Ready Player Hanmer: Pixel Planet
A space-age adventure has found its home in Hanmer Springs, introducing a range of attractions the village has never seen before.
A virtual reality rollercoaster might seem an unlikely addition to an alpine village better known for mountain views and thermal pools. But for Hanmer Springs, the future has arrived in the form of Pixel Planet, a new venture from entertainment industry veterans Matthew Smith and Rebecca Blount. Find it within The Village Shopping Centre.
Levelling up Hanmer’s entertainment scene was not dissimilar to a thrilling space mission, Matthew says, reflecting on the journey (which included hauling one 800-kilogram coaster from Hamilton to Hanmer). Rebecca and Matthew spent their first holiday together in Hanmer Springs. “We fell in love with the town and knew we would be back.”
Ultimately, the pair invested in the destination town and embraced its family-friendly feel by balancing out the interactive game centre with active and passive attractions, and a $20-or-under price point for rides per person.
“If you really want to have a run around you can play ‘The Floor is Lava’ which is quite a challenge, jumping, ducking, diving… you’ll work up a sweat. But we couple that with virtual reality, and massage chairs for mum and dad, nana and grandad,” Matthew explains.
Pixel Planet fills the indoor activity-sized hole in Hanmer’s entertainment landscape. Between 15 minutes of space shooting and temple running on the Cosmic Coaster, to the car racing, 360, magic carpet, and blaster gun simulators, plus the Pixel Grid, the venue has become a Hanmer hot spot.
From more than 70 five-star Google reviews, one from Hanmer local Gavin Martin reads: “I haven’t laughed so much for years with tears streaming down my eyes. At 70 years old and coaxed into this, I really didn’t know what to expect. This is seriously good fun for young and old alike. I’ll be returning with my grandson as soon as I can.”
Call 03 424 5659 or email info@pixelplanet.co.nz to plan your visit.
