FAQ

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Below are some of the commonly asked questions we get at the camp. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to Contact Us.

 


Answers:

Am I allowed to bring my dog/pet with me?

The Hanmer Springs Forest Camp has a strict no dog/pet policy. The only exception is any service animal that is used as an aid (i.e.: seeing-eye dog) or specialty groups who have a prior arrangement with the Forest Camp staff.

As you enter Hanmer Springs to the right the Hanmer Pet Retreat can look after your pet while you stay at the camp. You can call them on 03 315 7778 or 027 777 2652.

Any person who bring their dog/pet onsite without prior permission from the Forest Camp staff will be asked to leave immediately with no refund.


Am I allowed to smoke on the property?

The Hanmer Springs Forest Camp has a strict no-smoking policy, this includes both inside and outside of buildings. Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area near the front gate of the property, if you are smoking in any other area there will be a $200 fee.


What sorts of groups is the Forest Camp not suitable?

We are a family orientated camp so if you are planning a rowdy visit then we suggest this isn't the spot for you.

Types of groups we don't accept unless the full camp is hired by you:
  • Bucks parties
  • Hens parties
  • End of year sports teams 
  • In Hanmer Springs to party hard


Are there discounted rates?

The Hanmer Springs Forest Camp has implemented KiwiAble rates for anyone holding a Kiwiable card. Please see our price list or speak with the camp staff regarding discounted rates.

School groups that visit during school term time and are from New Zealand receive discounted rates.


Can I request a kitchen or the conference/rec room with my booking?

Should your school/group want exclusive use of a kitchen or conference hall you can request one of our three main kitchens with your booking. Please note minimum numbers apply for each and are allocated according to availability and size of group. Additional charges apply.


Can I stay just for the day?

Yes, we do have a day charge of $8 person for anyone wishing to visit the camp for the day. This is from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Please note that this needs to be pre-arranged with camp staff.

This can be a great option for day conferences, family picnic gatherings or groups that have extra people visiting for the day.


Can my school/group hire out the entire camp?

Yes! We offer full camp bookings which is a perfect option for groups who would like the freedom and flexibility of all facilities. Great for large family reunions, schools, conferences and wedding parties! Speak with the camp staff today about this option for your group.


Does the HSFC allow long-term bookings?

Unfortunately the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp does not allow long-term bookings as the Camp is closed midweek during school terms.

To book your stay go to our Online Booking page and book direct. Please have your credit card details handy to complete your reservation.


How do I pay a deposit?

For all group and school bookings, the camp asks for a deposit to secure the booking, see our booking forms for details. You can pay deposits by direct bank transfer, cheques or by card on site.

NOTE: If you are part of a booking that would like to come back again - any deposit can be rolled over to future bookings. This eliminates the need to have to pay another deposit in the future and allows you to secure your future booking immediately - even before you have checked-out from the first booking!


What is the minimum age for stay?

Our minimum age for stay is 21. If you are found to be under age, upon arrival, you will be denied access and charged for your first nights stay.


What do I have to bring with me?

If you have booked our self contained units or Double Forestry Huts, bedding and towels are included in the price. Any other room you can either bring your own bedding for free or hire linen for just $8 per set! If you are part of a group or school, please let us know in advance if you require this linen.


What does the "No Vacancy" sign mean?

If you arrive at the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp and there is the "No Vacancy" sign hung at the front gate, this means that there is no vacancy in the cabins or on the campgrounds. This is put up and taken down according to who has booked the camp as we may have whole camp booking by schools e.g. during school terms or groups for conferences etc.


What time is check-out?

If you are not part of a group then check in is any time after 2pm and check out is strictly 10am.

If you are part of a group, check in is also any time after 2pm and check out time is strictly 11am. If you would like an early check in or late check out, please let us know prior to your stay

If you are part of a school camp, check in is any time after 1pm and check out time is strictly 11am. If you would like an early check in or late check out, please let us know prior to your stay 


What types of groups can stay at the HSFC?

The Hanmer Springs Forest Camp deals with a wide variety of groups, anything from school camps, corporate groups and conferences, hobby groups, well behaved sports groups to family reunions. If you have an idea for a group stay at the camp, speak with our staff today!

Though the HSFC hosts a vast array of groups, we will not accept groups that are against the camp's objectives of being an educational, recreational and environmental location for people to enjoy at a low cost. 

As the HSFC also focuses on family-friendly groups and school camps, the HSFC will not take on groups of unsupervised children or young adults. Please speak with the camp staff regarding this if you have any questions/concerns to see if your group is acceptable to stay at the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp.


Why is my school/group expected to clean up after our stay?

By assisting the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp staff in cleaning up after your school/group's stay, it allows us to continue to provide accommodation at a low cost. Once you have left, the staff will go through and sanitize for the next group to ensure everything is germ free

You do not need to clean the bathrooms but we ask you to keep these places clean and respect these like it were your own.

Should your school/group wish to opt out of cleaning after your stay, please contact the Forest Camp staff regarding a cleaning charge that will be added to your bill.


I need help writing a funding application for our school/group Camp, who can help me?

Does your school, sports club or other not-for-profit organization need funding for school trips, transport, accommodation, activities, sports equipment etc? 

Phone Helen at Funding Connection to get your funding sorted 04 2376161 or email helen@fundingconnection.nz

Can I arrange a late Check-In

For our Casual guests:

We can arrange a late check in for you if you plan to arrive after office hours. We will need to process the payment before the office closes and there is a 2.5% surcharge on payments for this. We no longer accept cash payments, or payment the next day.

So please contact us before the office closes to avoid any disappointment. If the payment does not go through, our staff will try and contact you before we close for the day. 

Failure of payment means your booking will be voided.

For Groups:

Our staff will arrange this for you.