is adding something to its winter offering that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country — a room where real snow falls indoors.

The alpine village’s thermal pools and spa is set to open Elemental in August, soon after the Alpine Winter Festival wraps up.

The adults-only addition combines a sauna, steam room, private geothermal pools and a purpose-built snow room, where a custom snow machine produces falling powder onto guests standing beneath it.

Neil Wilson, the engineering mastermind behind Hanmer Springs' Thermal Pools for 25 years, built an ice rink from scratch last year which is making a return.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa general manager Sarah Wiblin said the contrast therapy experience had not been attempted in New Zealand before.

“We’re bringing together heat, steam and cold in a way that hasn’t been available in New Zealand before,” she 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.”

Snow rooms have become an established feature of wellness retreats in Europe, but Elemental is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

The full experience is structured around the four elements — fire, air, ice and water — moving guests through each environment before finishing with a private thermal soak.

“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.”

Full details of the experience, including pricing, will be released closer to the August opening.

The announcement comes ahead of the return of MainPower Alpine Winter Festival from July 4 to 18 July, building on last year’s event that attracted more than 30,000 visitors.

This year’s programme includes the return of the indoor ice-skating rink, Matariki stargazing sessions in the thermal pools, and a new interactive treasure hunt led by “Frosty”, a riddle-speaking character hidden throughout the village.

“Between the festival and Elemental, there’s a real sense of energy in the village this winter,” Wiblin said.