Did not have time for thermal pools but jet boat experience was another highlight of our holiday. Enjoyed the trip round Christchurch.

Jetboating was fun, but I would have loved to bungi jump - not sure if that was also an option.

The driver was really nice and helpful throughout the whole day. Also got to hand shear the sheep's ourselves which was awesome!!!! Only slightly negative thing is: Wished that the Hot Springs were 'real' ones not man made - But they were still fun to see and go in :)

We were a bit disappointed that Hanmer Springs was a series of manmade bathing pools in an enclosed complex. I thought we were going there to bathe in open springs with steam shooting out of the ground but alas, no! Bit more commercial and played down than that. Sulpher springs stink but it's all part of the experience.
The Jet Boat ride was wicked and lasted about half an hour - great fun. The wine tasting was simply that - a small sample of about 8 wines, but no tour of the vineyard or visit to the vats. The sheep shearing was interesting and we had a go ourselves, but the sheepdog exhibition was lame, with a dog and 8 sheep running around a field for about 2 mins. Not a bad day out. You get to see plenty of scenery anyway.