Hanmer’s alpine winter festival
Returning for its fifth year, July’s MainPower Alpine Winter Festival in Hanmer Springs is set to build on 2025’s success, which drew a whopping 30,000 visitors to the village.
Want to light up your winter nights? Head to Hanmer Springs from 4 to 18 July, where a mischievous mountain gnome will bring a playful twist to this year’s Alpine Winter Festival.
‘Frosty’, a riddle-speaking character who hides throughout the alpine village, will lead a daily interactive treasure hunt, sharing clues to his location with spot prizes up for grabs and an Ultimate Frosty Prize Pack to be drawn at the end of the festival.
The 2026 programme blends returning favourites with new experiences, showcasing the magic of winter in New Zealand’s alpine village. The popular indoor ice-skating rink – a much-loved, homegrown feature first built from scratch by a local engineer – will return as a central hub of activity, catering to both first-time and experienced skaters. A programme of family-friendly films and other winter events will also run throughout the festival period.
Visitors can experience Matariki stargazing sessions, exploring the winter night sky using telescopes and on-screen guidance while soaking in the hot pools. “Being able to soak in the warm mineral pools while learning about Matariki and exploring the winter sky is a uniquely Hanmer experience,” says Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa general manager Sarah Wiblin. “It’s a chance to slow down, look up, and connect, whether you’re visiting for the day or staying a little longer in the village.”
Visit Hanmer Springs when it transforms into a winter celebration of light, activity and connection from Saturday 4 to Saturday 18 July 2026, and find the full festival programe at
www.alpinewinterfestival.co.nz.
