As one of New Zealand’s genuine OG specific MTB single track locations. Hammer springs is home to some rich history of mountain bike adventure located a short trip inland from Kaikoura and on the edge mount Isobel and the st James Basin.

This small quaint semi-alpine town is much more than one of New Zealand’s first natural gas powered locations and unique hot pool parks. It’s an area bulging with adventure by many forms. Namely, mountain biking.

Since my early days of riding I’ve read about Hanmer, the two brothers who forged its shape on the national stage and events now forgotten like the Hanmer head Classic which drew thousands in for some true, gruelling early 90’s racing. I won’t delve too much into this as I’ll quickly show my age….

With trails starting by mere meters from the towns centre, there’s a few options to climb to one of the first of many interesting descents within the main park.

For the bulk of the park you get a mixture of greens and Blues and a couple of blacks (advanced) that are graded a little harder than they are. Most riders should be able to attack these trails in most conditions. I couldn’t help but feel a massive difference across the park in trail builder flavours. A few cycle path-esque trails in the lower reaches which have been developed for the beginners and amateurs followed into a few genuine, hand cut passion projects that have had true heartfelt touches moulded into the hillside using the natural contours and land-glued features. Tombstone is a prime example here.

For the more adventure inspired, head for Addiction which is quite a contrast to the park. This true advanced double black will leave you thankful for the climb. Beech forest, tree roots, rocks, chutes and speed sections give you a true flavour of the inland beauty that is Hanmer.

My day was damp, coupled with overnight rain and a day previous spring dump of snow, but that dampness wasn’t all bad. In fact, I’d say these trails in the wet still had more grip than most Northland state highways in the middle of summer. Jagged rocks mixed into loam and scattered between the tree roots mean for a true, tyre gluing experience which is something my winter, clay based norm is certainly NOT used to!

The beginning of the damp!

For the more placid and long distant folks, strap your overnight bags on, climb up to the St James basin and explore the high country on either an easy overnighter nestled deep below some true alpine, or continue out through the St James trail and tick off one of New Zealand’s great rides.

Back in town, after any ride, great pubs, eateries and shopping choices are a great way to wind-down and you can’t go past a soak or dip in probably the best hot pool facility in New Zealand.

Accomodation is reasonably priced and bountiful, but I’d imagine come peak seasons, ski and summer, you’d be hard pressed to find space at short notice as clearly, they built it, and they come.

Stand out trail/s for me, Tombstone, swoop and Addiction! Oh and possibly the Connical Thrill slide in the water park.

Would I return? You betcha! It’s now a must do on any upper South Island MTB roadie that’s not far off the beaten path on your way south from Nelson. With all boxes ticked for Mum, Dad and the kids, you can easily tack on bikes with a family break and enjoy it all