As we edge towards the end of the decade, there is plenty going on in our beautiful village and surrounds. The Park is always busy over the summer months, so we highly recommend getting your holiday dates booked in as soon as possible. The new apartment blocks are proving popular with larger families and couples holidaying together, so make sure you check out that option for your stay.
Christmas in Hanmer Springs Village
This year the Santa Parade will be held on Friday, December 20 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm which will give you time to get settled in at the Park if you are staying with us over Christmas. And of course our very own Toppy the TOP 10 penguin will be taking part once again.
Enjoy a fantastic family event in a stunning setting surrounded by mountains, fresh air and beautiful redwoods. Set in the village centre, this year the parade has more than 40 floats!
Hanmer Saturday Markets
The regular Saturday Markets will be held through December in the centre of the village for you to pick up some locally made goodies for Christmas gifts, and they will continue to run through the summer months.
Marathon Time!
It seems people love running and mountain biking in this alpine setting - who knew! There are several long-distance events over the next couple of months.
December 7, 2019 - Hanmer Alpine Marathon
This day includes a full marathon, half marathon and a 10km race, all in the fresh Hanmer air.
Registrations close on December 5, so if you are planning to participate but haven't registered yet, you can find out more and register right here.
January 17 and 18, 2020 - The "James" Mountain Sport Series
This series of events are all held on January 17 and 18. There is something to appeal to all types of endurance competitors.
- Em's Cookies Stampede Ultra Adventure Mountain Run - 50km race over a 1461m climb. This event is a full-on "adventure mountain-run" with multiple river crossings, an average altitude of 850m (the highest point just over 1300m) and several short sections with no physical track on the ground, e.g. across "the racecourse" and down "the bums rush". Earlybird entries close on December 20, and all entries close on January 5.
- Homestead Half - for the tussock trekkers - a 20km high country fun run based on the Alpine Adventure/Mountainman run stage, with a bit extra added around the St James homestead paddocks and stockyards to bring the distance up to 20km.
Em's Cookies High Country 100 - Double the length of the Ultra, this is not a race for the fainthearted (or inexperienced). This event is a full-on "adventure mountain-run" with multiple river crossings, an average altitude of 850m (the highest point just over 1300m) and several short sections with no physical track on the ground, e.g. across "the racecourse" and down "the bums rush". This event is not suitable for first-timers & competitors should be confident of completing this race in under 16.5 hours. If you are using the stampede times as a guide, please note the 50km of the stampede is the more challenging half.
The Great Southern Alps Miler (starts January 17) - this is a 100-mile race - once again, not for beginners. Competitors should be confident of completing this race in under 38.5 hours. You must have previously completed an off-road/trail miler – ideally finishing in the top 2/3rds of the field. This a full-on "adventure mountain-run" and runners will need to be semi self-sufficient. With multiple river crossings, an average altitude of 850m (the highest point just over 1300m) and several short sections with no physical track on the ground, e.g. across "the racecourse" and down "the bums rush".
Ground Effect Pony Express - a mountain bike race over 65km.
Due to the significant variation in bike power outputs and range, this is deemed a fun/non-competitive class. Consider your strategy accordingly – the big hill climbs are closer to the end of the race, so don't use all your battery prior! You should consider your ability to finish the race under your own power. Your bike should be in optimal condition and rated for water crossings – there is no provision for any mechanic on course.
In 2020 there will be an e-bike option for the first time. While this race is relatively shorter than the Epic option, riders should still be confident of completing the distance and be comfortable crossing rivers with their bikes.
The James Epic - this 100km mountain bike race is New Zealand's premier Cross Country Marathon event – a true XCM in NZ's most iconic big mountain high country. While the course is not significantly technical, it is a 100 km of off-road 4×4 tracks and stock tracks whose surfaces vary greatly. Riders must be comfortable crossing rivers with their bikes as they will have five main river crossings and seven smaller river crossings as well as various creeks.
The James Alpine Adventure Race - The 'James' Alpine Adventure race may be completed solo or as a team in 4 formats - Challenge, Adventure, Xtreme, and Ultimate. This race includes running, cycling, paddling and swimming. All race options are open to both individuals and teams.
The Macpac Mountain Man Adventure - 2km swim, 100km bike, 50km run. The 'James' Mountain Man is NZ's toughest 1-day multisport race. For ultimate bragging rights over all your C2C & Ironman mates. Mountainman = bloody legend!
The Macpac Mountain Man Xtreme - 10km paddle, 100km bike, 50km run. The 'James' Mountain Man is New Zealand's toughest 1-day multisport race.
For more information and to register for all of the St James events above, visit their website here.
Summer Arts School, January 6 - 26 2020
Running through most of January, choose from dance, kids drama, painting rocks, circus skills and saxophone lessons! Find out more via the Music and Arts website.